24Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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SHAKESPEARE IN THE 21st CENTURY
Nurkhon Usman kizi Khodjiyeva
A student of Chirchik State Pedagogical University [email protected]
Supervisor: Zilola Tursunboy kizi Roziqova
Teacher of Chirchik State Pedagogical University E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT:
Discussing Shakespeare can be a daunting task as his literary creations are so vast and encompassing. It is difficult to fully capture the essence of Shakespeare's works using just one approach because his writings are like a universe in themselves, with many aspects remaining unexplored. His imaginative genius continues to influence and inspire us today, as his creations reflect human life in its truest form. This paper seeks to explore the relevance of Shakespeare's works in contemporary society, examining how his writings resonate in fields such as human nature, psychology, politics, and relationships, as well as in theaters, films, and other forms of creative expression in the 21st century. Ultimately, the paper aims to address the question of how Shakespeare's thoughts and ideas continue to resonate in today's world.
Keywords: Relevance, timeless, significance, age, generation
William Shakespeare, an esteemed English playwright, poet, and actor, is considered one of the greatest writers in the English language and the premier dramatist globally. Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, he created a wide-ranging body of work comprising 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two lengthy narrative poems.His plays are renowned for their intricate characters, vibrant language, and exploration of timeless subjects such as love, power, envy, and deceit. Notable works like "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Othello," and "King Lear" stand as some of his most celebrated contributions.
Shakespeare's enduring impact on literature and culture is substantial, with his works being performed and analyzed worldwide. Even centuries after his passing in 1616, his legacy remains strong, with his plays beloved for their enduring appeal and enduring themes.
"Shakespeare's every character is a real human being who has nothing abstract about them but appears to be taken bodily from everyday life, warts and all," wrote
April 23-24, 2024
Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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Vissarion Belinsky, a prominent 19th century Russian literary critic and theorist, in his article "Hamlet"[1]. Shakespeare's plays feature protagonists like Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear who grapple with their own thoughts, leading them towards madness and self-destruction. The plays are rich with various emotions such as humor, love, betrayal, anger, deceit, generosity, envy, conflicts, and murder. Through his work, Shakespeare vividly portrays different aspects of human nature that are timeless. Thomas Jefferson once pointed out that reading King Lear can instill a stronger sense of filial duty in a person than all the ethical and religious texts ever written [2].
Literature plays a crucial role in the success of theatre performances. Shakespearean dramas continue to be popular even in today's era, inspiring Hollywood and Bollywood to adapt his themes. Films like Haider, Maqbool, and Omkara rework the plots of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello, showcasing the enduring influence of Shakespeare's genius. Modern adaptations of 'Comedy of Errors' with a contemporary twist also appeal to a wide audience, proving the timeless relevance of Shakespeare's work in the world of cinema. The story of 'Romeo and Juliet' has influenced Bollywood love stories where two families are enemies, preventing the lovers from being together. Villainous characters in these films are reminiscent of Shakespeare's cruel antagonists [3]. The malicious character Iago can also be seen in Indian soap operas, where female characters resent the success of the protagonists and scheme to ruin their relationships through deceit and miscommunication.
Shakespeare is credited with creating numerous terms and phrases that are widely used today. While there is some debate surrounding their origins, these words and expressions have become popular worldwide. For example, the phrase 'Catch a Cold' comes from Shakespeare's play Cymbeline, and the term 'Break the Ice' was first used in The Taming of the Shrew with the original line reading, "And if you break the ice, and do this feat, achieve the elder, set the younger free." Additionally, Shakespeare coined the word 'Obscene' to describe something tasteless in his play Love's Labor Lost.
Shakespeare uses the term "green eyed Monster" to depict envy in Othello. We often use the expression "Green with Envy" to illustrate jealousy [4]. Shakespeare's talent for creating new phrases has given us a wealth of popular sayings like "Vanished into thin air", "stood on ceremony", "a laughing stock", "laughing yourself into stiches" and "slept not one wink". In his comedic works like Much Ado about Nothing and The Tempest, Shakespeare showcases his knack for sharp insults such as "I do desire we may be better strangers" and "More of your conversation would infect my brain". Barbara Gaines, a theatre director in Chicago, discusses the political rele-
April 23-24, 2024
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
Chirchiq davlat pedagogika universiteti Zamonaviy filologiya va lingvodidaktikaning dolzarb masalalari
vance of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. She mentions the parallels between ancient Rome and modern conflicts like Vietnam and the Korean War, emphasizing that the power struggles and political dynamics are still relevant today. Marjorie Garber, another Shakespeare scholar, also acknowledges the political significance of the play, noting that it is often studied in the context of political theory, business, and leadership. She highlights how Julius Caesar speaks to the modern world, reflecting current political scenarios and the complexities of modern history and politics. In essence, both scholars agree that Julius Caesar continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, offering insights into the modern condition.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by his use of old English words, Shakespeare's works still feel relevant and fresh in our modern age. His masterpieces continue to inspire various fields of art and offer insights into familiar themes and concerns. Shakespeare's characters, themes, and stories provide meaning for all age groups, touching on issues like class, racism, betrayal, the status of women in society, crime, death, and contemporary issues. Even for non-English speakers, Shakespeare's ideas remain appealing and relevant, resonating with different aspects of our lives.
REFERENCES
1. Chase, Kvasnak. "Shakespeare Standing Still in 21st Century." 2 October 2002.
2. Middlebury Campus website. 13 March 2016, www.middleburrycampus.com
3. Gill, Stoker. Shakespeare: Our Contemporary. 27 October 2005. 10 March 2016
4. Hans, Bertens. Shakespeare's Relevance in the 21st Century. 15 August 2015. 18 March
5. Ketakee, Gondane. 15th century to 21st Century, William Shakespeare Still Relevant
6. Modern Soaps are 21st Century Answers to Shakespeare. n.d. 12 March 2016
7. A Timeless Thirst for Power: The Political Lessons Of Julius Caesar. 09 October 2013. 13
8. https://www.rbth.com/arts/336478-russian-writers-about-shakespeare
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