The Most Influential English Writers Of All Time
Statistics can sometimes be complicated, but most of the time they arouse our curiosity. According to figures, more than 700 million people across the world speak English, either as their first or second language. But who made this language famous all over the world? Come with us on an interesting trip among the writers who have had an important role in spreading the uniqueness of English literature.
William Shakespeare
‘Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day?’ Starting with Shakespeare is like starting with the ABC. However, quoting Shakespeare in this list is necessary, essential and something we owe to human-kind! The importance of his work is evident in the fact that around 3,000 words he created are still used in contemporary English today. Shakespeare was alternative, with a bohemian style, but also a brilliant businessman and sometimes an actor for his own shows. Othello, The Tempest, Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice are some of the 37 plays he wrote during his lifetime. If we also consider the 154 sonnets he created, it is easily understood why he is considered to be one of the most prolific and powerful writers of all the time.
Jane Austen
‘The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid’ The novelty and power of the messages Jane Austen wrote still stand true and have done since the end of the 18th century. Her most popular book Pride and Prejudice discovers the passionate and eclectic Elizabeth Bennet, probably her most known character, showing Austen’s vision of the world of women. She was a pioneer of English literature due to her brand-new writing style, with quick and catchy dialogues that transport the readers straight into the characters’ minds. The filmography is also rich and always updated. Anne Hathaway (Becoming Jane, 2007), Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, 1995) and Keira Knightley (Pride and Prejudice, 2005), are some of the actresses who have recently played these powerful characters; appealing to more people and making them aware of the importance of Jane Austen and her writing.
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