So, I've been helping direct the local junior high's entries in the state Shakespeare competition. And do you know what I've learned?
Shakespeare said it best.
That's all. He just said it best. Meaning, like, everything.
Dude had the most excellent brain on him. When I'm reincarnated, I'd like to come back as The Bard. I mean, it's a foregone conclusion (Othello) that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet (Romeo and Juliet), though all that glitters is not gold (The Merchant of Venice). But as good luck would have it (The Merry Wives of Windsor,) brevity is the soul of wit (Hamlet), and since wit is what I live for I'll keep this brief: I'll not try to imitate Shakespeare.
Why? Because you can have too much of a good thing (As You Like It). Woe is me! (Hamlet) It is true! There's only one Shakespeare, and I would be as dead as a doornail (King Henry VI, part 2) if I tried to replace him. Indeed, I'd be a sorry sight (Macbeth).
Now, I'm kind of embarrassed that I ever thought I could rank up there with Mr. Shakie. So I hope you'll realize that discretion is the better part of valor (Henry V, Part 1) and won't tell anyone. I'd have to get [me] to a nunnery (Hamlet), and my writing career would be over at one fell swoop (Macbeth). I mean, given that people today are so exceedingly well read (Henry IV, Part 1) and all.
Well, if you decide to judge me, I suppose it's fair play (The Tempest). But know this: I think you are afflicted with the green-eyed monster (The Merchant of Venice). And I will fight fire with fire (King John). Indeed, I am willing to give the Devil his due! (Henry IV, Part 1) For I am dangerous and hot blooded (The Merry Wives of Windsor)–even though in the next moment you'll probably find me in stitches (Twelfth Night).
Ah, well, never mind. My moods change in the twinkling of an eye (The Merchant of Venice). I suppose I am making much ado about nothing (Much Ado About Nothing), since I don't even believe in reincarnation. And truth be told–
Shakespeare? For my own part–it's Greek to me (Julius Caesar).
My kids love Shakespeare. They bring Shakespeare dvds home from the library. For fun.
We love the ShakespeaRE-made dvds – especially Much Ado and Taming of the Shrew. And I could wax poetic about the Oriental version of As You Like It.
Is it weird that I’m completely devastated to learn that “all that glitters is not gold” did not originate as a description of Strider in the Lord of the Rings? Yeah, I guess it is pretty weird.
Nah, you’re not weird. I remember a friend of mine talking about how brilliant Tolkien was because of that statement. So, you’re not alone. 🙂
Rob – Ooooh! How do you find the Oriental version of As You Like It? Sounds fascinating. Have you seen the various Romeo and Juliets?