How Far is Shakespeare Relevant to Modern Times?
Keywords:
Shakespeare, Literary Canon, Contemporary RelevanceAbstract
Critics for ages have talked about the ‘immortality’ of Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s handling of basic human themes has changed little from age to age. At times we are encouraged to look at the similarities that existed between Shakespeare’s time and our very own. Being contemporary however doesn’t mean to bring down everything to the present; nor does it mean to so loftily elevate the past that the present has no importance. The fact that Shakespeare’s plays are performed more widely around the world than those of any other dramatist, alive or dead is a proof of how close he is to our times. His ‘universality’ has overcome the barriers of language, race, creed, custom as well as time.
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