Shakespeare: Dying Classics

By: Morgan Gunther

As defined by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Beautiful and Damned, a classic is “a successful book that has survived the reaction of the next period or generation”. As we look into what pieces of literature are considered classics to date, this definition reigns true. But what happens when a book no longer survives the reactions of further generations much later down the line?

Most of us have studied at least one Shakespeare play in high school and most of us have struggled to find the relevance to our lives, admittedly myself included. Most of these plays are considered classics, but do they serve purpose to the present generation and those to come?

What did Shakespeare Write and Why is it Problematic?

When studying any sort of Shakespearean work, it is important to remember that Shakespeare was writing in a time with strict social ideas that do not reflect the ideas of the 21st century. He was also limited in his writing by his need to make money. Shakespeare’s income came directly from tickets sold to his plays, so if he did not reflect the society’s ideals in his plays, it is quite possible that he would have been broke.

With all the societal pressures and discriminatory mindsets of his time period, it is hard to know if Shakespeare really believed in the inferiority of certain social groups, or if he was only trying to conform to the times. Whatever the answer may be, we must acknowledge that it is Shakespeare’s mind and hand that put down the words on the page. It was a conscious effort to represent specific characters in a specific way- this is where the difficult conversations come into play.

From disabled characters to black characters, from women to Jews, Shakespeare has a habit of representing minority groups in an extremely stereotypical way. As unappealing as these depictions are, there is something to be gained from reading these works, and a way to study them that breaks the stereotypes represented. 

How do we Read Shakespeare in an Appropriate Way?

Literary pieces are deemed as classics for a reason, and Shakespeare is no different. Each of his plays can provide the reader/viewer with insights into the social conflicts of the time period. The historical and religious conflicts happening during the writing of these plays also have an impact on the final product, making these plays enticing to readers and historians alike. While, for the most part, the 21st viewpoint has shifted away from seeing certain groups as inferior, it does these groups a disservice to erase the ways they were once thought about and treated.

However, it can be a danger to read these plays on their own and believe that these are accurate representations. It is in my belief that Shakespeare should continue to be read and studied, but in a new way that incorporates modern works. To get a more well-rounded view of these characters in his plays, I believe that we should read his plays in tandem with another piece of literature written by someone in that social group being targeted. 

Putting it into Practice

As an example, The Merchant of Venice openly paints Jewish characters as cheats, shallow, and money obsessed. Our main character, Shylock, is the one most affected by this stereotype and is represented in a very negative light. As someone who is preparing to teach English and will without a doubt have to teach Shakespeare, it is important to talk about these stereotypes, why they exist, and how they are harmful. It is even more important to have a second piece of literature that depicts Jewish people in a much more positive light, for instance, The Diary of Anne Frank, or a modern novel written by a successful Jewish author. 

As we grow into a more progressive society, Shakespearean works are less likely to survive the reactions of the coming generations, which is why it is so important to remember the lessons to be taught from his works while also incorporating different and more positive pieces. The only danger that comes with reading and studying Shakespeare is to read it without acknowledgement of societal shifts.