Shakespearean inspiration

A good writer is able to inspire their readers even after they've stopped writing. Their work is so timeless that it ceases to have a limit on how much an impact it leaves on someone reading it for the first, second, or millionth time. Their work is so timeless that years later, the emotions are still relevant to the generation of the future. Their work is so timeless, they are Shakespeare.

I know I should be sick of Shakespeare right about now. He's always cropped up in my education: from primary school trips (I remember seeing a golden statue of him at some museum or other), to secondary school homework (an embarrassing leaflet springs to mind, featuring the endearing nickname 'Willy' my friend and I thought was appropriate) to sixth form coursework (naturally, I got an A). Now I'm studying English at university, looking at Shakespeare is probably mandatory. So why don't I hate him yet?

That's a good question, actually. I suppose I don't hate him because he's like the god of writing. Even though a lot of his plays were said to be unoriginal, they are what have persisted throughout time. His plays are what we recognise growing up, even to some extent his poems, and if you haven't seen at least one version of a Shakespearean play on stage, then your school isn't doing education the right way.

Earlier this week, I made a trip to the British Museum and had a look around their exhibition Shakespeare: staging the world. Yes okay, I am a big geek but it was interesting. Of course, a lot of the time I was skimming over the information because I knew most of it already but the bits I didn't know were what stood out to me. And not because of their content.

Just two words were enough to make me understand why I had been struggling with one of my stories. Instantly, the plot hitch that had been plaguing me for two years suddenly fixed itself. It was so simple.

Looking at all Shakespeare accomplished (and is still accomplishing) made me want to accomplish just as much - if not more. I realise that wanting to match or better Shakespeare is a huge dream and one that isn't very likely to happen, but it is a dream. It is something to aspire towards. Maybe I won't get anywhere near the standard of Shakespeare but you know what? I won't be satisfied until I try.

Found this on the internet, but I've seen it at the Globe Theatre as well.