Lo answers “Why does this masterpiece--yes, a true...”

Philip Fitzell asked this question about King Lear:

Why does this masterpiece--yes, a true masterpiece--continue to collect dust on library shelves? I'm almost finished not reading but studying its verbal tapestry, so intricately woven with the emotions of its characters. The play holds together, where no thread can be pulled from it. King Lear is Shakespeare's best play. Perhaps this work is neglected, because it requires thinking on the reader's part. Sad--so sad...

Lo I hear what you're saying, but it's simply untrue that no one reads Shakespeare anymore... King Lear has thousands of reviews. Shakespeare is read far…moreI hear what you're saying, but it's simply untrue that no one reads Shakespeare anymore... King Lear has thousands of reviews. Shakespeare is read far, far, far more often than anything else from his time period, and their enduring success places them among the most popular works of all time.

While I, too, wish more people read Shakespeare, I also know better than to think that insulting people will make them more open-minded to my opinions. It's condescending beyond belief to assume that if someone isn't a fan of something, that must imply stupidity or laziness on their part. Sure, some people are lazy, but the bad reputation Shakespeare has among some folks is more easily attributed to the poor way his works are taught to kids too young for them.

Or, if you want, you can assume people who don't share your taste are morally flawed, and get angry about it. It's your life, and if that makes you happy then enjoy... as you like it!(less)

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