Shakespeare Interpreted: Adaptations in Modern Times

By Rilewa Ayoade

William Shakespeare was many things. A poet, writer, actor. Known today as one of the most prolific and prominent English writers, the impact of his writing is still felt today, in people's lives, and in literature. His writing is so well established in English literature that even in recent years, decades beyond his time, his works continue to inspire and guide other writers today. 

For example, some of his plays have been adapted into books, such as the ones listed below.

Two Winters by Lauren Emily Whalen (2021)

The Winter’s Tale

Starting in 1997, Two Winters tells a story over the span of two, well, winters, chronologically detailing the lives of its characters. It starts with the turns and twists in Paulina and Mia’s story, when Mia has found herself pregnant. The story picks up in the winter of 2014 with the story of Perdita, months before her seventeenth birthday, who wants to find her adoptive parents.

The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake (2019)

The Twelfth Night

A coming of age story, The Last True Poets of the Sea draws inspiration from Twelfth Night. Drake’s story revolves around the Larkin family, and follows the main character Violet, as she navigates her first real relationship amid family woes.

Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood (2016)

The Tempest

Atwood’s adaptation of Tempest approaches the story from the perspective of an Artistic Director, Felix, who has just been let go of his job at a theatre festival. He is able to find new employment teaching Shakespeare to inmates at a local prison. Throughout his production of the Tempest, the plot of the work plays out in the book itself, making for an interesting read.

Shylock is My Name by Howard Jacobson (2016)

The Merchant of Venice

A Retelling of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is My Name retells the story from the point of view of the eponymous Shylock. Telling his story with irony, themes include conflict, revenge, and reconciliation.

Desdemona by Toni Morrison (2012)

Othello

Desdemonda tells the story of the titular Desdemona, who is Othello’s wife in the original play but the heroine in this telling. Morrison’s adaptation walks readers and play-goers through her grief, and tales of love, heartbreak, and personal history.The story is told through narrative and at times, song and music.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (2008)

Hamlet

Edgar Sawtelle lives on a farm in Wisconsin with his family. He was born mute, and as the story develops he has to flee into the nearby wilderness with no company save for three dogs. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a coming of age story set in the Wisconsin woods, until he is forced to reckon with the choice of learning the truth or leaving for good.

A variety of Shakespeare’s plays have also received the more modern film treatment. Below, are some of his works that have been adapted into screenplays which were then made into movies.

Anyone But You (2023)

Much Ado About Nothing

Bea and Ben are virtual strangers when they meet. After a few awkward encounters, they are not on the best of terms. Life keeps pushing them together, though. Anyone But You is a tale of perseverance in the worst of circumstances, and a fresh take on a notable piece of literature.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Romeo and Juliet

In an apocalyptic world, this Romeo and Juliet retelling is told through the characters R, a zombie, and Julie, a human. This paranormal film, told from R’s perspective, takes place years after a zombie apocalypse started, and chronicles how R falling in love with Julie gradually humanizes him.

Deliver Us From Eva (2003)

The Taming of the Shrew

Adapted from Taming of the Shrew, Deliver Us From Eva tells the story of Eva as she is pursued by Ray, after he is paid by people she knows. The film tells the story of Eva and Ray’s turbulent relationship.

O (2001)

Othello

O is a romantic thriller adaptation of Othello. Set in a high school, viewers see the main character, Odin James’ life play out. Set in a high school, O tends, at times, to be a sports centric film, and much of the plot is driven by events that occur during basketball games or typical social interaction between characters.

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Henry IV Parts I & II, Henry V

My Own Private Idaho is a Drama film by Gus Van Sant based in part, on Henry IV, and V. It centers Mike Waters, and Scott Favor as they journey in search of Mike’s family. From bouncing around the U.S., and eventually to Rome and back, the main character’s friendship faces tests and adversity throughout the film.

L.A. Story (1991)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

With a plot loosely based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, L.A. Story focuses on Harris K. Telemacher. He is a Los Angeles weatherman, and having grown tired of L.A, this romantic satire plays out after he meets a journalist, Sara, amidst his efforts to escape the exhaustions of everyday life.

These retellings, adaptations, or works that were simply inspired by Shakespeare prove that  no matter how long something has been around, there’s always a new way to breathe life into it. Whether something simply serves as inspiration for you, or you choose to adapt the story in a fresh, new, way, there’s always a new angle to explore.