Shakespeare is defined as the 'father of English Literature'. Shakespeare was one of the world's greatest poets and prose writers delving into rich, complex language and complicated characters and themes that are still as much of today's world. It is a privilege of telling others you’ve read a Shakespeare play. In certain arenas, being able to carry on even a brief conversation.

His writings consisted of comedies, history, poetry and tragedies. And his plays have been translated into countless languages all over the world. Some of his famous works included:

• The Merchant of Venice
• A Midsummer Night's Dream
• Hamlet
• Antony and Cleopatra
• Twelfth Night
• Romeo and Juliet
• Macbeth
• Othello
• King Lear
• Winter's Tale
• As You Like It

The Reasons Behind Shakespeare's Influence and Popularity

• Illumination of the Human Experience
  Shakespeare's ability to summarize the range of human emotions in simple yet profoundly eloquent verse is perhaps the greatest reason for his enduring popularity. If you cannot find words to express how you feel, Shakespeare can speak for you. No author in the Western world has penned more beloved passages.


• Great Stories
  William Shakespeare was the most remarkable storyteller that the world has ever known. Shakespeare told every kind of story – comedy, tragedy, history, melodrama, adventure, love stories and fairy tales – and each of them so well that they have become immortal.
  
  Some may say that Shakespeare's writing has inspired many of today's best modern works. All of Shakespeare's plays have terrific story-lines. His themes include:
  
  • Revenge
    
  • Love
    
  • Marriage
    
  • Power
    
  • Ambition
    
  • Murder
    
  • Obsession
    
  • Dreaming
    
  • Ambition
    
  • Loyalty
    
  • Death
    
  • Sin
    
  • Guilt
    


• Compelling Characters
  Shakespeare invented his share of stock characters, but his truly great characters – particularly his tragic heroes – are unequalled in literature, dwarfing even the sublime creations of the Greek tragedians.
  
  Shakespeare had a wonderful way of exploring his characters and describing their emotions. Shakespeare's characters are full of everything you can imagine and more. What better way to build a child's imagination and teach them about the different themes today's world holds than to encourage them to read Shakespeare?
  
  Shakespeare used his characters, each one having a special personality trait, for us to see a reflection of our own lives and make changes where needed.
  


• Ability to Turn a Phrase
  Shakespeare is very well known for it is his powerful portrayal of words and the famous quotes we still hear today from his works. Many of the common expressions now thought to be clichés were Shakespeare's creations. Chances are you use Shakespeare's expressions all the time even though you may not know it is the Bard you are quoting.
  


• Cultual Capital of American Society
  The culture of the English is well documented by the Shakespeare dramas. Shakespeare’s institutionalization in our education system reflects how pervasive he is in society. His work is referenced in novels, movies, commercials, and board games. Shakespeare’s language and stories grant access to cultural capital that could help everyone understand some aspects of American society.
  


• Influence modern day drama
  Shakespeare in his work addressed human issue so articulately with his genius use of words. The works are timeless and form the basis of modern drama. The modern day dramas differ from the Shakespeare drama because they rely on visuals while the later relied on words to pass messages.
  


• Challenging and inspiring
  There is no better way to challenge a child's reading than to have them study some Shakespeare. Once a child feels comfortable with their reading a great way to build their eagerness and stimulate their brains is to encourage them to read some of Shakespeare's works. A great way to do this is to read together the first time to help them slowly understand the language and be there to help them overcome any difficulties they may face at first.
  
  Reading Shakespeare can be a wonderful learning curve and a great ability for any child to possess. Shakespeare's writings are timeless and full of meaning. Children can learn so much from studying the works of this famous bard including understanding the history behind his writings and learning from the messages he wished to convey.
  

Shakespeare is relevant today and has stood the test of time. Readers can resonate with the universal message his works pass. The works are a good source for the English literature and thus one cannot claim to understand without understanding Shakespeare. He is the foundation of the English literature and thus it would be unwise to banish him and important for students’ studies.