YouTube kanalımda Shakespeare'in hayatı, mutlaka okunması gereken kitapları ve kronolojik okuma sırası hakkında bilgi edinebilirsiniz: https://youtu.be/rGxh2RVjmNU

2004 yılında Türkiye'de yayınlanan Cennet Mahallesi dizisi acaba Shakespeare'in 1612 yılında yayımlanan Kuru Gürültü kitabından mı esinlenmişti? İşte, 400 senelik kadim soruya, yani dünyanın en önemli sorusuna cevap arıyorsanız bu karşılaştırmalı edebiyat incelemesini lütfen sonuna kadar okuyalım arkadaşlar...

Aşırı sıkıldığım bu karantina günlerinde, dünyanın üzerinde muhtemelen daha önceden yapılmamış bir şekilde, Shakespeare'in bu kitabındaki karakterleri Cennet Mahallesi dizisindeki karakterlerle karşılaştıracağım. Biliyorsunuz ki, bir zamanlar hepimiz Sultan ile Ferhat'ın bir yastıkta kocamasını, fakat o lanet olası Rüstem'in sinir bozucu mavi minibüsüyle birlikte kel kafasının bir yerlerden gözükmesini, sanki Scream filminde her deliğin altından çıkan hortlakmışcasına, çekiçle farklı deliklerden çıkan köstebekleri vurma oyunundaki köstebeklermişcesine karşılıyorduk.

Soundtrack'inde Adnan Şenses'in Bizim Mahalle adlı şaheseri bulunan Cennet Mahallesi aslında "Bizim mahalle aşağıki mahalle, Sizin mahalle yukariki mahalle" alıntısından besleniyor. Yunus ve Pembe'nin ailesi arasında oluşan gerilim, Sultan ile Ferhat'ın aşklarına sürekli mani oluyor. Aslında bu incelemeyi aileleri kavgalı olan Romeo ve Juliet kitabı için yazasım vardı, ama o kitabın sayfasını Cennet Mahallesi'yle zehirlemek istemediğim için o kitap özelinde farklı bir fikrim var, ilerleyen günlerde onun için hazırlıklara başlayacağım.

Neyse, Kuru Gürültü'de bizim mahalle Aragon, yukarıki mahalle ise Messina. Karakterlerin Cennet Mahallesi ile karşılaştırmalı hali ise bence tam olarak şöyle: Don Pedro - Yunus, Leonato (erkek ama olsun) - Pembe, Claudio ile Hero - Ferhat ile Sultan, Benedick ile Beatrice - Muharrem ile Menekşe, Don John - Rüstem, Borachio - Muavin Nuri, Conrade - Yanlışım varsa düzeltin Selim, Antonio - Götingenli Ethem, Balthasar - Beter Ali (ikisi de şarkıcı çünkü), Margaret - Fatoş, Dogberry - Komiser Cemil, Aşağıki mahalle - Aragon, Yukarıki makalle - Messina.

Bu kitapta da sinir bozucu bir şekilde insanların aşkını engellemeye çalışan bir Don John var, Cennet Mahallesi'nde de Rüstem var. Dizinin mavi minibüsü, bu kitapta karşımıza Hero adlı karakter üzerinden yapılan bir aldatmaca olarak çıkıyor. Yani tam olarak ben-zer iş-ler. Ayrıca Muharrem ile Menekşe'nin oturduklarında arkaya gittiği koltuğu maalesef bu romanda göremedim, fakat Claudio ile Hero arasındaki duygusal ilişkinin Benedick ile Beatrice arasındaki akılcı ilişkiyle birlikte tam olarak bir Cennet Mahallesi sentezine ulaştığını söyleyebilirim. Ayrıca Balthasar adında bir şarkıcı, Dogberry adında bir polis, Antonio adında yaşlı bir adam, Borachio ve Conrade adında yardakçılar olunca Cennet Mahallesi yönetmeni Serdar Akar'ın kaliteli bir Shakespeare okuru olduğunu düşündüm.

Aldanan-aldatılan, iyi-kötü, yalan-doğru, zeki-saf, zalim-masum gibi zıtlıklarla kurulan Kuru Gürültü gibi Cennet Mahallesi de mesela zalim Rüstem-masum Ferhat, iyi Yunus-kötü Pembe, zeki Beter Ali-saf Ethem gibi tezatlıkları içerisinde barındırıyor. Evet, biraz absürt olacak fakat dünya üzerinde Hegel'in tez ve antitezlerle oluşturmuş olduğu diyalektiği ile Cennet Mahallesi'ni ve Shakespeare'in bir oyununu birleştirmiş ilk kişi olabilirim.

