Joe Slingers: Why Shakespeare Remains Relevant and Timeless

Today is the 6th in my series of blog posts celebrating the TEDxPortElizabeth 10th Anniversary. Mr Joe Slingers was my high school principal and also my English teacher in Grade 12 (matric). On the first day of school, he simply told the English teacher he would be taking our class, and she was not required to do so. I believe one reason he did this was that his son, who is now also a teacher at Uitenhage High School, had transferred to our school.

Why William Shakespeare Remains Relevant and Timeless Literature in the 21st Century

William Shakespeare, whose 450th birthday was celebrated in April 2014, is widely regarded as the greatest dramatist, poet, and prose writer in the history of the English language. His influence spans centuries and cultures, and his works continue to captivate audiences worldwide. But why has Shakespeare’s literary legacy remained so relevant through the ages? Today we explore the TEDx Talk by retired English teacher Joe Slingers, RIP, who died in 2022. He explored the top reasons Shakespeare’s works endure, focusing on his illumination of the human experience, masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and profound impact on language and culture.

The Enduring Legacy of Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s writing transcends time and geography. Revered as the most popular dramatist and poet in the Western world, his works are studied, performed, and cherished globally. His genius lies not only in his eloquent language but also in his ability to explore themes that are as relevant today as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. Love, betrayal, honour, bravery, and political intrigue are just a few of the universal motifs that Shakespeare weaves into his plays, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Illumination of the Human Experience

One of Shakespeare’s greatest strengths is his profound insight into the human condition. He masterfully captures the full range of human emotions—love, jealousy, ambition, despair, hope, and sorrow—in ways that resonate deeply with readers and audiences. Much like a skilled photographer capturing the perfect moment, Shakespeare finds the precise words to give voice to feelings often left unspoken.

For example, his works include some of the most beloved literary passages that articulate the joys and pains of life. His ability to verbalise these emotions makes his plays timeless, as every generation can relate to the struggles and triumphs of his characters.

Great Stories Across Genres and Cultures

Unlike many authors who specialise in a single genre or theme, Shakespeare’s storytelling is remarkably versatile. He wrote comedies, tragedies, histories, melodramas, adventures, love stories, and even fairy tales. This diversity ensures that Shakespeare’s works appeal to a broad audience and continue to be adapted into various formats such as ballets, films, and open-air theatre performances.

One notable example is Julius Caesar, a historical tragedy that explores political conspiracy, power struggles, and betrayal. The famous speeches from this play, including Mark Antony’s “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears,” illustrate Shakespeare’s ability to engage audiences in political and emotional drama that feels fresh even in modern times.

Political intrigue and public manipulation, as dramatised in Julius Caesar, are themes that echo strongly in today’s political climate. The play’s portrayal of loyalty, ambition, and public persuasion mirrors contemporary societal issues, demonstrating Shakespeare’s prescient understanding of power dynamics.

Compelling and Psychologically Complex Characters

Shakespeare’s characters are not mere stereotypes; they are complex, psychologically rich individuals whose internal conflicts and motivations resonate with audiences. His tragic heroes, such as Macbeth and Hamlet, are especially notable for their depth and complexity.

• Macbeth wrestles with ambition and guilt: “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition.” This line captures the timeless human struggle between moral conscience and desire for power.

• Hamlet embodies existential doubt and indecision, famously pondering: “To be or not to be, that is the question.” His internal debate about action and inaction remains deeply relatable.

Shakespeare also created memorable characters like the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, whose famous expressions of longing and love (“Wherefore art thou Romeo?”) continue to inspire.

In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare presents Shylock, a character who challenges audiences to grapple with themes of justice, revenge, and discrimination. Shylock’s poignant lines—“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?”—highlight his humanity, inviting empathy even as he plays the antagonist.

Everyday Expressions from Shakespeare’s Characters

Many phrases Shakespeare penned have become common idioms used today, such as:

• “The world’s my oyster” (The Merry Wives of Windsor), encouraging opportunity and adventure.
• “Give the devil his due” (Henry IV, Part 1), urging fairness even towards adversaries.
• “The better part of valour is discretion” (Henry IV), highlighting prudence over rash bravery.
• “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers” (Henry VI), often quoted in legal and political contexts.

These enduring phrases reflect Shakespeare’s influence not only on literature but also on everyday language. This is why Shakespeare remains timeless and relevant even in the 21st century.

Shakespeare’s Impact on Language and Culture

Shakespeare is credited with coining and popularising many words and expressions that remain integral to the English language. His inventive use of language and metaphor has enriched English vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Shakespeare’s works are staples in education systems worldwide, used to teach literature, history, and drama. His plays have even been incorporated into rehabilitation programs, such as prisons, where inmates engage with the texts to explore human nature and morality.

Key Themes That Resonate Today

Shakespeare’s exploration of fundamental human themes continues to resonate because these experiences are universal. His depiction of love’s joys and trials, the destructive nature of unchecked ambition, and the quest for justice remain relevant in contemporary society.

The political machinations in Shakespeare’s histories and tragedies mirror modern political climates, reminding us that the dynamics of power and corruption are timeless.

Post-Conference interview with Joe Slingers

Conclusion: Shakespeare’s Timeless Voice

According to Joe Slingers, Shakespeare’s works endure because they speak to the core of human experience with unmatched eloquence and insight. His complex characters, diverse stories, and universal themes transcend centuries and cultural boundaries, maintaining their relevance in the modern world.

Whether it is through the tragic ambition of Macbeth, the existential doubts of Hamlet, or the impassioned pleas of Mark Antony, Shakespeare’s voice continues to echo in our lives. His language enriches our vocabulary, his stories inspire countless adaptations, and his themes provoke reflection on what it means to be human.

As Shakespeare himself wrote in The Tempest, “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” Through his works, Shakespeare invites us to explore our dreams, fears, and hopes—making him, without doubt, the greatest literary figure of all time.

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