Benefits of Reading Shakespeare Today

Persuasive Essay: Read More Shakespeare

One of the biggest problems that young people face today is that they do not know who they are (Thulien et al.). Young people are increasingly disconnected from the generation that came before, and there is a sense among them of being lost. Yet this is nothing new in the grand scheme of things. All people of all times have had to struggle with a sense of place, of the big questions of who am I and what is it all about. In fact, one of the greatest questioners of all time is Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hamlet has so much self-doubt that he carries an entire play by wondering, “To be or not to be!” The point is that for today’s younger generation, there is a lot that can be learned by turning to the past—and by in particular turning to Shakespeare. Shakespeare reflected some universal truths about human nature that apply as much today as they did 400 years ago when the Bard wrote for the stage. This paper will show why young people today should read more Shakespeare to help them understand themselves and the world around them better.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. His works have been translated into over 80 languages and have been performed more than any other playwright in history. While some may find Shakespeare's plays difficult to understand, there are many good reasons to persevere. Shakespeare's works are timeless classics that deal with universal themes of love, loss, betrayal, and redemption. They are also rich in language and imagery, providing a unique window into the Elizabethan world. In addition, reading Shakespeare can help improve your own writing skills. By studying his plays, you can learn how to construct elegant sentences, create vivid descriptions, and build compelling arguments. So don't be put off by Shakespeare's reputation – his works are well worth the effort. Every student can gain a lot of insight by reading Hamlet, Othello, Romeo & Juliet, or any of the comedies. Shakespeare held the mirror up to nature, and that is the greatest gift any artist can leave to posterity.

That mirror is especially helpful for young people who are looking for answers, for understanding, for identity, and for meaning. For young people today, who are facing an uncertain future, reading Shakespeare can help them to understand themselves and the world around them better. By exploring the human experience through the lens of Shakespeare’s poetry, they can gain a greater understanding of their own emotions and motivations, as well as the forces that shape the world around them (Sasser). In a time when many young people feel lost and adrift, reading Shakespeare can be a beacon of hope and understanding.

The counter-argument is that Shakespeare hails from a time long ago and is not particularly relevant to young people today. Besides, the language used is incomprehensible, the ideas are old and stale, and the meanings are sometimes scandalous and outrageous to a modern audience. Thus, critics say that when it comes to required reading in English classes, few works are as polarizing as Shakespeare. His plays may be lauded as masterpieces of literature, but they can also be daunting for students who are struggling to decipher the language and follow the intricate plots.

However, there are several compelling arguments against this position. First, Shakespeare provides an important opportunity for students to engage with complex language and ideas. Second, his plays offer a rich source of material for discussions and debate. Finally, Shakespeare helps students to develop a greater appreciation for the English language and its vast potential for expression. In short, while Shakespeare may not be easy reading, there is value in encountering his works in the classroom. Moreover, any argument against reading Shakespeare is too narrow and ill-informed. The fact is that Shakespeare is timeless –his works are as relevant now as they were when they were first written. This is certainly true of his plays, which deal with universal themes such as love, loss, ambition, and mortality. But it is also true of his poems, which offer a unique perspective on the human condition. The pro-Shakespeare side will always win out over the anti-Shakespeare side of this argument because Shakespeare is like the ultimate gift that keeps on giving—the more one dives into his world the more one gains from it; it is like finding a treasure at the bottom of the sea and realizing that diving down and searching around is the greatest treasure of all—especially because there are so many good and valuable lessons that can be learned from the Bard, who loves to teach audiences about who they are—no matter what generation they are from. Additionally, as Joel Coen showed with his new adaptation of Macbeth, anyone can do Shakespeare and fall in love with the English poet/dramatist (Accomando).

In conclusion, although some may argue that Shakespeare is an outdated author who is no longer relevant, I believe that his works are still worth reading for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Shakespeare is responsible for popularizing many of the tropes and conventions that we now take for granted in literature. For example, his plays often feature protagonists who are in conflict with powerful enemies, a concept that has been replicated countless times in works ranging from children's books to Hollywood blockbusters. In addition, Shakespeare's works are notable for their complex characterization and richly detailed settings, both of which help to create a immersive and engaging experience for the reader. Finally, Shakespeare's plays often deal with timeless themes such as love, loss, and betrayal, which continue to resonate with readers centuries after they were first written. In short, Shakespeare is not as distant as young people today may think—and they would benefit greatly from picking him up and acquainting themselves with some of the universals found therein.