Her an başka bir Shakespeare incelemesinde de Çiçek Taksi, 7 Numara, Avrupa Yakası, Bizimkiler ya da Kaygısızlar gibi eski dizilerimizle karşılaştırmalı bir edebiyat incelemesi yazabilirim, hiç belli olmaz. İnşallah ilerleyen günlerde Hamlet'i Burhan Altıntop ya da Othello ile Desdemona'yı da Kaygısızlar'daki Eleman ile Burcu'ya benzetmem arkadaşlar. Bu karantina insana her işsizliği yaptırıyor. :(

#7 In my ambitious scheme to read all of Shakespeare's remarkable works, I found myself thoroughly enjoying "Much Ado About Nothing."

One of the reasons for my liking was that a significant portion of the play is written in prose, which gives it a unique flavor. It's almost like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has been turned inside out. Instead of being in a magical green world, we are placed in the provincial town of Messina. Love here is just as convoluted as in other Shakespearean plays. However, the obstacles in "Much Ado" are less about external situations such as lack of parental approval, blood feuds, or mismatched social statuses. Instead, they are more psychological, with men fretting about their women being unfaithful and thereby making cuckolds of them. It makes one wonder if love truly makes fools of us or if it's pride that plays a more significant role. This play seems to lean towards the latter.

The story centers around two couples - Claudio & Hero and Beatrice & Benedick.

Hero is often present in male-centered scenes but remains silent. She is the epitome of a desirable Renaissance woman - to be seen but not heard. Despite all her appealing qualities, those around her easily believe that she has been unfaithful. Although her name suggests a strong character, her actual storyline is rather disappointing. She ends up with a man who appears to have a weak character and remains silent while her reputation is being defiled.

Beatrice, on the other hand, is one of my favorite Shakespearean heroines so far. In a time when talkativeness in women was considered undesirable, unchaste, and unmarriageable, Beatrice's loquaciousness defines her. However, her wit makes her a worthy partner for Benedick rather than a hindrance. The barrier for this couple is their own hesitation towards marriage, which they overcome with the help of others. Although their plot is more of a subplot or even an underplot, I found myself enjoying reading about them much more than about Hero & Claudio.

Before reading this play, I only knew that "Much Ado About Nothing" was a comedy. Now that I've delved into it, I would classify it more as a tragicomedy, with tragedy constantly lurking on the periphery of the story. It was like reading "Romeo & Juliet," but with the twist that R&J had survived in the end.

The most crucial aspect to understand about this play is that "nothing" was formerly slang for vaginas.

No, I'm aware that you might be thinking, "This seems like one of those things that people claim because it's humorous, but when you look it up, it's completely untrue," right? However, it is true. So, Rather A Pickle About Pussies is what we're discussing here.

The plot of this play, which is titled A Bunch of Bother About Beavers, or Very Vexed About Vajayjays, is, oh god, who cares. Everyone is confused and then they get married. There's probably cross-dressing involved, when isn't there. (There isn't.)

Ken Branagh's 1993 movie version of Mucho Mess About Muffs is his most successful Shakespeare adaptation. Although one could make a fairly convincing argument for Hamlet. Because it's so great, wow, he used every single line? No, it is not so great, it's boring. And in the second half, he starts piling on guest stars, right, because he knows it's boring and he's desperate. "Oh fuck, here's Robin Williams, does that help?" Of course it doesn't help. But here's the deep secret of Hamlet: you invite a girl over to watch it. (Or whoever, someone you want to make out with.) They're like, "Oh man, you're so classy, this sounds great," and then they come over and then it's so fucking boring that they literally have no choice but to make out with you. This seriously worked for me twice, which might not sound like much, but listen: no other thing has ever worked for me twice, including "being in a band" and "having a job," so relatively speaking for me, this is very successful indeed. Anyway, his version of Heaps of Hassle About Hoohas is bright, fun, and terrific.

Joss Whedon's 2012 version of Scads of Stress about Snatches, you really want it to be good, right? He's great, and the story goes that he basically threw a house party with all his friends where instead of Cards Against Humanity they played "Film Tons Of Trouble About Twats," and that sounds absolutely like the best house party ever. But someone made the bizarre decision to make Benedick an irredeemable douchebag, and the movie can't really recover.

Anyway, the actual play, which is called A Pretty Predicament About Punanis, is quite good. I'm not the world's biggest fan of the man's comedies - I prefer tragedies better, sue me, so do you, and if you say otherwise, you're lying - but one of his best is certainly this one, Quite A Commotion About Cooters.

\\n   3.5 STARS\\n

This is the first Shakespeare book that I have read in English.

