Why Do We Read Shakespeare

Shakespeare: A Common Knowledge in Society Almost anywhere that you go in America or even the world, the people have heard of William Shakespeare. His name is probably one of the most common ones in our society today, and has been since his time. But has anyone ever raised the question why? Why do we, as a society, read William Shakespeare’s plays? The answer is a simple one and that is to have a common knowledge in our societies. So many diverse groups of people can be brought together with Shakespeare’s plays, for discussions, arguments, and more. The timeless ideas that are put into his plays are something that everyone can relate to, which in the big picture could bring all societies together. If a person is walking down the street talking with his or her friend about love, and they mention the play Romeo and Juliet and someone walking nearby hears them, they will understand what they are talking about. This is called common knowledge. Because Shakespeare put so many ideas that are part of everyday life, even in this day in age, people can always relate to them. Love, hate, foolishness, jealousy, and anger are just some of the countless ideas that were put into his plays. Despite what the situation in Kosovo is or which team is winning in the Stanley Cup finals, there will always be these ideas in the world. Anyone can relate to the ideas in Shakespeare’s plays, that is what makes them so great. No matter how advanced the world becomes or no matter what kind of wars we fight, these feelings will always be there. Love is in everyday life, if not intimate than parental. Hate, such as the war going on right now, is in everyday life. People have always be entertained by these ideas and feelings, but at the same time they become closer to each other and more open minded and educated. Common knowledge is a great thing to have. Even though we speak different languages in the world, we can all still relate to the feelings that are brought out in Shakespeare’s plays. Knowledge is something that almost everyone craves, and the more that everyone knows about a subject, the more questions are raised about it and more thinking comes from that and then in the long run more knowledge comes. It is a continuous cycle that never stops. No matter how different we think that we are, as a human race, the feelings that are brought out in Shakespeare’s plays bring us together in spirit. We can all relate to his ideas and that is why we love them so much and that is why they have been taught in our schools for numerous years. As mentioned before, knowledge is something that we all crave, and his plays give us that and also the common grounds that we need. All societies in this world can be brought together with these ideas, and because of that there is less hate in the world than there would be. Even though there are many wars being fought, I believe that there would be many more had there not been people like Shakespeare to have us brought together a little bit more. Shakespearean plays have been around for a very long time and will continue to stay around, maybe forever. The ideas brought out and suggested in his plays are common grounds for us all. The timeless morals that are hidden in them help us to become closer to ourselves, as a human race. We can enjoy and learn at the same time. So many things have been gained from reading his plays and that is why we continue to do so and will continue to do so for centuries to come. The common knowledge is gained and everyone seems to be happy. Shakespeare definitely knew what he was doing when he wrote his plays and published them. The world is a better place because of it.