Check the Facts

Though the facts may be a little confused in Lisa's comment, it is true that very often Shakespeare did take stories from other authors and use them himself. The story of Pyramus and Thisbe that is the basis of the play being performed within A Midsummer Night's Dream, and closely resembles Romeo and Juliet, was originally penned by Ovid in his Metamorphoses. If you read up on the sources that Shakespeare used for his plays, you'll find that many of the characters, if not many of the plots themselves, were based in previously written literature. I love Shakespeare, and wouldn't go so far as to call him a thief or a liar, as some have here. His reworking of great characters, both fiction and real, is beyond compare. But we need to recognize that his ideas are not all original ones, and give the original authors their due.

on what authority do either of you have , on this topic, call me if u r shakespeare~

lthough Shakeapeare is unarguably a brilliant author and creator of many interesting and well-thought-out pieces of poetry, it is true that his work was not all original. I do not think that this takes away from any of his fame, I still give him all of the credit that he wholy deserves. In any case, before you get upset, no one is accusing Shaespeare of plagurising. I see it as he is simply gathering ideas, adding his own, and expressing them in his own unique way.

i think you are right in your opionion. how is it possible to steal your own work? Lisa,are you that ignorant to that fact?

I don't disagree that Shakespeare was known to steal plots from time to time, but I think that one can hardly accuse him of plaigarising Romeo and Juliet, as it is his own work. I think Lisa really needs to check up on her facts...and find some more convincing proof, otherwise...she's just embarassing herself.

i totally agree with Krissy *claps*

Theres really not that much proof to any of this. Its not like hes here telling us all of this.

So how can you be so sure that he took his ideas and such from other peoples work? They may be similar but many people share many ideas.

~Stephie