2015+AP+P2+William+Shakespeare

cultural - Jillian



William Shakespeare has been one of the most influential writers in history. According to a biography written about him, “He is the most widely read of all Authors and the popularity of the Life and Works of Shakespeare, in English speaking countries, is second only to the Bible” (Alchin). Students are taught throughout their school years through Shakespeare’s many works. In addition to be one of the most widely read authors in history, he has inspired a wide variety of other works, including music and literature. Some of these works include Moby Dick, Brave New World, and Wise Children (O’Reilly). Culturally, Shakespeare has made an enormous impact, and still makes considerable impact. He inspired other authors, philosophy, and language. Shakespeare’s impact on the world will continue to show through for decades to come.

Audience - Joshua



The influence of William Shakespeare on past, and modern, language and diction is easy to observe. The plays and works of Shakespeare have influence generations of authors, directors, artists, producers, and others. Shakespeare's’ legacy, “include perennial classics like "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "The Tempest," "Julius Caesar," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream,"("Shakespeare’s Legacy"). Shakespeare has influenced more than just the hearts and minds of his audience, however. Indeed, “ Shakespeare is believed to have influenced the English language more than any other writer in history, coining—or, at the very least, popularizing—terms and phrases that still regularly crop up in everyday conversation” (British History: William Shakespeare). Terms and phrases such as, “in a pickle” and “one fell swoop” were all influenced by Shakespeare. When one speaks the English language, it is likely that they are a part of the audience that continues to feel the impacts of Shakespeare and his life’s work.

Historical- Emily Voveris Shakespeare was born in London where he received an education, however there is not a detailed history of his earlier life. He married and had a child before how began to gain attention for his writing. In 1592 Shakespeare, “  Shakespeare reappears as an “upstart crow” flapping his poetic wings in London” ("The Life..."). Shakespeare lived in an environment that was under the power of monarchs, that influenced his works. For example, “ used a work on Scottish history by Raphael Holinshed for information. It is also no accident that this play about a Scottish king was written a few years after James the First became King of England in sixteen-oh-three” (Demange). While playwrights and authors were fearful to write in regards to the flaws in their leaders, through the use of characters, Shakespeare was able to comment on the leadership without punishment. In addition to this Shakespeare was requested to write for the kings court, this caused for Shakespeare's work to act as a form of historical record.

Aim - Nida Hasan

William Shakespeare was one of the most innovative writers of his time, paving the way for an increasingly contemporary style of writing for the authors of the world. He utilized his writing style to bring light to the issues that arise because of the negative aspects of human nature in accordance with circumstances. According to a biography on his life, “ These moral failures often drive the twists and turns of Shakespeare's plots, destroying the hero and those he loves” (“William Shakespeare”). Although he wrote many comedies to entertain general audiences, his progressively dramatic style began to separate him from other playwrights of the time. His purpose to entertain and reach universal audiences remained, but he was able to achieve this through tragic storylines that represented the mistakes people make as a result of hubris. Shakespeare also aimed to create new forms of literature as exemplified by his creation of numerous words such as “zany” and “watchdog”, which were added to the English dictionary (“Poets-William Shakespeare”). He also highlighted themes of passion and love in his many poems which show how versatile of a writer he was. He wanted to create a style of literature that was not completely comedic or tragic, but rather was a reflection of the realities of life delivered in a dramatic and entertaining fashion.

Alchin, Linda. William Shakespeare Biography. Siteseen, Ltd., June 2014. Web. 23 March 2015.
Demange. "William Shakespeare: Star of Stage and Screen." VOA. Web. 24 Mar. 2015.

Rice University. Shakespeare’s Legacy. Rice University. Web. 24 March 2015.
===="The Life of William Shakespeare (1564–1616)." The Life of William Shakespeare (1564–1616). National Endowment For the Arts, Web. 05 Mar. 2015. ====