I attended a Friday film night that showed “The Rose”, Shakespeare in Love and I have to say generally I was very surprised.

The scene and feel of the movie made it seem like a film that was based off of one of Shakespeare’s many plays. However, I was surprised as it intertwined an interpretation of how Shakespeare had the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet and I generally enjoyed the film. However, what surprised me the most was that by presenting the play of Romeo and Juliet in a way that made the audience had a glimpse of what the love story would have played out and meant in real life made me able to understand the lines of the play a lot better.

I think it showed that no matter what language and style that something is written through, they are written all about the same universal experiences. I remember how difficult it was for me to understand the lines back in high school. However when the lines were intertwined with imagery of an actual relationship, it became much easier.

Shakespeare is often portrayed as something so difficult to understand, not relatable, and not relevant for modern times. Now I understand that it really is just another language speaking about the same feelings and I hope that English teachers will continue to try to “universalize” Shakespeare writing.