Happy Birthday Shakespeare!

[kelby_lake]

So, what does Shakespeare mean to you?

[Lokasenna]

More than anyone, he understands what it is to be human. Hooray for Shakespeare!

[Kafka's Crow]

"...the god of my idolatry."

[Helga]

So, what does Shakespeare mean to you?

Everything! his sonnets and all his plays. I was just today using his work to explain time in school, he has an answer to every question.

I have a Shakespeare action figure on my desk with a feather pen and a book in hand. I also have a framed postcard of him looking into the fire and getting ideas, oh I love it. I also have quotes from his plays in a postcard box and on the wall in my bedroom. If he were alive today I would probably seem like a stalker.

I put a picture of my son on my desk when I realized I had more of Shakespeare than of him.

[cacian]

Really?
I thought his date of birth was unknown or was I misreading it with something else?


William Shakespeare (baptised 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616)[nb 1] was an English poet and playwright, widely
How can one be baptised if one does not know one's date of birth?

and to answer the question I have to say I am not a fan no offence, I read Moliere before I even heard he existed and so when I approached him I thought I just did not have time for it. Too agnostic and heavily indoctrinated with tragedies beyond my understanding.

[RicMisc]

I have read only one of his plays (yes, one) and several of his sonnets, so he cannot be a big influence on me yet. I really loved Hamlet though and I intend to read some of his other plays as well. What I really liked was the fact that there was so much general wisdom incorporated in the monologues, definitely learned something from reading Hamlet.

[Delta40]

I've read 3 of his plays since Easter and I'm really getting into him. A friend had been nagging me for a long time to read Shakespeare. I'd seen a couple of plays but the idea of reading his works was rather daunting but now that I've started, and I admit I need to be alone and relaxed, I enjoy the experience and marvel at his brilliance. (he died on my brothers birthday!)

[Charles Darnay]

My obsession for the past two-or-so years.
"Day, night, hour, tide, time, work, play,
Alone, in company, still my care hath been
To study Shakespeare."

I get so caught up in his works! The comedies/Romances when I need an escape, the Tragedies/Histories when I'm in the mood for an excellent story. Merry Wives of Windsor when I'm feeling masochistic :)

Happy birthday Shakespeare!

[Delta40]

I was wondering which play to read next Charles. Merry Wives of Windsor it is!

[Charles Darnay]

I would strongly advice not reading it until you have read 1 Henry IV. You must see Falstaff in his greatness before he is dashed to pieces.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

When I hear "Shakespeare," I think of the generations of students made/being made miserable by his genius, and the equally, if not more so, miserable teachers who must teach his work.

[Easter]

Happy Birthday/Deathday, Shakespeare!

I assumed there would be cake in this thread, but I don't see any... hmmm...

I think it's funny that (some) people assume students are all made miserable by Shakespeare! I loved reading it... so lyrical, so rhythmic, and SO FUNNY. No, it's not always the quickest (or easiest) reading, but I've always found it to be enriching and rewarding. He invented words and phrases that we use every day... that's not something to sniff at!

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

90% of students hate it (conservative estimate), and I've yet to meet a teacher who likes teaching it.

[Charles Darnay]

How unfortunate. I'm surrounded by teachers and students who very much enjoy him.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Where are you?

[Ingrid37]

http://www.heritems.info/avatar2.jpgMore than anyone, he understands what it is to be human.

[Babyguile]

90% of students hate it (conservative estimate), and I've yet to meet a teacher who likes teaching it.

That's not the experience of my school days. We had the Tempest taught to us by a less-than-enthusiastic teacher I'll admit, but I still managed to fall in love with it and do well on my exams. We then had Hamlet taught to us by a better teacher, which I always remember being suprised by because he was mainly a media studies teacher and a movie boffin and was known for that.

I have the Complete Works in five different editions! including the Arde (which I very nearly sold) he is amazing.

Is the BBC planning anything to celebrate it?

[mona amon]

When I hear "Shakespeare," I think of the generations of students made/being made miserable by his genius, and the equally, if not more so, miserable teachers who must teach his work.

