Nothing Matters

     The plague closed theaters starting in mid-1592 into 1594 (16). Hughes states that during this time it seemed that it may have been possible that play writing would no longer continue. But as Turner states, "A plague makes nothing matter," although I do not see play writing to be nothing, during a plague its importance in the eyes of those witnessing death all around them may have viewed play writing and the theater as such. "Many of the great hopes of the previous decade had come to nothing. The fantasy of wealth from the New world had fired the imagination of the age"(49). Although these great hopes may have come to nothing, writing continued and once public gatherings were allowed to resume, Shakespeare's words brought a community back together. 
     I could only imagine watching everything and every one around me getting sick and meeting their maker. Death in this massive form must have drained the hope of many. However, others saw this as the time of nothing mattering. What once held no meaning or value now may be one's most important issue. I hope that I can live my life in this way. I want to take the time to look at the things I once saw to be nothing and look into them, as they matter. Most don't see things in this light. I googled "Nothing Matters" where I found the answers to depression, pictures of how small we are in this earth, why not to end your life among other sad views. It may start in this class, but we need to spread the new meaning of nothing matters.

 Blogging, Hughes, Shakespeare.


     After the discussion in class, setting up my first blog was going to be a piece of cake. However, I found this to be a little more difficult than originally anticipated. In an attempt to add everyone to a list, set up my background and so forth, the directions told me multiple times how simple it was, just do this...Boy did that make me feel less of a man. I am sure a six year old could have me up and running in no time, but for me this task was a challenge. I may have missed my calling with computers, I really do not know how to work them, but it is never too late to learn.
     Similarly, In the foreword to Essential Shakespeare, by Daniel Halpern, he states, " Contrary to the common cliche, poetry is not actually difficult to understand." To go even further, Ted Hughes states, "When the great speeches of his plays are taken out of context they are no more difficult to understand and appropriate than poems by other great poets. In many cases they are very much easier." For me, someone with a limited background in Shakespeare, poetry in general for that matter, I find this statement difficult to grasp. By narrowing the focus to a small yet important speech out of his work, I am losing the background information that may be needed to fully understand what is happening. As with the computers, it is never too late to learn poetry, for one never knows when they will find their calling.
      Hughes begins by showing us "To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow", which on its own I attempt to make sense of the meaning. However, I am privileged enough in the introduction to have Hughes inform me that this is spoken by Macbeth as he faces the army that puts an end to his career (3). It is thoughtful of Hughes to get the ball rolling for me, by walking me through this first poem offering a greater understanding of the speech. But Hughes wants to show throughout this collection that the background is not needed, on their own, these passages he has chosen are still wonderful, and a pure bonus (3). I am looking forward to finding the meaning and beauty of each passage for what it is individually, with the hope of being able to attain a better understanding of the background throughout the duration of this semester.
     Hughes continues on to tell us about the times and tribulations of Shakespeare, which I found very interesting, but my focus of interest peaked with the usage of new words throughout his plays and how he blended the language to cater to both the educated and lower class. By introducing new words into his plays, inserting an and, followed by a word known by all, Shakespeare made it possible for everyone attending to understand the plot while expanding their vocabulary. Ingenious.
     Well, enough for now, more tomorrow.

Tomorrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in thes petty place from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time; 
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player 
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, 
And then is heard no more; it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, 
Signifying nothing. 

                              Shakespeare