In this week’s reading (p 163-191) we are given more insight on what Newton believes Shakespeare is trying to say through his plays. Newton and Bates begin to make handbooks for other prisoners to be able to enjoy the work of shakespeare and be able to put their input into the discussions. The workbooks are based on the plays and a debriefing of what Newton thinks they should pay attention along with questions which make you think about what Shakespeare really meant. The one thing that stood out to me the most was when Bates asked Newton why he answered her survey with “Shakespeare saved my life,” Newton then continues to answer stating that he meant it literally and figuratively. Newton then explains that he meant it figuratively because “[he] came face to face with the realization that [he] was fake, that [he] was motivated by this need to impress those around [him], that none of [his] choices were truly [his] own.” (174) His explanation of why he meant it figuratively stuck out to me the most out of the whole section because I think we can all relate to this. Personally, I spent all of my four high school years trying to impress those around me. The way I acted, dressed, and even talked were all part of my disguise, I was doing it to impress those around me to be liked and accepted by everybody. Just like Newton had Shakespeare to release him from the bubble of always needing to impress others, I had music and marching band releasing me from the same thing. I realized that I should be who I really am and I will gain true friends who like me for who I am. Just like Newton have you ever felt the need to always be impressing those around you? Do you still feel like you are still motivated to be someone you are not? Why do you think people are always driven to make choices according to what other people think about them? Do you believe it is a social or mental issue?
Feel free to answer the the last two questions if the first couple are too personal. Thank you.
Feel free to answer the the last two questions if the first couple are too personal. Thank you.