And wow, it's like entering another world. It's absurdly brilliant or brilliantly absurd.

The story is extremely funny, simple, and very entertaining.

It's full of interesting characters and their antics.

The language used by Shakespeare is beautiful and poetic, yet it can also be quite complex at times.

Despite the challenges of understanding the old English, I found myself completely engaged in the story.

The play is filled with themes of love, jealousy, and deception, which are still relevant today.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience the genius of Shakespeare.

You could take the rating with a pinch of salt given that I generally tend not to enjoy the comedies much.

I have a deep love for Shakespeare's tragedies or tragicomedies. However, his comedies just don't work for me.

Part of the reason is that a comedy often seems a bit unreal. For example, the characters fall in love too quickly. And partially, it's because there is too much of a plot crammed into too little space.

A tragedy can simply hit the central idea (like Medea), but a comedy must invariably go through a series of motions. It includes the introduction of characters, the set-up, misunderstandings and conflicts, the resolution of the same, and happy endings. All the while, it has to retain comic wits. It's like walking a tightrope in a drama that must stay contained within time limits due to its very nature.

Moreover, from the few plays of Shakespeare that I have read, it seems that his comedies are comparatively much shorter than tragedies or tragicomedies. This might also contribute to my lack of enjoyment of his comedies.

So, after a rather grim start for me when it came to reading Shakespeare, I decided to persevere. I picked up a third play - Much Ado About Nothing.

In this play, Shakespeare presents two very different stories of romantic love. There's the love at first sight between Hero and Claudio, but their love has to overcome the machinations of Don John. Then there's Beatrice and Benedick, whose personalities keep them apart until others decide to play Cupid.

Maybe after reading the two previous plays, I have a better understanding of the language. In these plays, I was genuinely intrigued and eager to know the outcomes. I also felt more empathy with the characters. It's a Shakespearean high of 5 out of 12 for me, a strong Two Stars.

2006 read

Love and its expressions can take many forms, but not all are equally trustworthy. As the saying goes, "I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me." This sentiment reflects a certain degree of skepticism towards the grand proclamations of love from men. It implies that the sincerity of such declarations is often in doubt.

The response, "God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some gentleman or other shall'scape a predestinate scratched face," adds an interesting twist. It suggests that if the lady remains in this mindset, some gentlemen may be spared from the consequences of their insincere professions. In other words, if the lady is not easily swayed by empty words, she may avoid getting hurt or causing harm to others.

The final line, "Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours were," seems to be a bit of a taunt. It implies that the lady's face is already so unattractive that even scratching would not make it any worse. However, this could also be interpreted as a humorous exaggeration or a way to lighten the mood.

- I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me. [Prefiero oír a mi perro ladrar a un grajo que a un hombre jurar que me adora.]
- God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face. [Dios mantenga siempre a vuestra señoría en esa disposición de ánimo. Así se verá libre uno u otro caballero de los infalibles arañazos en la cara.]
- Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours were. [Si fuese una cara como la vuestra no podrían afearla los arañazos.]

Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon in Spain, is journeying to Messina, the capital of Sicily. He has just triumphed over his treacherous half-brother, Don John (the "Bastard"), in battle with few casualties and no important losses. Now, they are reconciled once more. His army requires rest and relaxation, and the governor of Messina, Leonato, is his long-time good friend.

Count Claudio, who has achieved glory in battle in the Prince's army and is a favorite of his royal boss, meets "Hero", the lovely daughter of Leonato. Needless to say, they fall passionately in love and are soon engaged. Claudio's best friend is Benedick, another noble soldier, and Hero has a cousin named Beatrice. The other two, Beatrice and Benedick, do not love each other; quite the contrary. The sharp-tongued and witty Beatrice is renowned for causing her suitors to meekly, dejectedly, and fearfully slip away into the night. The battle of words between Beatrice and Benedick is electrifying, with put-downs, name-calling, venomous insults, and anything else going. They fly like trailers in a tornado.

Don John hates his half-brother Don Pedro, is jealous of his power and position, and will always attempt to embarrass him if he cannot usurp the Prince. So, Don John, along with his men Borachio and Conrade, conspires to wreck the marriage of Don Pedro's friend Claudio. The Prince's brother is a petty man and arranges with Don Pedro, Claudio, and himself to witness the apparent infidelity of Hero. The three secretly watch below her window at night, with the recognizable Borachio in plain sight. But is the daughter of Leonato really there? Everything is ruined. The distraught Claudio breaks the engagement at the altar with angry accusations, and Hero faints dead away. Her father Leonato and his brother Antonio are humiliated, shamed, and later very enraged. These ancient gentlemen desire revenge as family honor demands it. But what can they do?

