Situation 8:
Charles' English Class
(After Mike leaves,Charles goes off to his second English
literature class of the day.He arrives early,takes
his seat,and waits for the professor to begin.)
Good afternoon,class.Today we are going to
discuss the reasons for Shakespeare's near
universal acceptanceand popularity the world over.
It is not that English literature is superior
to the literatures of other countriesor that Shakespeare
was a better writer than other authors.Although he was,of
course,a great writer,still,I believe,it is the universality
of his themes and stories which makes
him great.Almost anyone from any country at any time in
history can identify with these themes.For all people in all
times experience love, hatred,jealousy and
greed.Everyone at one time or another has
questioned the meaning of existence,or wanted to take
revenge on an enemy.Yes,class,it is these subjects and questions
which transcend timeand place that make Shakespeare not only
popular,but also great.