Sahil Sharifdin Bhat
Shakespeare as a Dramatist:
In addition to his contributions to poetry, Shakespeare’s impact on the world of drama is immeasurable. As a playwright, he revolutionized the English stage, elevating theater to new heights of sophistication and artistic expression. With an extensive body of work that includes tragedies, comedies, histories and romances, Shakespeare demonstrated remarkable versatility and insight into the human experience. His tragedies, such as “Hamlet,” “Macbeth” and “Othello” delve into themes of ambition, betrayal and the complexities of moral choice, showcasing his ability to create unforgettable characters grappling with profound existential dilemmas. Similarly, Shakespeare’s comedies, such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Twelfth Night” and “Much Ado About Nothing” offer audiences moments of levity and laughter while exploring themes of love, mistaken identity and the foibles of human nature. Through his enduring dramas, Shakespeare continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reminding us of the timeless relevance and enduring power of his theatrical vision.
His acting career:
William Shakespeare’s role as an actor is a subject of much speculation and debate among scholars. While there is evidence to suggest that he likely participated as an actor in his own plays and possibly those of others, the extent of his acting career remains uncertain. Some scholars argue that Shakespeare’s intimate knowledge of the stagecraft evident in his plays indicates firsthand experience as an actor. References within his works to acting techniques, stage directions, and the portrayal of characters lend credence to this theory.
Tributes to Shakespeare:
Ben Jonson :
‘’He was not of an age, but for all time!”
Thomas Carlyle:
‘’If I say that Shakespeare is the greatest of intellects, I have said all concerning him. But there is more in Shakespeare’s intellect than we have yet seen. It is what I call an unconscious intellect; there is more virtue in it that he himself is aware of.”
William Wordsworth:
“Scorn not the Sonnet; Critic, you have frowned,
Mindless of its just honours; with this key
Shakespeare unlocked his heart.”
William Hazlitt:
“If we wish to know the force of human genius we should read Shakespeare. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning we may study his commentators.”
George Bernard Shaw:
“Hamlet’s experience simply could not have happened to a plumber.”
T. S. Eliot:
“We can say of Shakespeare, that never has a man turned so little knowledge to such great account.”
D. H. Lawrence:
“When I read Shakespeare I am struck with wonder that such trivial people should muse and thunder in such lovely language.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“He breathed upon dead bodies and brought them into life. Nor sequent centuries could hit Orbit and sum of Shakespeare’s wit.”
Religion :
Shakespeare outwardly adhered to the official state religion, yet his personal religious convictions have remained a topic of debate. His will reflects Protestant sentiments and he was a confirmed member of the Church of England, where he exchanged vows, baptized his children and found his final resting place. Despite this, some scholars suggest that Shakespeare’s familial ties leaned towards Catholicism, a faith practiced clandestinely during a time of religious persecution in England. For instance, his mother, Mary Arden, hailed from a devout Catholic lineage. The discovery of a purported Catholic declaration signed by his father, John Shakespeare, once lent credence to this theory, although the document has since gone missing, leaving its authenticity in question. Historical records reveal instances where members of Shakespeare’s family, including his father and daughter, skirted church attendance, citing various reasons. While debates persist among scholars regarding Shakespeare’s religious leanings, conclusive evidence remains elusive, with interpretations of his works offering conflicting perspectives on his beliefs.
Quotes by Shakespeare
1) When the age is in, the wit is out.
[Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing]
2) Et tu, Brute!
[Shakespeare: Julius Caesar]
3) When we are born, we cry that we are come
To this great stage of fools.
[Shakespeare: King Lear]
4) Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend.
[Shakespeare: Hamlet]
5) How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child!
[Shakespeare: King Lear]
6)Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin
As self-neglecting.
[Shakespeare: Henry V]
7) Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
[Shakespeare: Julius Caesar]
8) One may smile and smile and be a villain.
[Shakespeare: Hamlet]
9) I will praise any man that will praise me.
[Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra]
10) Society is no comfort
To one not sociable.
[Shakespeare: Cymbeline]
Some notable works of Shakespeare include:
“Romeo and Juliet”
“Hamlet”
“Macbeth”
“Othello”
“King Lear”
“Julius Caesar”
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
“The Tempest”
“Much Ado About Nothing”
“Twelfth Night”
To sum up, William Shakespeare, the eminent playwright and poet, revolutionized world literature with his unparalleled works. His insightful exploration of the human condition, mastery of language and enduring characters have left an indelible mark, shaping literary traditions and inspiring generations globally. Allama Iqbal said in a poem titled ‘Shakespeare’ that Nature would never create another man akin to Shakespeare.
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The author lives at Lethapora Pulwama. His name is sahil Sharifdin Bhat. His books are available on Amazon , Flipkart etc . He can be reached at sahilsharifdinenglish@gmail.com
