Shakespeare in a Modern Setting Essay

Submitted By OlToll
Words: 2097
Pages: 9
Open Document
Throughout the advent of digital media and the changing of our perception of theatre, there has been a hotly contested debate as to whether modernising Shakespeare's plays into a contemporary setting is beneficial, or even appropriate. As the pinnacle of English literature and the most widely appreciated author in history, Shakespeare is set upon a pedestal, and his works are esteemed just as highly. However, it cannot be denied that the original setting for his works - namely that of medieval Europe - is not as appealing to a modern audience, and in particular is not relatable for youths who have yet to appreciate history as educated scholars who oppose modernisation have learned to do. Furthermore, why does modernisation detract in any sense from the messages and themes of the plays? If anything, modernisation leads to a better understanding of these ideals, since the audience is focussed upon this instead of strange societal norms. With this in mind, it may be deemed appropriate to change the setting of the plays, even if the language itself is left as close to the original script as possible. Despite some minor changes which may have to be made, the result would be a much more geo-politically aware and recognisable play for more and more modern generations. A widening of the audience who appreciate the literature, whatever form it may take, also creates a much wider spread of the messages in the plays. Additionally, it is important to note that many of Shakespeare's works were intended to be set in relatively current times for his audience: why should we not do the same today?

There are, of course, some plays which can be wholly inhibited by a modern setting, or any adaptation of the language. Titus Andronicus, widely regarded as one of the most brutal of Shakespeare's plays, does not hold similar ideals to modern society. Wherein the play there are sacrifices within moments of its opening, these practises are now considered barbaric and futile. Placing Titus into a modern setting would only make the audience feel distant and unsympathetic to him, just as if Shakespeare had chosen to set the play in his own time. People would have rejected any empathy the bard tried to forge between them and the character. In this regard, there is a particular reason why Shakespeare wrote the play to take place in Roman times - they considered themselves more enlightened than the 'barbarians' portrayed in the play, and therefore could sympathise with the character from an enlightened point of view. However, even though the ideals of Titus Andronicus do not translate into a modern tableau, why do some others? Why does Richard III adapt so much better to a 'west wing' style setting than Titus Andronicus does to a modern equivalent? Ultimately, it is the focus of the play which determines its adaptability. Richard III is a play which focuses upon the depiction of humanity, not on society's conventions and social norms of the time. Richard does not act in any way which would be out of character in the 21st century. His motivations are not limited to his period - they are universal. He is, ultimately, a classical villain: "I am subtle, false and treacherous" (Shakespeare, Richard III, I.i.38). Therefore, this universality of inspiration which drives him makes him able to fit into any setting, no matter the surrounds. He could be placed in a classical Greek setting, a futuristic setting or any time in between or beyond. Richard III is a play about human nature, not politics. It is a study into the psychopathy of an individual, and his quest for power. Both of these themes are very present in today's society and are recognisable by every individual. Therefore, placing the play in a contemporary setting means that audiences may be able to better understand the content. Within this, however, there are many other aspects of Shakespearean society which the play draws from, and simply taking the characters and changing their attire and setting
Show More

Related Documents: Shakespeare in a Modern Setting Essay

Modern Representation Of Hamlet

named Shakespeare, who created spectacular plays to entertain the public audience that he knew. Throughout time however, these plays have been altered in several different ways to relate to the modern population. The dialogue, setting and even some of the outfits worn by actors have been transposed into modern versions. There have been several recreations of Shakespeare's plays but focus is pointed to one newer rendition of Hamlet, act III scene IV, of which has been mended into a modern version to fit our common public's eye…

Words 586 - Pages 3

Othello Movie Vs Play Analysis

Shakespeare, a well-known poet and playwright, wrote many plays. Many of the plays he wrote have been turned into live action films, varying in settings and scripts. In 1604 Shakespeare wrote a play titled Othello. In 2001 there was a movie made that was based on this play, titled O. This movie takes a modern spin on the classic play. The plot of the play was mostly all there in the movie, including the deaths of the cast, however; there are some key differences. There’s a presence of drug abuse…

