Why study ‘old’ things, like Shakespeare? Why should we? The world we live in today bears very little resemblance to Shakespeare’s. *slide* Why? Because we are human and we seek to understand our world and experiences through stories – if this wasn’t a basic human need, then why have humans been telling stories since their earliest beginnings? Not every story remains relevant or popular for long though, only some do – those that make it into the illustrious Canon Club. What do those texts have that others don’t? *slide* I’ll tell you – they are exceptional because of their author’s incredible skill in the use of aesthetic literary techniques, as well as the fact that they contain universal themes – ideas and views that evoke strong emotions
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While the story of Romeo and Juliet is tragic, it remains a beautiful love story because Shakespeare so vividly describes a love that is passionate and pure and powerful. *slide* Quotes from the play have continued to influence love poems, stories and declarations ever since. “Parting is such sweet sorrow!” “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The aesthetic skill with which Shakespeare wrote of the love between his characters made these words enduring and words that anyone who has fallen madly in love can relate to. The power of love is undoubtedly one of the most popular universal themes, because people enjoy romance, the idea of soulmates, and they want to believe in the idea of a one true love for us all. The story is exciting, filled with drama, murder, tragedy and conflict. As such, it remains highly entertaining to modern audiences. It also teaches us about life in the time of Shakespeare. For example, Romeo and Juliet are only thirteen and fourteen and Juliet’s father has already decided who she will marry soon. This tells us a lot about the status of women and the structure of families in those days. Furthermore, the power of the Montagues and Capulets in Verona tells us about how much money and status could elevate certain individuals and groups within society. The cultural context of the play means that we can learn a lot about how people used to live. The theme of the power of love is particularly communicated through the character of Nurse. *slide* She is funny and endearing and she loves Juliet like a mother would. She believes in love, she believes that Romeo and Juliet can defy the odds and be happy together, and so she helps them to marry in secret. The audience is also on the side of love and want to believe that love is powerful and can conquer anything that stands in its path. We are heartbroken with her when she loses her beloved Juliet.
While the story of Romeo and Juliet is tragic, it remains a beautiful love story because Shakespeare so vividly describes a love that is passionate and pure and powerful. *slide* Quotes from the play have continued to influence love poems, stories and declarations ever since. “Parting is such sweet sorrow!” “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The aesthetic skill with which Shakespeare wrote of the love between his characters made these words enduring and words that anyone who has fallen madly in love can relate to. The power of love is undoubtedly one of the most popular universal themes, because people enjoy romance, the idea of soulmates, and they want to believe in the idea of a one true love for us all. The story is exciting, filled with drama, murder, tragedy and conflict. As such, it remains highly entertaining to modern audiences. It also teaches us about life in the time of Shakespeare. For example, Romeo and Juliet are only thirteen and fourteen and Juliet’s father has already decided who she will marry soon. This tells us a lot about the status of women and the structure of families in those days. Furthermore, the power of the Montagues and Capulets in Verona tells us about how much money and status could elevate certain individuals and groups within society. The cultural context of the play means that we can learn a lot about how people used to live. The theme of the power of love is particularly communicated through the character of Nurse. *slide* She is funny and endearing and she loves Juliet like a mother would. She believes in love, she believes that Romeo and Juliet can defy the odds and be happy together, and so she helps them to marry in secret. The audience is also on the side of love and want to believe that love is powerful and can conquer anything that stands in its path. We are heartbroken with her when she loses her beloved Juliet.