- Question
Is Shakespeare's writing universal and timeless?
Ben Jonson described Shakespeare as being "for all time" - that is, his works resonate with all time periods and peoples. His body of work spans poetry and plays, many of which are the most praised, quoted and performed still today. Is the work of Shakespeare truly this universal and timeless?
Yes, Shakespeare is universal and timeless.
This position holds that Shakespeare's writing is universal and timeless. It argues that the depth and beauty of his work let it resonate across the centuries — that he addressed complex societal issues still with us today, and explored rather than argued about his great themes.
No, Shakespeare's writing is of his time and place.
This position holds that Shakespeare's writing belongs to his own time and place, not the ages. It argues that the linguistic gap between the 16th century and now leaves him dated, that some of his work is exclusionary and bigoted, and that his plays are formulaic products of their era.