Words 548 - Pages 3

Appropriation of 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare and 'Romeo+Juliet' by Baz Luhrmann Essay

Discuss the appropriation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare and ‘Romeo+Juliet’ by Baz Luhrmann Texts and ideas from texts are appropriated and transformed into other text forms and other compositions in a different context. An appropriation is a text that is appropriated or taken over by another composer and presented in a new way. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a well-known high culture text that is a tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families…

Words 2528 - Pages 11

Essay on Romeo + Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. It is the story of ‘two star-crossed lovers’, Romeo and Juliet, who belong to two opposing families in the city of Verona. Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same title, released in 1996, reinvigorates Shakespeare’s play for a contemporary audience, showing the drama and tension it has to offer. He replaces a variety of literary techniques with techniques specific to the medium of film, allowing the film to still convey…

Words 1028 - Pages 5

Similarities Between Macbeth And Goold

centaury play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, the desire of a man’s rise to power left all of Scotland and several people in complete suffering. Macbeth’s hunger for control led to death and disorder amongst Scotland. Paranoia and guilt commenced, and Macbeth quickly became an unbearable dictator. Rupert Goold’s 2010 filmed version of Macbeth is an interpretation of Shakespeare’s original play. The selections Shakespeare made in The Tragedy of Macbeth will be compared to Goold’s…

Words 1505 - Pages 7

The White Dove And Her Knight

Bobby Holden Ms. Groce English I Honors 3rd December 9, 2014 The White Dove and Her Knight William Shakespeare, a brilliant playwright, cleverly crafted the play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, to bring out all the compatible feelings his audience possesses to the main characters in the play. In The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Friar Lawrence states, “These violent delights have violent ends and in their triumph die, like fire and powder which, as they kiss, consume.” This simple quote summarises…

Words 661 - Pages 3

William Shakespeare Research Paper

everyone else. This is what Shakespeare work is to people, it’s something exciting, and engaging, something worth fighting for. Some people are saying that it is not appropriate for the high school, curriculum because it is too hard, or focuses on certain things unappropriate for the classroom, on it ruins any future experiences they could have with Shakespeare's work. But that is clearly unsupported by the enthusiasm these students show when signing up for reading parts. Shakespeare should continue to be…

Words 582 - Pages 3

Essay on William Shakespeare

play Henry V, William Shakespeare wrote the character of Captain Gower as a man, an officer in the English army. In his version of the play at the Folger Theatre in Washington, D.C., director Robert Richmond makes Gower a lusty tavern wench crushing on Captain MacMorris. He also turns the soldier Bates into a nun, but still gives her the line, "Be friends, you English fools, be friends. We have French quarrels enough." Go get 'em, sister. But, hey, the argument goes, Shakespeare did not write enough…

Words 1687 - Pages 7

Looking For Richard Notes Essay

British culture/statement speech from The Tempest - Prospero’s last speech/final play by Shakespeare (in a British voice) about how things pass, change, evolve, disappear, everything passes ——> everything will disappear in the end Film about Richard III beginning with Shakespeare's last play which was a metaphor for him ending his career as a playwright ——> Pacino breathing life back into Shakespeare cut to modern apartment block building/high-rise, contemporary culture Pacino’s dress with a backward…

Words 3839 - Pages 16

Branagh And Hamlet Comparison Essay

every version has many differences. The Kenneth Branagh was released in 1996 while the Laurence Olivier version was released in 1948. These films were released in different time periods so the films have some differences. Main differences being the setting, cinematography, and how the characters are portrayed. The difference in the two films are the cinematography. The main factors of cinematography include lighting and camera angle. In the Branagh version, the angle is mostly seen through Hamlet looking…

Words 702 - Pages 3