Why does Shakespeare still matter today?

Shakespeare is still relevant because his works show us what it is to be human, and bring forth timeless themes of humanity. Shakespeare is especially relevant for young adults, as many of his works focus on young adult protagonists. These characters are very Page 3 51 similar to young adults today.

Why do you think Shakespeare’s work is still as popular today as it was in the 1500’s?

Shakespeare’s plays are as popular as they are because he was perhaps the greatest writer who has ever lived. It’s partly because he was writing plays which go on being performed and therefore which can be brought freshly to life for each generation by actors of the present.

What are the reasons for Shakespeare’s appeal while he lived and even today?

His themes are timeless Shakespeare’s works have strong themes that run through each piece. And again, these themes are still relevant today – love, death, ambition, power, fate, free will, just to name a few. So Shakespeare’s works are timeless and universal. That also makes them relatable.

Why were Shakespeare’s plays only performed during the day?

The audience would eat, drink, and talk throughout the performance. Theaters were open air and used natural light. Without the advanced technology of artificial light, most plays were performed not in the evening, as they are today, but rather in the afternoon or during the daylight.

How did William Shakespeare influence the world today?

Shakespeare’s influence has expanded from traditional literature and theatre to present-day movies, western philosophy and the English language. He is known as one of the best English-language writers and has introduced innovative ideas to novels, plays, dramas and even changed how the world of poetry.

What are some examples of modern adaptations of Shakespeare’s works?

The best modern films based on Shakespearean plays:

• ‘Forbidden Planet’ directed by Fred M.
• ‘West Side Story’ directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise (1961)
• ‘My Own Private Idaho’ directed by Gus Van Sant (1991)
• ‘Romeo + Juliet’ directed by Baz Luhrmann (1996)
• ’10 Things I Hate About You’ directed by Gil Junger (1999)

Why is Shakespeare still so popular in 21st century?

Even 400 years after his passing, Shakespeare remains relevant in the 21st century. The reach of the playwright is extensive, and people from all over the globe and all walks of life have read him, watched his plays, or have at least watched screen adaptations of his work.

What words or phrases coined by Shakespeare are still used today?

“More fool you” and “All of a sudden” are among phrases drawn from the play.

• “More fool you” – The Taming of the Shrew.
• “Short shrift” – Richard III.
• “Neither here nor there” – Othello and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
• “Mum’s the word” – Henry VI, Part II.
• “That way madness lies” – King Lear.

Did Shakespeare watch his plays?

Shakespeare’s audience was the very rich, the upper middle class, and the lower middle class. All of these people would seek entertainment just as we do today, and they could afford to spend money going to the theater.

How was Elizabethan Theatre different from today?

In today’s plays the performers speak in a more casual way including stuttering and interrupting which is more normal to our ears. In Elizabethan theatre women were not allowed to perform on the stage, all players were full male casts.