‘KNOCK KNOCK, – who’s there?’ is a joke everybody from seven to seventy must have told and heard – but how many people know it originates from Shakespeare?
Delph writer and journalist Jane Wright has just published a book about the great writer, called ‘Noble In Reason, Infinite In Faculty’, in which she explains this, and many other facts and theories, about what Shakespeare wrote and why.
The book, whose title is a quotation from ‘Hamlet’ and the ‘knock knock’ joke comes from ‘Macbeth’, is aimed at people who know a little about Shakespeare but who want to delve deeper.
“Maybe they want to improve their understanding and enjoyment before they go to a performance,” says Jane, who has a first class degree in literature.
“Shakespeare is fun, enjoyable and sometimes naughty, but too often the only time we learn about Shakespeare is at school, and that can leave a lot of people thinking his work is too difficult or daunting, or just not for them.”
Jane explained it was a visit to the theatre to see King Lear that led to the writing of the book, as her friend asked her to explain the plot, the language and characters.
Jane said: “It occurred to me there must be other people like my friend, and so the book began.”
The book’s publication has been timed to coincide with the 450th anniversary this year of Shakespeare’s birth.
Jane added: “Shakespeare lived through dangerous times, when which religion you followed could be a matter of life and death.
“I think he used his plays to show how his views on religion changed throughout his life, as did his thoughts about love and relationships, family, politics and lots of other everyday subjects that still concern us today.”
‘Noble In Reason, Infinite In Faculty’ is available as a paperback or e-book
through Amazon.co.uk
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