Fine Arts: Theatre Arts
Final Project

Why the Bard?

Today's society does not use modern English, the "overly prose" variant that Shakespeare used. Over the years, modern English has slowly changed. Common words and phrases have been bastardized, tweaked, and sometimes outright butchered.

Although we do not go around today saying "thee" and "thou", modern English is still very much alive, albiet usually limited to such folk at Renaissance Faires and the like.

However, modern English is still taught in form via Shakespeare's works in schools today, usually to many students' frustration. To understand the meaning of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, you must read beyond the words and into their meaning - understanding the individual words is inconsequential and in most cases a trite exercise. Shakespeare is famous for his puns upon puns, especially in his labyrinthe comedies. Even comprehending a phrase such as "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (Hamlet, Act III scene 1) to its true meaning that Hamlet is considering suicide can take some brain work.

Last but not least, it helps to understand the story as a whole and how each character fits into the grand scheme of things. For example, The Wicked Witch of the West may only appear briefly, but the glittering red shoes she gave Dorothy is her sole means home. Even knowing obscure myths, legeneds, and history (both English and Greek/Roman helps further understanding; everyone knows who Midas and his famous golden touch is, but what common Joe would understand "This is very midsummer madness!" (Olivia in 12th Night, Act III scene 4) to be a reference to a full moon during summer OR the Midsummer Night holiday on June 23rd and 24th?

I would not doubt that the Bard is rolling around in his grave to hear English today.