Dyersburg High School - Trojan Yearbook (Dyersburg, TN)

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XY LITERATURE

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Shakespeare Literary Club To thine own self be true. The students of the Senior-Sophomore division of the Literary Club of the Dyersburg High School, thought long and thoroughly before they de- termined what English author they would honor by making his name that of their club. On the outset they set a standard which their godfather must measure up to. They said: First, he must himself be a man in whose life we can find something to admire, second, his works must be of a character that they will endure, for if, later generations forget our godfather, surely we will be for- gotten alsog third, his works must have a variety and the deep-seated and often double-meaning of his best phrases must have puzzled critics ever since his day. In view of these standards they considered seriously the majestic sub- limity of Milton, the dignified classicism of Pope, the charming romance of Scott and the subtle realism of Dickens. They said within themselves: Surely any of these will meet our requirements. However, after more mature deliberation, they said: We find an author who combines and surpasses them all and meets our requirements in the fullest. Our godfather shall be neither Milton, nor Pope, neither Scott nor Dickens, but the friend of all our high school days, the sainted Shakespeare. Let the following criticism vindicate their choice. Sympathy, universality, humor, moral ideals, mastery of mother tongue, variety of style and his influence on the thought of later generations are the outstanding general characteristics that cause Shakespeare, by general consent to occupy the first place among the literary men of all nations and all ages. We find that each one contributed to his works that stand second, only to the Bible, in all literature. bk Pk 224 2? Shakespeare's influence on thought is evident in every subsequent author, almost without exception. Practically every great production since his time is not purely original, for the thought either directly or indirectly originated in his works or in the Bible. Those who have never read Shakespeare have been swayed by those who model their lives after his ideals. People who say they do not enjoy his works are found constantly quoting him either literally or in thought. If we but watch we can find his influence today in the pulpit, in the newspaper and in our every-day conversation. Can this be said of any other author with the exception of the authors of our sacred library, the Bible? The discussion of these seven characteristics but roughly sketch the powers of the greatest and most broad-minded man that ever wielded the pen. D. L. C., '27, Page thirty-five