Situation 8:

Charles’ English Class

(After Mike leaves,Charles goes off to his second English

literature class of the day.He arrives early,takes

his seat,and waits for the professor to begin.)

Good afternoon,class.Today we are going to

discuss the reasons for Shakespeare’s near

universal acceptanceand popularity the world over.

It is not that English literature is superior

to the literatures of other countriesor that Shakespeare

was a better writer than other authors.Although he was,of

course,a great writer,still,I believe,it is the universality

of his themes and stories which makes

him great.Almost anyone from any country at any time in

history can identify with these themes.For all people in all

times experience love, hatred,jealousy and

greed.Everyone at one time or another has

questioned the meaning of existence,or wanted to take

revenge on an enemy.Yes,class,it is these subjects and questions

which transcend timeand place that make Shakespeare not only

popular,but also great.