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