by Opal Elaine Moyer

Created on: March 11, 2009   Last Updated: May 28, 2009

Though many of his works are set in the Elizabethan era or earlier, the works of the Bard, William Shakespeare are still relevant today. The time period and the setting are not so important as the content; the play is the thing. Shakespeare's works deal with base human emotions-love, lust, greed, hatred, insanity, prejudice and jealousy; these are the same no matter what era we live in. The same is true of his plots, consisting of murder, intrigue, plotting and romance. He captured, in his plays, the very essence of human nature and how certain characters would react in certain conditions and situations. Many of Shakespeare's plays could be considered a study in human psychology.

Macbeth dealt with greed and lust for power, while The Merchant of Venice dealt with prejudice and social stereotyping. Romeo and Juliet is a prime example of young love and how headstrong teenagers in love can be. Othello was, perhaps, ahead of it's time, moving into the territory of interracial marriage. Othello, also, illustrates the importance of trust in any marriage and proves just how damaging hatred and jealousy can be. These are stories that have proven to be timeless.

The Comedy of Errors deals with a case of mistaken identity and twins separated at birth. A Midsummer Nights Dream is a romantic comedy of confusion among a group lovers created by a mischievous fairy-like creature. Shakespeare used ancient mythology and history in many of his plays; many of today's authors and screenwriters still, also, refer back to mythology and history. Julius Caesar, Anthony and Cleopatra and Richard III are just a few examples of historical plays.

Shakespeare's work has also passed the test of time in that there are still many productions of his works being made, today. His plots lay the groundwork for the works of others. Romeo and Juliet has been especially popular in the theater and movie industries. It has been modernized in futuristic movie version, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes. The base storyline for Broadway's West Side Story, Romeo and Juliet remains one of Shakespeare's most popular and timeless works.

The work of William Shakespeare is a plethora of human emotion, timeless story lines and immortalized characters; his work is as relevant today as it was in the days of Queen Elizabeth I. More than a mere playwright, Shakespeare could also be considered psychologist and a philosopher. He set the standard for all others who follow after him. His works will continue to captivate for generations to come; it is impossible to ever conceive of a day when the Bard's works will ever be considered irrelevant.

Learn more about this author, Opal Elaine Moyer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.