Shakepeare's influence

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William Shakespeare is widely regarded to be the most preeminent and influential literary figure in history. Although he was born in 1564, and completed his most notable works by the beginning of the 17th century, he remains a household name to this day. His works are so significant that their influence can be seen in all facets of popular culture. His effect on the English language and modern linguistics is undoubtable, with many of the words and phrases he coined remaining in use today. His works have also had an irrefutable effect on the landscape of literature that came after him. Without Shakespeare, popular culture, literature, and even the English language would not exist as they do today. Shakespeare, often referred to as “the Bard of Avon”, or simply “the Bard”, was born and raised in an English town called Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. Some of the facts surrounding his early life are unclear, since many written records have long since disappeared. His birth date is generally acknowledged as April 23, 1564; although no records exist that prove this was the actual date. He is thought to have been educated at the King’s New School, located close to his home in Stratford. At the age of 18, he was married to a 26 year old woman named Anne Hathaway. She gave birth to their first daughter only 6 months after their wedding. A couple years later, Shakespeare and his wife welcomed a set of twins. After the birth of his twins in 1583, written records of Shakespeare’s life in Stratford end. At some point in the next nine years, Shakespeare moved to London and begins his career on the stage. Although the details are hazy, by 1592 he was making a living as an actor and playwright. Most of Shakespeare’s work was writte... ... middle of paper ... ...ull of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. (5.5: 19-28) The Shakespeare references don’t end there for Faulkner, as pointed out in an article written by Robert W. Hamblin for Southeast Missouri State University. In his article “A Casebook on Mankind: Faulkner’s Use of Shakespeare,” Hamblin continues to expound on the allusions to Shakespeare in the novel. The first chapter of the novel is narrated by a character that is mentally challenged, thus this opening chapter can be said to be “told by an idiot.” Hamblin goes on to mention that the character Quentin is described as “a walking shadow” seeking “dusty death”. This are more blatant reference’s to Macbeth’s speech from the play. Finally, Faulkner frequently mentions bells and chimes throughout The Sound and the Fury. This is notable because it is a bell that signals Macbeth to murder Duncan in the play.

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