What's a surprising statement about William Shakespeare that can be used as a hook in an essay? I can't seem to find any and my essay is starting to sound quite repetitive lol.
I've always been intrigued by the fact that he left his "second best bed" to his wife in his will. But I don't see how that would work as your hook.
Read through some of these Shakespearean quotes for some ideas.
http://www.google.com/#q=shakespeare+quotes
Interesting. I haven't heard about that fact, I should research into that as well. Thank you :)
You're welcome. Good luck.
Haha, appreciate it. Do you think ''The Greatest British/English Writer of All Time'' or something to that affect is a good title? Or is it a bit.. cliche?
I think you can find a better title.
Think about the times during which Shakespeare wrote.
After Henry VIII and all the turmoil he caused (English reformation, etc.)
After Henry's short-lived successors
During Elizabeth I's reign (including her near-constant problems with her cousin, Queen Mary of Scotland)
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-I
During James I's reign (James VI of Scotland, Mary's son). The King James Version of the Bible was translated and written during James' reign, too.
What can you say about a writer who was so prolific and so successful during both turbulent and relatively calm times?
A surprising and intriguing statement about William Shakespeare that can serve as a captivating hook for your essay is: "Contrary to popular belief, some scholars question the actual authorship of Shakespeare's works, suggesting they may have been written by someone else." Not only does this statement grab the reader's attention, but it also introduces a controversial topic that can spark curiosity and encourage further reading. To find more information and evidence to support this claim, you can follow these steps:
1. Begin by exploring the concept of the Shakespeare authorship question. This debate centers around whether William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon indeed wrote the plays and poetry attributed to him.
2. Investigate the primary arguments advanced by those who challenge Shakespeare's authorship. Notable alternative candidates often considered include Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere, and others. These theorists present various theories and evidence to support their claims.
3. Read and analyze scholarly articles, books, and reputable sources exploring the evidence both supporting and refuting the claims of alternate authorship. Evaluate the reliability and credibility of these sources by considering their author's expertise, the strength of their arguments, and the evidence presented.
4. Compare and critically assess the reasoning behind the traditional attribution of Shakespeare's works to William Shakespeare. Investigate the biographical information, historical context, and contemporary references that connect the Bard of Avon to his plays.
5. Consider the broader implications and consequences of questioning Shakespeare's authorship, such as its impact on the literary canon, the understanding of Renaissance literature, and the Shakespearean industry as a whole.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you will gather the necessary information to support or refute the surprising statement mentioned earlier, allowing you to produce an original and thought-provoking essay that goes beyond the usual repetitive arguments.