Why Does Shakespeare Matter? Reasons to Read Him Even Today

The Timelessness of Shakespeare’s Themes

One of the primary reasons Shakespeare continues to resonate with readers and audiences today is the timeless nature of his themes. His plays explore the complexities of the human

condition—love, power, ambition, jealousy, betrayal, and the struggle for identity. These are emotions and experiences that are as relevant now as they were before.

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The Complexity of Shakespeare’s Characters

Shakespeare’s genius lies not only in his exploration of universal themes but also in his creation of complex, multifaceted characters. His characters are not mere hero figures; they are deeply human, with all the flaws, contradictions, and complexities that come with being human.

If you wish to know the Shakespearean characters deeply, you can check out the graphic novels in Offshoot Books’ ‘Twist in the Tale’ series. The aim of this series is to retell the plays written by the great English bard. It raises questions about the characters, who may (or may not) have met the fate that was written for them. This funny graphic novel series will enthrall you with its humorous twists and turns, narrated by Shakespeare’s heroes and villains themselves. The series also provides short summaries of the original plays, an arsenal of Shakespearean insults (and some praise), and a wealth of inspiration to celebrate the literary bard’s work once again!

Here is a glimpse of the two novels in this series- 

Rogue Revelations

Shaken, not Speared is a pub where Shakespeare’s unrepentant "bad guys" assemble to do what they do best—drink and grumble. This book gives readers a peek into the pub, where villains such as Iago, Claudius, Shylock, Lady Macbeth, Goneril, and Regan hang out, drink, and share their side of the story. But what is their side? Is it gory, or something entirely different? Will readers still despise these characters, or will they change their minds? All this and more—only the book will reveal.

Source: Rogue Revelations/Offshoot Books

Crooked Confessions

The Bar-me-Barrel is a pub where Shakespearean protagonists—once revered and respected—run into each other and reveal their true nature. They are tired of the personas they've had to maintain to protect their titles, wealth, or lives. Here, they sit and drink the questionable brews concocted by Touchstone and Puck, the pub owners, and unveil to the readers who they really are. As readers turn the pages, they will uncover the flaws in the heroes they’ve admired for all these years.

Source: Crooked Confessions/Offshoot Books

The Universality of Shakespearean Language

One of the most enduring aspects of Shakespeare’s work is his use of language. The names, phrases, and expressions have become so ingrained in the English language that many people use them without even realizing their origin. Phrases like “all that glitters is not gold” (The Merchant of Venice) and “to be or not to be” (Hamlet) have become part of our everyday vocabulary.

Shakespeare’s mastery of language is evident in his ability to convey deep emotion and complex ideas through poetic verse. His use of metaphor, simile, and wordplay adds layers of meaning to his texts, making them rich with interpretive possibilities. This linguistic richness is one of the reasons why characters from Shakespeare's plays continue to be studied, performed, and reinterpreted by scholars, actors, and directors.

Moreover, Shakespeare’s language is not just beautiful; it is also incredibly versatile. His plays have been translated into every major language and adapted into countless cultural contexts.

Shakespeare’s Influence on Modern Storytelling

The influence of Shakespeare on modern storytelling cannot be overstated. Many of the narrative structures, character descriptions, and plot devices that we see in contemporary literature, film, and theater can be traced back to Shakespeare’s plays. 

Shakespeare’s influence is particularly evident in the way he shaped the portrayal of characters and their development. Characters from Shakespeare’s plays often undergo significant transformation, making them relatable and dynamic. Additionally, the themes and conflicts explored in Shakespeare’s plays continue to be relevant in contemporary storytelling.

Continuing Legacy

As you delve into the world of Shakespeare, consider broadening your literary horizons with works that explore similar themes of human nature, morality, and the complexity of life. Two such recommendations are Rouge Revelations and Crooked Confessions by Offshoot Books. This collection of stories offers a modern exploration of themes that would resonate with Shakespeare himself, making them perfect companions for those who appreciate the Bard's work.

Conclusion

In a constantly changing world, Shakespeare’s works offer a sense of continuity and connection to the past. His exploration of universal themes, the complexity of his characters, the richness of his language, and his influence on modern storytelling are all reasons why Shakespeare continues to matter.