Shakespeare’s influence on pretty much all English writing, fiction, theatre, film, narrative form of any sort is so utterly massive it’s almost impossible to fathom. His use of plot has informed how plots are constructed ever since. His use of language is still a massive influence on the way we speak today, and phrases he invented are so rooted in our cultural language we forget they were his. Going on a “wild-goose” chase. Having a “heart of gold”. To “vanish into thin air”. Even: “Knock knock, Who’s there?” was his.
His works might be hard work for today’s student since the language isn’t the language of today. But pick pretty much any genre defining film from 50 years ago and it will seem a bit slow, and flat, and stilted compared to today’s films. “It’s been done better since!” His works are from 500 years ago!
Shakespeare’s influence on pretty much all English writing, fiction, theatre, film, narrative form of any sort is so utterly massive it’s almost impossible to fathom. His use of plot has informed how plots are constructed ever since. His use of language is still a massive influence on the way we speak today, and phrases he invented are so rooted in our cultural language we forget they were his. Going on a “wild-goose” chase. Having a “heart of gold”. To “vanish into thin air”. Even: “Knock knock, Who’s there?” was his.
His works might be hard work for today’s student since the language isn’t the language of today. But pick pretty much any genre defining film from 50 years ago and it will seem a bit slow, and flat, and stilted compared to today’s films. “It’s been done better since!” His works are from 500 years ago!