William Shakespeare Research Paper

Seize the Day

William Shakespeare lived during the Elizabethan Age, an era of relative political stability. Under the rule of the benevolent Elizabeth I, the common folk were well fed and content. Referred to as the golden age in british history, this time period was known as a renaissance that ignited artistic movements and inspired national pride through international expansion, and naval victories over the Spanish. In addition to music, theatre and literature flourished thanks to the likes of Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, and of course Shakespeare himself. Shakespeare’s writing cannot be confined to one literary movement or one theme: his works explored countless concepts and utilized various writing methods. He was a master of drama

He was also influenced by the pastoral genre of the Renaissance period: “The pastoral genre depicts an idealized vision of a simpler, rural life and a longing for a lost world of innocence” ("Pastoral in Shakespeare's Works"). In addition, his writings are so riddled with biblical imagery and sophisticated references, that people question whether Shakespeare really wrote his writings. Some people even go as far as saying that he did not exist at all. One thing’s certain, whoever wrote Shakespeare’s work was a smart, well-educated person. Although “Carpe Diem” is not Shakespeare’s most renowned poem, it still spread an important message: live in the present. Through diction, William Shakespeare’s poem “Carpe Diem” demonstrates the popular Renaissance theme that people should "seize the day”. Similarly, that same theme is shown in Drake’s present popular song “Motto”. “Carpe Diem” is slightly different from his other works. Many of his poems and plays tackle the complexity of love and ambition, while this poem gives a simple message: seize the day. Shakespeare mentions this rhyming song in act 3, scene 2 of the famous Twelfth

Akin to the poem “Carpe Diem”, the song YOLO by Drake and Lil Wayne also talks about seizing the day. The chorus, “Now she want a photo, you already know though. You only live once, that’s the motto ni*** YOLO” simply says “you only live once” so take advantage. “Both the concepts of Carpe Diem and YOLO are essentially the same . . . Both give a message that people only have so much life left to live, so it's best to enjoy life and follow your dreams” (Cipolla, Wes). The idea of doing as you please, and more specifically, loving in the moment is seen more frequently now. Now, the “hookup” culture is not confined to the upper class, a certain age, or a specific sexual preference. The motto has simply taken on a new name while progressing through time, molding itself to the ideals of the shifting societies. Wes Cipolla reiterates, “The idea of YOLO is nothing new. Shakespeare once said, "I wasted time, and now doth time waste me." YOLO is not just an obnoxious catchphrase”. YOLO is the anthem of our generation; this idea became more widely accepted, elevating itself in