A wonder that is Shakespeare

A researcher recently sought to examine the bones of the Bard to find out the "stuff" that Shakespeare was made of (Hans dated 31/03/2015). Some time ago, the laundry bills of Shakespeare were found and examined to find out his ways of dressing himself. The Elizabethan playwright died in 1616 and even after 400 years of his death, nobody has dethroned this uncrowned king of the literary world from his 'first slot'. Nor has time blunt our interest in his life and works. Perhaps, “Age can't wither it nor custom stale the infinite variety” of his 'people'! (This is how Shakespeare described the beauty of Cleopatra).

Shakespeare the man was as enigmatic as Shakespeare the playwright was enthralling. While his 156 sonnets present him as a wonderful poet, his 37 plays have made him immortal, where in lies the greatness and freshness, and 'modernity of this Bard of Avon? The kings, queens, warriors, lovers, clowns, fathers, sons, daughters, villains that people his plays have perpetual appeal and relevance to us, due to their words and deeds. "How relevant is Shakespeare to us?' This was the question a Shakespeare scholar had put to his audience at a university seminar some time ago. It triggered a heated and long debate at the end of which all present there conceded the fact that Shakespeare is an evergreen writer and he remains "modern" forever. Because most of his characters meet us in our day-to-day life. A Shylock at the end of street, or a Falstuff in our work place. Again there are many Macbeth among us. We see many King Lear in our neighbourhood who love their daughters more than anything else.

That is why Shakespeare is as relevant to us as he was ages ago. Unfortunately, many universities have stopped teaching Shakespeare. It may be a reason for the lack of interest in literature among our youth and moral fiber in today's world. It is time we started teaching the Bard and our other equally good writers who can make our youngsters realize the importance of moral courage and moral values in our day to day life.

M Somasekhar Prasad