We had to do Twelfth Night in std XII. The teacher wasn't exceptionally good, but he did realise that this was a fun play and not a chore. He'd give us some explanation, then make us read it out, each taking a part. He also played us some records so we could hear professional actors reading the parts. It was a lot of fun, and Malvolio's yellow stockings brought the house down.

That was my introduction to Shakespeare, and a very good introduction it was. :)

[Seasider]

Of all the plays that I taught to secondary school students the one that never failed to grab them was Julius Caesar

[cacian]

mona amon;1134866]We had to do Twelfth Night in std XII. The teacher wasn't exceptionally good, but he did realise that this was a fun play and not a chore. He'd give us some explanation, then make us read it out, each taking a part. He also played us some records so we could hear professional actors reading the parts. It was a lot of fun, and Malvolio's yellow stockings brought the house down.That was my introduction to Shakespeare, and a very good introduction it was. :)

Poor Malvolio for misreading feelings one is left wondering how one can truly misunderstand normal feelings to intimate ones.
Glad to see that shakespeare was spot on about forgeries and getting away with them.
And one more thought, I still do not get why woud one ever think smiling is ever offensive yellow is colour one would abhor and cross garters a detestable fashion, I thought that was what people wore all the time.
One would feel for poor Malvolio going roundexhibiting smiles looking all yellow and cross garted!:wink5:

Great avatar by the way!!

[Raven Falcon.]

Perhaps he is the greatest English writer; but he is definitely not the greatest poet in the English language.

The greatest poet in the English language is John Milton.


Shakespeare is famous for his plays; and although his sonnets are memorable, they cannot compare to Paradise Lost.

[Lokasenna]

Perhaps he is the greatest English writer; but he is definitely not the greatest poet in the English language.

The greatest poet in the English language is John Milton.


Shakespeare is famous for his plays; and although his sonnets are memorable, they cannot compare to Paradise Lost.

Of course, a huge amount of the dialogue of his plays are written in blank verse, which is certainly poetic. Whether you can define it as poetry or not, though, is I suppose up to you individual subjective opinion of what poetry means.

[mona amon]

Thanks, Cacian!


Poor Malvolio for misreading feelings one is left wondering how one can truly misunderstand normal feelings to intimate ones.
Glad to see that shakespeare was spot on about forgeries and getting away with them.
And one more thought, I still do not get why woud one ever think smiling is ever offensive yellow is colour one would abhor and cross garters a detestable fashion, I thought that was what people wore all the time.
One would feel for poor Malvolio going roundexhibiting smiles looking all yellow and cross garted!:wink5:

Great avatar by the way!!

You are empathising with the character, and therefore seeing the dark side of the comedy, and yes, Malvolio is deserving of pity. We didn't get all those nuances though, at the time. :)

[PoeticPassions]

So, what does Shakespeare mean to you?

He's a virtuoso of words. And he means quite a bit to me. I do not think I would be the same person had it not been for Shakespeare and his many works. Because not only did he capture the human condition and human nature so well, but his works have influenced numerous others... Thus he has left a lasting trace on my perception of human behavior, relationships and psyche, of literature, of words, and of poetry.

Cheers, Shakespeare!

[PoeticPassions]

Oh and I took a Shakespeare class Freshman year in college... and absolutely loved it. It still remains, in my memory, as one of my favorite classes I have taken.

In high school Shakespeare was also not tedious, as I had some great English teachers, though I will admit that one high school teacher did turn me off of Romeo and Juliet somewhat.. just because we were forced to read it so many times and to analyze every single line... it almost became cliche.

[cacian]

mona amon;1134914]Thanks, Cacian!
sorry to ask is that something you drew yourself?


