For the uninitiated and those who have never taken the time to delve into the wonderful world of English literature, they have missed out on experiences that are not easy to match — about life, love, triumph, and disaster.
William Shakespeare means many things to many people but is widely considered to have been the most influential figure in English literature. As a brilliant playwright (38 plays), poet and dramatist he is unsurpassed, and many of his expressions and observations have become indelibly etched in the very fabric of this wonderfully rich and evocatively descriptive global language.
Exposure to the sonnets and plays penned by ‘the Bard’ started at school level for most of us, and “Therein lies the rub.” Through a combination of a lack of the necessary levels of maturity to make headway with some of the linguistic challenges, and unsuitable/ uninspiring teaching methods, an unhealthy proportion of students became lost in the process. That sad reality has deprived too many of the wonderfully rich and fulfilling appreciation of William Shakespeare’s unequalled contribution to literature. Thankfully, many overcome this hurdle in due course, and the wonderful world of Shakespearean literary artistry opens its window.
Who can deny the accuracy and value of:
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. No legacy is so rich as honesty.”
As words of wisdom and guidelines for life, we would need to search far and wide to match this advice.
One of the hallmarks of Shakespeare’s writings is his clearly displayed understanding of the human condition and psyche. His language usage is so powerful and the images and concepts so evocative, that a journey through his literary travels is a life-changing and vastly enriching experience.
On the question of one’s interaction with others, Shakespeare offers this interesting and realistic observation:
“Love me or hate me, both are in my favour …
If you love me, I ’Il always be in your heart …
If you hate me, I ’ll always be in your mind.”
For those who are stumbling or believe that they have lost their way, he offers:
“Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment and know that everything happens for a reason …”
Very sadly for some, the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes fades forever, and the condition of Hamlet becomes their reality:
(Hamlet contemplating suicide in his famous soliloquy is the most read of Shakespeare’s writings according to a Kindle study):
“To be, or not to be, that is the question.
“Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
“The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
“And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep …”
A better note on which to conclude and which refers to that most basic of human experiences, is certainly: “If music be the food of love, play on.”
