Do you feel that Shakespeare's stories are just as powerful now as they were in

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   aviannoviceposted 11 years ago

   Do you feel that Shakespeare's stories are just as powerful now as they were in his day?

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   The Examiner-1posted 11 years ago

   I feel that if you are a Shakespeare follower/fan, then his stories just might. If you are not, then maybe certain words. I am partially into him so maybe certain stories might.

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      aviannoviceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Dave, I was reflecting upon a lot of his material.  If you remove the old language, and replace it with modern, I think it still is valid.

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      The Examiner-1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I believe that you have me confused with someone else. I did not say anything about removing the old language, I left it all as it was.

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   manatita44posted 11 years ago

   I really loved Shakespeake as a kid and still do. I feel that many of the things he said are still valid today. Still, bear in mind that life is evolution. The Christ put things in a different way from Moses and the Buddha was even more extreme.
   
   Point here is that we are in an evolving world. The child cries and likes nappies, but the grown up does not. I liked Shakespeare for philosophical reasons, but I have since read profound and sublime writings, and I feel that they are more evolved. Still, this does not exclude Shakespeare. Sometimes it can also be a matter of moods, taste or evolution, or according to the individual preference.

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      aviannoviceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's what I was thinking. Granted the jokes of those days are so passé, but I'm just referring to the message in general.

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      manatita44posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, the message is still powerful for many, but the lofty teachings of modern day Masters are infinitely higher. Shakespeare is superb but essentially earthbound, the modern Rishis are interested in self-transcendence or continual progress.

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   M. T. Dremerposted 11 years ago

   They're definitely harder to get into (because of the language barrier). But, I think the core of each story is still very powerful. We don't always realize it, but a great deal of common phrases (and story inspiration) still come directly from Shakespeare.

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      aviannoviceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you about inspiration.  Look at some of the greatest love stories that have come from these times.

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   chef-de-jourposted 11 years ago

   Oh yes, without a doubt. From the love sonnets to the tragedies, from the light entertainment and fantasy of Midsummer Night's Dream to the hell of King Lear and old age, or murderous doings in Macbeth, his works are relevant, despite a small percentage of archaic language.
   His plays especially can be transported into the modern psyche, re-lived and re-enacted, made fresh and alive to youngsters of today. That's the crux.
   If the English Language is music and music emotion, WS is the leading composer, a genius for his and all time.

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      aviannoviceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Right ON, chef!

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   teaches12345posted 11 years ago

   Yes.  I just taught a course last year on Romeo & Juliet.  The students (college-age) loved it and had great discussions on the themes of comedy, romance and tragedy.  They enjoyed acting out the highlights as well. I want to go see the new release on this movie, but will have to wait until it's available on DVD.

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      aviannoviceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Romeo and Juliet is a remarkable story, namely because they were so young.  However, kids had to grow up quickly back in those days, as their lives were so much shorter.  I enjoyed that story, because the power of love can overcome so many things.

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   married2medicineposted 11 years ago

   I do not feel the same. Shakespear's stories are still quite popular today due to the singular fact: They are made popular, but their influence and strength are fast diminishing. English in the first place is evolving and even though the medieval English is fascinating to read, hear and even decode, lots of far more interesting books have been published, which leaves shakepear's stories solely for academic purposes.
   
   In the 90's, I know of a lot of individuals (who are not even literature- inclined academically), but yet will love to read as many shakespearean stories as possible. Some of my peers made it a factor of competitions, while others were simply determined to read it. But now? More interesting books conforming to our contemporary English style have been published and once students get out of the walls of the educational institution, stories of shakespeare are dumped. Can I give you an example? Read this London based- campus life, emotional saga, twisted Novel, garnished with modern day poetry "The Soul Talkers" by Funom Makama, and when you do, you will stay marveled for days as how such a Novel came about!
   Great page aviannovice... Keep it up!

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      aviannoviceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You have definitely intrigued me with the suggestion of a…book.  Yes, I will read it, and thanks for the suggestion!

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