I've worked at the BYU library for seven or eight months now and things get pretty boring. Just recently instead of listening to music at work I've started to listen to books on cd. I decided to start listening to the classics; since, by now I've realized I probably won't read them. So I listened to the Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare, which I enjoyed, but was rather surprised given it has a happy ending. I didn't think he did happy endings, but what do I know? My knowledge of the bard is probably equivalent to the information off of cereal boxes. Anyways, I love his use of language. As I was walking home from work I thought about what the world would be like if people actually spoke like characters in a Shakespearian play. Conversations in general would be much wittier. For example, if someone offended their significant other with a careless remark they might say "Though my tongue be given to offend, I pray thee let my lips amend." Don't get any ideas though I'm getting a copyright.
A few weeks back I posted a quote from a man named Leo Buscaglia. I was so impressed by the quote myself that I went on eBay and bid three dollars on one of his books. The shipping was free so I figured I was getting a good deal. I promptly forgot about it until I received the book in the mail. The book is entitled Loving Each Other: The Challenge of Human Relationships. One of the questions he asks, "Why are people so afraid to love?" struck me as interesting. I guess the short answer is fear of rejection. In an ideal world this wouldn't make any sense, how could giving love be anything other than positive? I blame the devil. Showing love is equated with weakness far more often than with strength. This has at least two immediate effects. First, it means that people are far more reserved with who they show affection for. Second, the recipient of such affection is predisposed, at least to some degree, to view the giver as weak. I think it has something to do with a horrible twist to the spirit of independence that the media so heavily promotes.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Why Shakespeare is Great and how the Devil is Crafty
Posted by Aaron at 12:04 PM
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4 comments:
Wittier yes, but also a lot dirtier I think. I have to say first off that my Shakespeare class was one that I enjoyed immensely, but the man was not above using the slang and insinuations of the day. I was surprised at how similar that is to now. Plus let's face it, it would be confusing. The world would be swimming in all the different meanings that could be construed from a single sentence.
I love Shakespeares comedies a lot more than I like his tragedies.
Comedy of Errors ends happily. That one is my favorite.
A lot of his plays end happily. Of course, Shakespeare happy and normal happy are somewhat different.
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