1. In the article, Michael Mack compares reading Shakespeare to listening to music, in order to describe why some people find Shakespeare difficult to understand. Many students do not take the time to reread Shakespeare because they cannot see the practical application of his work. Shakespeare can be like the music many do not like the first time. Reading it may be irritating and seem somewhat random, especially when many feel like they are not really able to read Shakespeare well. Mack argues that, just like when listening to new music, if you "listen" long enough, it will make more sense. The random will be seen as "complex" and as the reader begins to uncover the meaning, Shakespeare's writing will seem more "wonderful." Mack suggests, as many Shakespeare aficionados do, that students should reread Shakespeare over and over, until they have a breakthrough.
2. Mack believes that when you finally "get" Shakespeare, you are offered a lens to look at the real world through. You not only understand the plot of a story that may have been confusing, but you are able to understand your own life. Readers actually get advice on how to observe the world through the characters and plot of Shakespeare's work. Learning to read Shakespeare is also learning to "read the world." Understanding Shakespeare is also learning the origin of your thoughts.
3. First, Mack argues that Shakespeare is just as serious of a subject matter as science. In fact, it may be more beneficial to the reader because it offers a new way to look at the world. Mack describes Shakespeare's work as a mirror, one that reflects the world so that we can see its "true nature." By allowing readers to see the world as a whole, Mack begins his second argument by focusing on one part of the world: you.
Mack believes that by reading literary fiction, like Shakespeare, readers are able to apply the scenarios to their own lives. The reader may interpret himself as many of the characters, because in the span of his life, maybe he has been in similar situations or acted the same. By connecting to the story on a personal level, the moment of understanding provided insight to the the story and one's self. Mack ends this argument with his belief that the two way mirror of any literature allows you to apply your knowledge of literature to life, and life to literature.
Mack's next argument involves the readers' thoughts. Shakespeare should be read because many of our thoughts and ideas come from Shakespeare, thus we should be familiar with the source. For instance, to many, the the stereotypical marriage is always founded on love. However, in history, arranged marriages were much more common. Shakespeare's comedies provide one source of love ending in marriage. This expectation, along with others, were introduced by Shakespeare and were eventually adopted by cultures and human ideas. Reading Shakespeare is similar to researching the genealogy of one's thoughts.
Mack argues his next point as to why students should read Shakespeare from a more broad perspective. Shakespeare, like other authors who's works will be read while receiving a liberal arts education, helps to open the minds of the students. A liberal arts education provides students with the skills they need in everyday life, as well as in a job. By reading and understanding Shakespeare, students learn to think outside the realm of their own experiences. Once the student can think without prejudice and bias, he will be better equipped to have a successful career and life. Reading Shakespeare shapes the skills of the mind.
Mack's final argument as to why students should read Shakespeare is bases on the idea that heart is as important as the mind. The emotional aspect of Shakespeare's works allows the readers mind to learn about love and emotion, while teaching the reader how to use the two aspects of life together. The understanding of emotional and mental coexistence allows the person to be more educated on how to navigate through life.
4. The argument based on the idea that reading Shakespeare helps readers understand their own life is most convincing, to me. I agree that by reading about other characters lives and how they maneuver around difficult situations, I may copy their behavior if I am faced with the same situation. Shakespeare's characters may interact in a manner that seems unusual to me, but I can imagine myself in their situation, and the story will teach me how to react. People learn how to act based on how they were raised and what they take from their parents example. However, parents cannot live through every possible situation. By reading shakespeare, many other situations are acted out, and although they may be outlandish, the message behind the story can be applied to my life. Reading Shakespeare does provide a "mirror" for me to look at many real life situations and personalities I may encounter.