The World English Language Day is celebrated on 23rd April, the birthday of William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest dramatist of all time.
On this day, here are four of the finest plays of the Bard of Avon.
Hamlet
Hamlet definitely ranks as one of the masterpieces of Shakespeare. And while some might argue that it is a conventional revenge drama, isn’t it the telling of these stories that create masterpieces?
This play follows the story of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, as he avenges his father’s death. The story explores the very complex psychology of the young hero, who is fighting a battle between his own morality and his desire for revenge. It is very difficult to ascertain why readers fall in love with this character that is full of flaws! But, isn’t that the power of writing by this master?
The reputation of this iconic play is so towering that the readers are pulled into this epic of love, hatred, and revenge. Who can forget the classic soliloquy, To be or not to be!
Macbeth
One of the finest writings of Shakespeare, Macbeth is a dark tale of how a Scottish lord, consumed by ambition, is persuaded by his wife to commit a gruesome murder of the King of Scotland. And while he ascends the throne, he is overwhelmed with the guilt of murder and becomes paranoid, committing more crimes and murders to save himself. In the process, he becomes a tyrant and drives himself into the realms of madness.
The play beautifully showcases what greed and avarice can result in!
It is a testimony to how beautifully this play has been written that there have been multiple screen adaptations of this dark drama.
Romeo and Juliet
This is, possibly, one of those plays that Shakespeare is most famous for. A classic tale of two characters from feuding families that fall in love with one another, Romeo and Juliet is so popular among the masses, perhaps, for its relatable theme of a doomed romance.
The intense chemistry between the protagonists, Romeo and Juliet, amidst the background of hate and violence among the two families depicts why both love and hate are such overpowering emotions.
This play has a little something for everyone – there is love, hate, poetry, some comedy, and of course, much tragedy.
One of the most performed plays of Shakespeare, it is not hard to see why it is popular even today.
Much Ado About Nothing
Depicting a love-hate relationship between the protagonists, Much Ado About Nothing is one of the most-loved comedies of Shakespeare.
The play demonstrates the stormy relationship between Benedick and Beatrice, who are locked in a battle of wits against each other. The complicated plot and the happy ending make this play one of Shakespeare’s eternal crowd-pleasers. Funny and witty, this play boasts of one of the best word plays in all of the Bard’s plays.
Which is your most favorite play of Shakespeare? Do let us know in the comments section below.
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