Shakespeare is NOT the Greatest Writer in the World

If you’re reading this as a citizen of a previously colonized area, I ask you this simple question. How many great writers can you name of your own culture/language and tradition? Now compare this to the number of Shakespeare plays you know by heart because you studied them in school. Your answer will make you realise where the problem lies.

William Shakespeare is a name that has become almost synonymous with literature. Celebrated for centuries as the world’s greatest writer, his works have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

His Popularity Was More of a Political Tool

This growth of Shakespeare’s influence in world literature did not happen in isolation but was intertwined with the political and colonial ambitions of the British Empire. As England started to exert its control over vast territories, one way to consolidate its power was through cultural assimilation. English became not only the language of administration but also of prestige and education. If you wanted to rise through the ranks of the society, English was the only way to do so.

In schools, colleges, and universities across colonized lands, from India to Africa, English literature, epitomized by Shakespeare, became a significant part of the curriculum. This was a strategic move to establish cultural superiority. By introducing Shakespeare as the zenith of literary achievement, it subtly relegated all other indigenous writers to a lower rank, making them seem inferior or less sophisticated.

Over generations, this practice ensured that Shakespeare was ingrained in the collective consciousness of even those thousands of miles away from England. Even today, Shakespearean plays are mandatory in school curriculum of former colonies. Students are more familiar with the streets of Verona or the castles of Denmark than with their local legends.

He Created Jewish Stereotypes

Our esteemed Shakespeare is also to be partly blamed for some of the major stereotypes we see in our world today. But, one must note that Shakespeare lived in a time where societal norms and beliefs were vastly different from today. His works reflect the prevalent prejudices of his era, and while some argue that his plays merely hold a mirror to society, it’s essential to critically examine his portrayal of certain characters and themes that were kind of problematic.

Perhaps the most obvious example of this is the character of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is portrayed as greedy, cunning, and vengeful. He famously demands a “pound of flesh” as part of his bond, which many interpret as a metaphorical (and sometimes literal) reflection of the bloodthirsty Jew. This portrayal dangerously aligns with age-old antisemitic stereotypes that paint Jewish individuals as selfish, untrustworthy, and malevolent.

While some argue that Shakespeare offers a nuanced portrayal by giving Shylock the famous speech, Hath not a Jew eyes? which humanizes him, the overall depiction leans heavily into kind of a caricature.

This becomes even more problematic when considering that in Shakespeare’s England, Jews had been formally expelled since 1290 and were demonized in the society. In this context, Shakespeare’s play risked reinforcing existing biases and prejudices.

His Potrayal of Women was Extremely Problematic

The women in Shakespeare’s plays are more often than not at the mercy of their male counterparts. While characters like Lady Macbeth or Rosalind may initially appear strong and independent, their arcs usually push them into roles that reinforce gender norms of the era.

Take, for instance, The Taming of the Shrew. The play’s central premise revolves around the “taming” of a spirited and independent woman, Katherina, by her suitor, Petruchio. By the end, Katherina’s will is broken, and she becomes subservient, delivering a lengthy monologue about the duties of a wife to her husband.

While some interpretations suggest this could be a satirical take by Shakespeare, it’s hard to ignore the overtly misogynistic undertones.

Using the Lower Class as Bait for Comedy

Lower-class characters, like the Mechanicals in A Midsummer Night’s Dream or the Porter in Macbeth, are often used for comic relief, their lack of education and “refinement” becoming the butt of the joke.

Characters of noble birth or high status, on the other hand, are usually given nuanced characteristics and storylines. While Shakespeare does sometimes break from this mold — showing the wisdom of the common man — the general trend in his plays leans towards upholding classist structures.

Final Thoughts

Shakespeare’s influence on literature is monumental, but the pedestal we’ve placed him on might be too high.

It’s essential to question that are we celebrating Shakespeare’s genius, or are we inadvertently glorifying the prejudices embedded within his tales? The world of literature has room for many greats, not just one. Let’s broaden our horizons and challenge the status quo, inviting debates and discussions about who else deserves our applause.

Maybe name some of the writers from your culture that you think are greater than Shakespeare in the comments and I’ll definitely look them up!