Librarian in Training
Miss Blake
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6-12 Library Media Specialist
Hello!
Shakespeare might have written his plays over 400 years ago, but his stories are still going strong today, just with a modern twist. From high school rom-coms to dystopian dramas, the Bard’s work keeps popping up in books, movies, TV shows, and even memes. Shakespeare’s themes of love, revenge, and jealousy are still like, totes relatable.
This research guide will help you explore how classic Shakespeare plays like Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Twelfth Night have been reimagined for today’s audiences. You’ll learn about modern adaptations that bring the characters into new settings, give them modern language, or even flip the story entirely. Whether it’s a teen movie like 10 Things I Hate About You or an intense drama about motorcycle gangs like Sons of Anarchy, you’ll see how Shakespeare’s influence lives on.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand Shakespeare better, but also how his work still shapes the stories we tell today and the world we live in.
Key Words/Terms
- William Shakespeare
- The Bard
- Modern Adaptation
- Retelling
- Reimagined
- Shakespeare in Film
- Modern Relevance
Search Instructions!
When searching for this topic, be sure to include some of the keywords above. As this topic is about modern adaptations of Shakespeare, make sure you are searching for sources that are no older than twenty years old. That means when conducting your research, be sure to include works only from the year 2005-now!
Start With These Resources!
Below you will find links the the sources that will you get started. You will find free readings of all of
Shakespeare's works, recordings of his plays, and a starting point to see just how he has influenced our modern
world.
How Shakespeare's Work Remains Relevant in the 21st Century
Shakespeare and Modern Popular Culture
Why is Shakespeare Still Important Today?
William Shakespeare's Influence on Contemporary Literature
Shakespeare in Film and Music
Below you will find links either to films or articles about films and music. These are great resources to show you the many modern adaptations of Shakespeare and how his work has influenced many types of media!
How the Shakespeare Conspiracy Shaped Modern Hollywood
Shakespeare into Film and Cinema
Shakespeare in the Classroom
These are tools that would typically be used by classroom teaches but can be very beneficial for you all as well! These are more examples of the way Shakespeare is used in the modern world, especially to appeal to teen audiences!
Bringing Shakespeare to Life in Class
Other Helpful Resources!
Although these sources don't fit in the above sections, they are still great resources for this project. You will see how Shakespeare's influence goes from funny memes, coffee shops, to countries across the world!
Citations and Annotations
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Citations and AnnotationsHere you will find all of the cited sources as well as annotations for each.