Spotlight

William Shakespeare: A Perpetual Charm

Sarah Z H

Surprisingly, Shakespeare's first involvement with the theatre was as an actor. He then settled for the role of an actor manager in London until he met James Burbage of Globe Theatres and became what he had to, a playwright. Soon enough, his plays emerged as the most celebrated works after Bible in England. Today he is recognized as one of the most comprehensive playwright of all times and a perpetual charm in the world of literature. As a prolific playwright, William Shakespeare's success in reaching the depth and height of his characters proves of his irrefutable qualities. He moulded them with great sensitivity allowing readers to associate themselves with the understandably human sides of these characters. What is most fascinating about Shakespeare is he had been bold enough to submit to the unknown instead of ensconcing himself into seeming knowledge. He solely relinquished the methods and regulations of classical plays with a heart to experiment. His blending of different styles and masterful uses of numerous devices invites one to applause the beauty in his phrases and progressions.

He is also a great imaginer and creator of many magical conjectures. The careful humanization of these imaginary creatures is apparently delightful. The transformation of different worlds in the plays is interesting enough to make Shakespeare uniquely admirable. He used all sorts of exquisite ingredients in making the most wistful tragedies or joyful comedies and even perplexing ones that embodied moral and ethical contradictions within. Apart from the infallible zeal of a playwright, Shakespeare's unforgettable contribution to the world of poetry has made the fact possible for there to be a consummate collection of his works in every home around the world.

He is famous for his sonnets and their unconventional nature. His sonnets basically read more like a consistent story. It enchants, beguiles and saddens with sheer profuseness. All this makes us hold him in our best of credence. He brings to us a parcel of joy and misery enabling us to fathom the note behind his lines and trace the building up of the movement called life.

These are some of the reasons why reading Shakespeare brings so much of joy and fulfillment in a student of English literature. In fact, English literature would have remained piteously incomplete and even imperfect without the works of the Bard of Avon. Reading his lines, 'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy', we find strength to face the unknown. These lines inspire us to delve in the forbidden even! Who could be funnier to say, 'There was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently.'

And yet who could juggle words so deftly to make such great meaning that is applicable in all situations in all times, 'The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek. A goodly apple rotten at the heart. O what a goodly outside falsehood hath!' (The Merchant of Venice, I:3).