Over here in the UK Shakespeare has been in the headlines twice this week. Both news stories that Shakespeare scholars would not perhaps have predicted. One concerning his bones which it appears may or may not have gone walkabouts. It’s his skull specifically that’s under scrutiny so yes, you’ve guessed it, there have been Hamlet puns a-plenty, and no conclusive decision either way. To read more about walkabout bones, churches, and Shakespeare’s skull have a look here.
The other headline hitting story is all about jet-setting and all kinds of travelling, that’s right all new British Passport holders won’t be able to go on holiday without Shakespeare and other literary companions. High security Shakespeare isn’t something the academy might have predicted but news this week has been full of these UK passport changes, and the inevitable controversy following them. Why for instance are female authors such as the Bronte sisters, or Austen absent when Shakespeare finds a place. Shakespeare, I should make clear isn’t the only person to feature in the new passports. Ada Lovelace, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (the man behind the red telephone box, among other things), and John Constable are among others to feature in the new passport format. To see more about the new high-security Shakespeare hallmark, click here.
Sticking with the classics for now, this week I came across this text version of some classics–that’s right, Rochester and Heathcliff texting. This all comes from a new book called Texts From Jane Eyre And Other Conversations With Your Favourite Literary Characters by Mallory Ortberg, and, of course, Hamlet gets some treatment (involving a tuna sandwich and a vacuum cleaner, no really!). Don’t believe me? Take a look here. Virginia Woolf, Harry Potter, and King Lear also feature.
Because it wouldn’t be a foolery column without a quiz–this week’s comes to you from SparkNotes and will help you answer that burning question you’ve always had: which Shakespearean character should you date?
Knock Knock, who’s there? Yes, the 31st of October isn’t all about Hallowe’en. It also happens to be the national Knock Knock joke day. You can read a range of them here, including the ‘Hamlet, you know who’s there’ one.
Finally, this week here’s a treat for all you animal lovers, and those who love a good chuckle. This post, which I came across this week, offers images of animals auditioning for Shakespeare, including my favourite one where bears meet Romeo and Juliet.
That’s all for now folks, until next time keep foolin’ around – Shakespeare style.