You are empathising with the character, and therefore seeing the dark side of the comedy, and yes, Malvolio is deserving of pity. We didn't get all those nuances though, at the time. :)
Agreed I feel I have to empathise with a character that is made to dress up and then be turned down badly...it makes me think how intricately dark shakespeare was at getting into the psychic of man character being led on andlady character (maria) who is more then capable of deceit and forgery.
Shakespeare twists, dark turns and tragic outcomes makes wonder about the psychic of the author himself. To be able to read into both sexes 's behaviour and thoughts in terms of deceptions, malicious acts and dellusions and be capable of such displayism of characters and stories in using them in is quite something.

[The Comedian]

Happy Birthday, old man!

Well, I wish I read more Shakespeare than I have. I like him and I enjoyed reading him in school. But I've haven't kept up with him as I have other writers. I'm not sure why, exactly. Maybe it's because in college I fell in love with the Greek tragedians, and that love has been undying. So when I go to read drama, my thoughts turn to Euripides first. But I'll have to amend that this summer. I know that I've always wanted to read Richard III, but have never gotten around to it.

[Lokasenna]

I know that I've always wanted to read Richard III, but have never gotten around to it.

Oh, you have a treat in store there. Whatever people might say about Iago, he simply doesn't hold a candle to Richard in terms of a villain who is a delight to watch. The whole wonderful play is a study in how to revel in monstrosity.

[Helga]

I have read almost all of his plays and some more than once and more than twice... I have only seen his plays in a theater twice. The Tempest here on the ice a year ago and it was so very good but man I loved seeing Richard II in London a few years ago. Kevin Spacey as the king that was great!

I also loved the theater in London in general, here on the ice it's a real treat to go and people dress up and make a big deal about it but when I saw Richard II most people were just coming from work and nobody dressed up or anything, we were worried we looked to bad for the English theater but we were overdressed compared to everybody else. Now that doesn't happen to me a lot.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I have a sneaking suspicion that Shakespeare goes over better in England than in the US.

Personally, I've never been a huge fan. I've tried to be, really tried. Im going to give him one more shot with another read of Hamlet sometime in the future, but that's his last chance.

[Calidore]

I can read his stuff and appreciate the writing, but I seldom feel anything more than appreciation of good work. I tend to agree with those who point out that they're plays and meant to be watched in performance rather than just reading the script. I know reading Macbeth pales in comparison to watching Ian McKellen and Judi Dench tear it up on screen.

In other words, where Shakespeare's concerned, the movie really is better than the book.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I should also say that I in no way dispute that Shakespeare's genius as a writer. I just don't enjoy his work.

[mal4mac]

90% of students hate it (conservative estimate), and I've yet to meet a teacher who likes teaching it.

Being a science geek, I only studied one play "in class" (Macbeth), and most of the students in the class, like me, enjoyed it greatly. The teacher obviously enjoyed teaching it. Sounds like you have had really bad luck with teachers. This one, serious encounter, inspired me to (eventually!) read most of the plays, and gave me a love for literature in general. So thank you Shakespeare! You gave me a new, consuming interest. When quantum mechanics paled, I had you to turn to. Happy birthday, indeed!

[Raven Falcon.]

I found Macbeth to be more interesting than Hamlet.

Maybe I need to re-read both to see why the majority of his readers prefer Hamlet.

Although his portfolio is greater than that of Milton, not a single work of his matches Paradise Lost.

I repeat, a single work as in one-to-one comparison, not all of his plays combined.

I am sadden by the current state of poetry today. Since the advent of the novel's dominance, poetry has been reduced as a secondary concern of literature. A discussion of such matter deserves its own thread. I will start as soon as I am done with my project.

[mal4mac]

Is the BBC planning anything to celebrate it?

They are planning something big this year.

I'm in the UK, and they keep on dropping hints about the "Shakespeare Unlocked" season, before any half-serious programme. Here's a link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/2012/04/shakespeare-season-qa.shtml

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Being a science geek, I only studied one play "in class" (Macbeth), and most of the students in the class, like me, enjoyed it greatly. The teacher obviously enjoyed teaching it. Sounds like you have had really bad luck with teachers. This one, serious encounter, inspired me to (eventually!) read most of the plays, and gave me a love for literature in general. So thank you Shakespeare! You gave me a new, consuming interest. When quantum mechanics paled, I had you to turn to. Happy birthday, indeed!

