Will Shakespeare Outlast Tennyson and Longfellow in the Century to Come?

The question of whether Henry Shakespeare, Lord Alfred Tennyson, or William Longfellow will be most remembered in a hundred years is not a simple one, and the answer largely depends on how we define 'remembered.'

Shakespeare's Enduring Relevance

Shakespeare by a country mile has already surpassed the rest in name recognition and cultural importance. When high school English teachers are faced with the pressure to replace the Dull Writers of English Major Works (DWEMs) in their syllabi with poets who might not have those 'privileges,' it is Shakespeare who remains firmly entrenched in the curriculum. However, this isn't a straightforward comparison. Tennyson and Longfellow are 19th-century poets, while Shakespeare lived through the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Timeless Lessons in Populism

In his recent work "Tyrant: Shakespeare on Power"," Stephen Greenblatt convincingly demonstrates how Shakespeare's history plays and great tragedies offer potent lessons on how populists can gain and retain power. Shakespeare is a timeless writer, and the numerous modern productions that re-imagine his plays continue to make him relevant in our times. With a book like this and the evolving interpretations of his works, Shakespeare is likely to maintain his place in cultural memory and educational curricula for generations to come, including a hundred years from now.

Even today, knowledge of Tennyson and Longfellow is relatively limited. Their works are more easily accessible and readable than those of Shakespeare, but their impact on popular culture and academic discourse is minimal compared to his. In literature studies, the number of treatises on Shakespeare far exceeds those on Tennyson, and Tennyson is a relatively minor figure in global educational curricula. Longfellow faces even greater challenges in enduring relevance.

Big Data and Future Predictions

While the comparison of the three poets in terms of lasting influence and relevance might seem straightforward, the future is unpredictable. In 2118, the winner will not be chosen by scholars or poets but by a cyborg based on big data. The factors that will be considered are not the intrinsic beauty of human artistry but economic benefits and consumer spending on literary works.

It's impossible to say whether Shakespeare, Tennyson, or Longfellow will be remembered as chicken drumsticks grown in a plastic dish or as a fundamental part of human culture. However, considering Shakespeare's enduring impact on human nature, language, and culture, it is likely that he will maintain his relevance in popular culture. His insights into human behavior and his contributions to the English language will continue to be valued and studied, even if they are overshadowed by new technologies and cultural trends.

Contrast with Latin and Old Greek

Another way to consider the lasting influence of Shakespeare is to compare it with the status of Latin and Old Greek. These languages are invaluable to scholars but are considered "dead" languages. In contrast, Modern English, French, and Spanish are living languages with practical applications in everyday life. While Tennyson and Longfellow may have a place in academia, Shakespeare will continue to be relevant in popular culture. His works offer timeless lessons that are as applicable today as they were centuries ago.

In conclusion, while the future is uncertain, Shakespeare's enduring relevance in human culture, language, and insight into human nature suggests that he will continue to be remembered and studied in the century to come. Time will tell, but based on current trends, Shakespeare is the most likely candidate to maintain his position as one of the most remembered figures in literary history.