A few key aspects of Shakespeare’s work

Shakespeare is the king in the realm of literature. How he could hold the superior position among the poets and writers is a mystery still today. His lines are often quoted, poems often recited, and dramas often staged all over the world. Innumerable persons are doing research on his life and works. As a humble reader, I will point out some of the key aspects of Shakespeare’s work.

Story and plot

The stories of Shakespearian dramas are worth telling in family gathering, though his stories, except one or two, are taken from various sources. They appeal to the mind of people as stories of Arabian Nights and Greek Mythology. In the simple attractive stories he inserted his philosophy of life. The plots of his dramas, which give his stories newness, are also unique. They can take the readers or audience to the pick of suspense.

Characterization

The characters Shakespeare has created remain vivid in the minds of the readers. They seem to be so real and lively. Shakespeare has gone to the deep of the souls of characters and found motif of their doings. He has created many characters of different natures. Hamlet, Othello, Desdemona, Rosalind, Macbeth, Brutus, Julius Caesar, Antonio, Cleopatra are some of his unique creations that people will remember forever.

Issues are real to life

Shakespeare has dealt with the issues, which are resulted from revenge, ambition, jealousy, lust, domination etc. These are common to all in all ages. In our practical life, we face the same problems and can identify ourselves with any of his characters. When we face any dilemma, we say ‘to be or not to be’ or if we feel frustrated we say, ‘life is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.’

Language and imagery

The language Shakespeare has used in his dramas or poems is lucid and spontaneous. The choice of words, compactness of the sentences, use of imagery has made his language a unique one to be the carrier of the weight of his psychological and philosophical thoughts. Let us see the language of the following speeches.

To-morrow, and to-morrow and to-morrow
Creeps in the Petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time.

What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

Under the greenwood tree
Who loves to lie with me,
And turn his merry note
Unto the sweet bird’s throat,
Come hither, come hither, come hither:
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather.

See how simple, rhythmic, and speedy the language is! We have to consider how many years ago he wrote those verses.

Shakespeare is a legend. It is difficult to fathom the depth of his genius. The beauty he has created will enlighten us forever.

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