What class? I'm talking about freshmen students, ages 14-15.

[kelby_lake]

Really?
I thought his date of birth was unknown or was I misreading it with something else?


It is unknown but as he was baptised on the 26th, they guessed that he was born shortly before that, so they picked the 23rd (probably because it's St George's Day).

[kelby_lake]

They are planning something big this year.

I'm in the UK, and they keep on dropping hints about the "Shakespeare Unlocked" season, before any half-serious programme. Here's a link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/2012/04/shakespeare-season-qa.shtml

It's tying in with the Cultural Olympiad.

[Delta40]

I would strongly advice not reading it until you have read 1 Henry IV. You must see Falstaff in his greatness before he is dashed to pieces.

Okey Dokey then Henry IV it is first. I'm kind of putting off all the King's Plays till last but I will be guided by your recommendation here.

[kelby_lake]

What class? I'm talking about freshmen students, ages 14-15.

We had lots of people who liked it in my class and we were thirteen (at our school you learnt Shakespeare from age 11). Granted, they were the "easy" plays but still.

[Charles Darnay]

Okey Dokey then Henry IV it is first. I'm kind of putting off all the King's Plays till last but I will be guided by your recommendation here.

People are often afraid of the histories, but Henry IV is a great one to start.

[cacian]

People are often afraid of the histories, but Henry IV is a great one to start.

why would they afraid of history?
do you consider shakespeare as a true of portrayer of history?

[cacian]

It is unknown but as he was baptised on the 26th, they guessed that he was born shortly before that, so they picked the 23rd (probably because it's St George's Day).

Thanks Kelby I was just pontificating about why his birth was unknown since they every single detail about his life his parents his house etc..

[Delta40]

I imagine the records of births and deaths were not quite as accurate as they are now and I had heard that often the date of baptism was often considered the more relevant date too. Is that true?

[cacian]

I imagine the records of births and deaths were not quite as accurate as they are now and I had heard that often the date of baptism was often considered the more relevant date too. Is that true?

I am not sure because I have heard that youneed a date of birth to be baptised. The other thing is that his parents were alive at the time of the baptism and so for them not be aware of his date of birth sounds rather weird to me anyway.
There are others much earlier writers and scholars that have a date of birth to them, recording dates of birth was a crucial part of the roman church laws and baptisms because it records the number to citizens who adhere to the church through baptism and those who don't are then considered heretics. One is not able to be baptised if one has not a date of birth to them because then they are automatically considered as being born outside the laws of catholicisms and marriage. The time of Shakespeare was in the middle ages and under the roman church and so for him to not have a date of birth he would have been considederedas being born outside a marriage or an oprhan.
It does not make sense that he does not have a date of birth.

[Delta40]

I'm sure somebody more learned than I will address it Cacian but I'm as interested as you although I'm less inclined to say it is weird. All I know is that there are no records of his birth except his baptism at the Holy Trinity Church which is Anglican and not Catholic.

[PoeticPassions]

Well, I just read this bit of news.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17828729

Shakespeare may have indeed had a co-author in All's Well that Ends Well. Not surprising news.

[cacian]

Well, I just read this bit of news.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17828729

Shakespeare may have indeed had a co-author in All's Well that Ends Well. Not surprising news.

Oh and I was in the know that shakespeare was more then two....there many discrepencies in styles inmany of his plays and writing it is very obvious to the naked eye.

[Charles Darnay]

why would they afraid of history?
do you consider shakespeare as a true of portrayer of history?

He distorted history a bit for theatrical purposes. Also, he used only one source for his histories, so talk about a bias perspective. Furthermore, 9/10 histories were written during the time of Elizabeth I, so he had to show a certain respect to her house and lineage.

As for why people tend to avoid the History plays: people think that they are drying than the comedies/tragedies - this is not so. What is true however, is that they require a bit of background that Shakespeare's audience would have been well versed in but we today (particularly if you are not living in the UK) not so much.