In another strange turn of events, with the help of the Prince and a masquerade ball, Beatrice and Benedick, unknowingly dance together and soon start to truly like each other. Meanwhile, the villains Borachio and Conrade are shortly arrested by the night watchmen of the city after overhearing them discussing some interesting secrets, information that is vital to many people. Brought before their leaders, Dogberry, the chief, and his deputy Verges, both speak a kind of language that only they can understand. Their words mean exactly the opposite of what is said. Dogberry says to his men about the criminals, "Come, take away the plaintiffs" and "Don't you suspect my office?" The clownish, kindhearted old men have seen better days. Will these friends be able to uncover the crimes of Don John before it is too late? Shakespeare, the greatest writer who ever lived, has yet another superb play, one of many in his illustrious and unequaled career.

I can see he's not in your good books,' said the messenger.

'No, and if he were I would burn my library.'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Unfortunately, while I was at an amusement park with my friends, OF COURSE we decided to go on a goddamn water slide. The people behind us were splashing us with water. My bag was not water proof. Neither are my books. Long story short: This book is ruined.

I am working my way through all of Shakespeare’s works and I think it’s safe to say that I am having the time of my life.

To be honest, there were times while I was reading where I kind of doubted that it was a comedy. Because there are some pretty dark aspects in this. But I still absolutely loved it. Beatrice and Benedick are everything. Claudio and Hero are just sweet, and the rest of the characters were amazing.

Once again, Shakespeare has managed to blow me away and make me want to read his plays 24/7. I’m not kidding. I’m serious. Shakespeare's works are like a magical world that I can't get enough of. The way he crafts his characters and weaves intricate plots is truly remarkable. Each play is a new adventure, filled with emotions, humor, and drama. I find myself completely immersed in the stories, and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for me.

Even if, by some highly improbable chance, you don't happen to have an affinity for this piece of glorious brilliance,

you can, at the very least, express your gratitude to the heavens and the great Will Shakespeare for the existence of this gif:

And also this one.


However, this is merely skimming the surface. Currently, I don't have any gifs readily available to fully capture the pure sublimity of 1000 flawlessly executed puns with varying degrees of ambiguity.

It's important to note that this is just a small sample of the vast and wonderful world of Shakespearean wordplay. There are countless other examples that could be explored and celebrated.

4.5/5

Another outstanding comedy penned by the Bard is presented here. It features the remarkable couple Benedick and Beatrice, who engage in a dance around their true feelings of love, much like the relationships of Sam and Diane or Mike and Gloria in a modern context (hopefully, some readers will understand both of those references).

Shakespeare's comedies are a treasure trove of wit, humor, and engaging characters. Each play offers a unique perspective on love, relationships, and the human condition.

In "The Comedy of Errors," we witness the chaos and confusion that ensue when two sets of identical twins are mistaken for one another. "The Taming of the Shrew" explores the battle of the sexes as Petruchio attempts to "tame" the fiery Katharina.

"The Two Gentlemen of Verona" delves into the themes of friendship and loyalty, while "Love's Labour's Lost" showcases the folly of young men who vow to abstain from love.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" takes us into a magical world of fairies and mischief, where love potions cause hilarity and confusion. "The Merchant of Venice" deals with themes of prejudice, mercy, and the power of love.

And the list goes on, with each comedy offering its own blend of entertainment and thought-provoking ideas. Shakespeare's comedies continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations of playwrights and writers.

In addition to the comedies, this article also provides a comprehensive list of Shakespeare's other works, including the histories, tragedies, and collections of his poems. It also includes a selection of Shakespearean criticism, offering different perspectives and interpretations of his plays.

Whether you are a die-hard Shakespeare fan or new to his works, this article is a valuable resource for exploring the rich and diverse world of one of the greatest playwrights in history.

I was perhaps overly ambitious when I decided to read two Shakespeare plays within a week. However, this experience has been truly remarkable. Despite the initial challenge, I found myself completely immersed in the rich and complex world of Shakespeare's works. The language, the characters, and the storylines all came alive in my mind, captivating my imagination and emotions.

As I delved deeper into each play, I discovered new layers of meaning and nuance that I had not previously anticipated. Shakespeare's ability to explore the human condition with such depth and authenticity is truly awe-inspiring. I felt a sense of connection with the characters, as if I was a part of their lives and experiences.

Finally, after a week of intense reading and reflection, I can say that I have not only accomplished my goal but also gained a profound appreciation for the genius of Shakespeare. This has been a truly rewarding experience, and I look forward to reading more of his works in the future.