Why Do We Study SHAKESPEARE?

The Enduring Legacy of Shakespeare00:00:00

Despite being an early modern English writer, Shakespeare remains the king of the literary curriculum. The video discusses why he is so widely revered 400 years after his death and why his works are constantly performed and analyzed.

Range and Ambiguity00:01:03

Two primary reasons for Shakespeare's popularity are his immense thematic range—covering politics, human psychology, and ethics—and his mastery of ambiguity. His plays are flexible enough to support vastly different interpretations, as seen in the shifting portrayals of 'Richard II' over the decades.

Addressing Authorship Myths00:03:32

The video debunks conspiracy theories suggesting someone else wrote Shakespeare's plays. It argues that these myths are often rooted in academic snobbery regarding his lack of a university education, while explaining that our fascination with his biography stems from a desire to resolve the inherent ambiguities in his writing.

Critical Appreciation and Influence00:06:10

While acknowledging that the promotion of Shakespeare is tied to historical British imperialism and 'bardolatry,' the video concludes that his continued relevance is due to the genuine meaning and value that generations of audiences and scholars have found in his works.