This English Language Day, explore some of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies that still move readers around the world.
English Language Day at the United Nations is observed on April 23rd, a date traditionally recognized as both the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare. English serves as one of the key languages for international communication, enabling people from diverse countries and cultures to connect, even when it is not their native tongue. This day was established to honor multilingualism and promote cultural diversity. William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s most renowned dramatist, is fondly remembered as England’s national poet and famously known as the “Bard of Avon” or simply “the Bard.” On this occasion, let’s explore some of Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedies worth reading in celebration of English Language Day.
‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is believed to have been first performed in 1606 and was published in the First Folio of 1623. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy. The play follows a Scottish general, Macbeth, who encounters a prophecy from three witches foretelling that he will one day become the King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and urged on by his wife, he murders the reigning king and seizes the throne. However, his guilt and paranoia push him further into a spiral of violence, leading to more bloodshed in a desperate attempt to secure his power. Ultimately, Macbeth’s descent into tyranny ends in madness and death for both him and Lady Macbeth.
Have you seen Vishal Bhardwaj’s film ‘Maqbool’? It’s an Indian adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth.’
(Credit: CommonFolks)
‘The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark’ was written sometime between 1599 and 1601 and stands as Shakespeare's longest play. Set in Denmark, it follows the story of Prince Hamlet, who seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius. Claudius has murdered Hamlet’s father to usurp the throne and marry Hamlet’s mother.
Have you watched Vishal Bhardwaj’s film ‘Haider’? It’s a powerful Indian adaptation of Hamlet, set against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict.
‘King Lear’ is loosely inspired by the mythological Leir of Britain. As he prepares for old age, King Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his two elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, who feign love to earn his favor. His youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to be insincere and offers only genuine respect. In response, Lear disowns her and gives her share of the kingdom to her deceitful sisters. Regan and Goneril later betray Lear, leading him to become homeless and eventually lose his sanity. His tragic downfall culminates in death and heartbreak.
In his work ‘A Defence of Poetry’, Percy Bysshe Shelley described ‘King Lear’ as “the most perfect specimen of the dramatic art existing in the world.”
(Credit: Medium)
‘The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice’ is set in Venice and Cyprus and follows Othello, a Moorish military commander, who is manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into believing that his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. ‘Othello’ is widely regarded as one of Shakespeare’s finest works, typically classified among his major tragedies. Shakespeare’s primary source for the play was a novella by Cinthio, which he adapted and reworked significantly.
Have you seen Vishal Bhardwaj’s film ‘Omkara’? It’s an Indian adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ is often celebrated as one of the greatest love stories of all time, yet it is also one of Shakespeare’s most profound tragedies. The play tells the tale of two young lovers from feuding Italian families. Over time, the characters of Romeo and Juliet have become archetypal young lovers. Shakespeare drew inspiration from two sources but greatly expanded the plot by developing key supporting characters such as Mercutio and Paris.
