Why Shakespeare Still Matters

William Shakespeare, known as the greatest playwright historically, remains the foundation of English literature. Notably, his works are still inspiring readers as well as spectators even after 400 years have passed since they were created (Oxford Scholastica Academy). But why does Shakespeare still matter? Does his writing portray the human condition, and is it still applicable in present-day society? The answers to these questions are rooted in the fact that he deals with themes that are pertinent in every human society, the characters that he creates are timeless, and the fact that he has influenced the English language in a very profound way.

Shakespeare was able to write about issues that are relevant in modern society. His plays are focused on such themes as love, power, betrayal, and death, which remain actual as well as significant to this day despite the fact that they were written some time ago. For instance, in Hamlet, the monologue “To be or not to be” poses the question of whether it is worthwhile to live (Oxford Scholastica Academy). The search for the meaning of life is one people continue to think about to this day. It is because Shakespeare's works are concerned with such basic matters that his dramas continue to be essential to audiences of different eras.

Shakespeare's themes and characters are another factor that makes his work everlasting. The characters he created are not black and white, but they are very much like real people who demonstrate modern leadership. To demonstrate that good and bad leadership can be applied in contemporary times, Shakespeare cites characters such as Antoni Cimolino and Macbeth. For instance, Macbeth is a man whose ambition and guilt drive him to a tragic end, and his story is a clear example of what happens when power is in the wrong hands (Wilk 2). Macbeth's conflicts can be easily understood by the modern audience, even though the play is set in a different time. Audiences of different ages and origins can easily identify themselves with his characters, which are portrayed as realistic and rather profound.

Furthermore, Shakespeare played a great role in developing the English language and illustrates why he still matters even today. He gave hundreds of words and phrases that are used even today. Some of the phrases that originated from his works include Break the Ice, Heart of Gold, and Wild Goose Chase, among others (Atom). This linguistic legacy has influenced the way individuals speak, and its inspiration is felt every time people speak. Therefore, Shakespeare's creativity in his language assisted in enhancing the English language and also made his works reasonable to diverse groups of people, which makes him even more significant today.

In conclusion, Shakespeare still matters in the contemporary world because his works are based on characters that illustrate issues that are pertinent today, and his themes, together with phrases, have significantly impacted the English language. His skills in revealing human nature make his plays relevant to be read, watched, as well as enjoyed by future generations. Moreover, the discussion demonstrates that Shakespeare's relevance is based on the aspect that he was a playwright who recognized humanity, and this is why his plays are enjoyed today, even after 400 years. Thus, Shakespeare's themes, realistic characters, and language remain important in modern society.