It is interesting to know the opinions of others when talking about Shakespeare. I, for one, enjoy his works while not many other I know do. I think it is important to society today or why else would it still be around. Yes, that’s right! Shakespeare is still taught today; however it is told in a way that is more appealing to today’s society, children in particular. Yesterday’s Hamlet is today’s Lion King. This is seen clearly through the actions and meaning of the different characters.
Hamlet Jr. is seen in Simba. Both of their parents, who are the rulers of the land, have died and now the princes are looking for a way out. Simba runs away, and Hamlet doesn’t take the responsibility of his father. Mufasa is seen clearly in the character of Hamlet Sr. Both kings are killed and come to their sons in a clear ghostly vision. They are both evoked to seek revenge for their father’s. Not only are the protagonists shown, but the antagonist are represented as well. Scar is seen in the actions of Claudius. Scar kills Mufasa as Claudius kills Hamlet Sr. Also, as Claudius takes the original queen as his wife, it is assumed that Scar takes Sarabi as his wife.
I find it interesting that a play such as Hamlet is undervalued while something such as The Lion King can take cartoons and bring the whole meaning of the play back to life in the present.
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I admire your writing abilities! They are great and this is a great comparison. Shakespeares plays do seem to come about in many modern movies and such.
ReplyDeleteI love this too! Very insightful. It's funny that you mention this because my colleague and I were just talking about how Hamlet and The Lion King are the same. It's like what I talk about all the time, there's nothing new under the sun, everything is just a different take on the same story.
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