“All the World’s a Stage, And all the Men and Women Merely Players”
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is widely considered the greatest dramatist of all time as well as the most influential writer in the history of the English language.
His impact on literature is so massive that that every one of his works are great works. We were privileged to host an enlightening session titled “Shakespearean Spotlight: Unveiling Stories and Characters,” led by the esteemed Dr. Sandhya Ruban. The event was a deep dive into the timeless works of William Shakespeare, focusing on the richness of his narratives and the complexity of his characters.
One of the session’s highlights was Dr. Ruban’s dramatic narration of the story of King Lear. She skillfully recounted the tragic tale of the aging King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their professed love for him. Through her vivid storytelling, we experienced Lear’s descent into madness and the harsh realities of human nature.
Adding to the enchantment of the session, Dr. Ruban transported us to the eerie world of Macbeth with a chilling recitation of the witches’ spell. The famous lines echoed through the room:
“Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and caldron bubble.”
Her dramatic delivery of the spell, complete with the witches’ incantations and eerie ingredients, brought a sense of magic and foreboding to the session. Dr. Ruban encouraged interactive discussions throughout the session, inviting participants to share their thoughts and interpretations of Shakespeare’s works. Dr. Ruban’s passion for teaching and her ability to connect Shakespeare’s themes to contemporary issues made the session both educational and inspiring. The students left the session with a renewed enthusiasm for literature and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature as portrayed by Shakespeare.