Looking Back

It was really interesting to re-read my blog posts and see my work and reactions to Shakespeare’s plays over a period of time. There are definitely some recurring themes within the posts; if I was unaware of my interests and tendencies before, I certainly have of clearer vision of my typical responses to literature. All of my blog posts thus far deal with either specific characters from the texts, relationships between various characters, or the impact a relationship has on a character or vice-versa.

It is obvious that I have a concern with people and relationships, but I did not realize that all of my responses had such a similar reaction to the readings. While characters, relationships, and their multitude of intricacies always are a source of enjoyment to me while reading literature, I believe I pay more attention to them in Shakespeare specifically. It is my favorite part of reading Shakespeare, as there are so many complex and diverse characters—making way for fantastic interactions and relationships between these characters. My blog posts this semester are proof of my feelings.

Although I could see myself elaborating on any the posts I have written this semester to turn them into complete papers, I realize that I should write about more than just Shakespeare’s characters and relationships. My interest in the characters and relationships will continue to satisfy my readings of Shakespeare and act as a starting point for my responses, but I would like to delve deeper into themes and other literary aspects. By broadening my horizons and moving away from my greatest sense of understanding in Shakespeare’s works, I will take more from the works than previously. It may be out of my comfort zone, but will open my mind to new ideas and interpretations.

Another aspect I have noticed by reviewing my posts is the fact that my initial reaction to the plays is not necessarily the current reaction. I have considered other interpretations, either based on further reading, class discussions, or a personal change in interpretation and reactionary thought process, and while I can still relate to my initial reaction to the text, I have a variety of alternate considerations to contend with as well. I can incorporate my various interpretations within a single post and focus more on questioning. I should start to question even my own interpretations and initial reactions immediately in these blog posts, as opposed to discovering the multiple interpretations at a later point. While basing these posts on my initial reaction, I can also work to consider more possibilities, as I would do when responding to another’s post.

Overall, I am happy to go over my blog posts and get an insight on my unconscious affinities in relation to literature—more specifically, in terms of Shakespeare.