Podcast Summary: Hardcore Literature – Ep 87: Appreciating Shakespeare on My Birthday

Host: Benjamin McEvoy
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Podcast Description: Hardcore Literature is your new favorite book club, delving deep into the greatest books ever written. From provocative poems to evocative epics and life-changing literary analyses, the podcast doesn't just read the great books—it lives them. Host Benjamin McEvoy invites listeners to explore and savor the literary masterpieces of Shakespeare, Homer, Tolstoy, and more, embarking on a reading adventure of a lifetime.

Introduction

In Episode 87, titled "Appreciating Shakespeare on My Birthday," Benjamin McEvoy marks a personal milestone by dedicating his birthday episode to celebrating his lifelong passion for William Shakespeare. As the Hardcore Literature Book Club approaches the culmination of their extensive Shakespeare project—reading the Bard's complete works in chronological order—McEvoy reflects on the journey, shares his favorite soliloquies, and offers insights into Shakespeare's enduring legacy.

Celebrating Shakespeare: A Birthday Tribute

[00:00] Benjamin McEvoy:
"Today, I wanted to do something a little bit different and a little bit special. As it is my birthday, I thought, what do I want to do on my birthday? I want to spend some time with you and I want to spend some time with my favorite writer of all time and that is Mr. William Shakespeare."

McEvoy expresses a heartfelt desire to celebrate his birthday by delving deeply into Shakespeare, emphasizing the personal significance and emotional connection he has with the playwright. He acknowledges the bittersweet emotions as the book club nears the end of their Shakespeare project but assures listeners that their engagement with Shakespeare will continue through future recommendations and rankings.

Journey Through Shakespeare's Complete Works

Reflecting on the book club’s endeavor, McEvoy lauds the experience of reading Shakespeare’s works in chronological order, describing it as his personal favorite read-through and lecture series. He highlights the richness of the project, noting the collaborative discussions and the depth of understanding gained through this immersive approach.

McEvoy:
"It has been my personal favorite read through and lecture series that we have ever done."

He invites new listeners to join the ongoing conversation and access the back catalog of lectures via Patreon, emphasizing the communal and interactive nature of the Hardcore Literature Book Club.

Favorite Speeches and Soliloquies

1. Macbeth’s Soliloquy: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow"

McEvoy begins with one of his most cherished passages from Macbeth. He dissects Macbeth's soliloquy delivered after the death of Lady Macbeth, highlighting the overwhelming guilt and existential despair that engulf the protagonist.

[Timestamp Example: 05:30]
"Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time..."

He references the masterful interpretation by Sir Ian McKellen, who advises placing emphasis on the word "and" rather than "tomorrow" to convey Macbeth’s sense of futility and the relentless passage of time. McEvoy connects Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s complex relationship, praising their mutual support despite their villainous actions.

2. Hamlet’s Soliloquies

a. First Soliloquy: "Oh, that this too too solid flesh would melt"

Delving into Hamlet's profound struggle, McEvoy explores the Prince of Denmark's contemplation of life and death following his father's demise and his mother's swift remarriage to King Claudius.

[Timestamp Example: 15:45]
"O God, God, how weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!"

He discusses the existential themes and the portrayal of Hamlet’s deep melancholy, emphasizing Shakespeare’s ability to capture the human condition with unparalleled depth.

b. "To Be or Not to Be" Soliloquy

Arguably the most famous speech in literature, McEvoy provides an exhaustive analysis of Hamlet’s contemplation of suicide and the fear of the unknown afterlife.

[Timestamp Example: 25:10]
"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune..."

He praises Shakespeare’s masterful use of the simple verb "to be" to articulate profound ontological and epistemological anxieties. McEvoy highlights the soliloquy's timeless relevance, connecting it to modern struggles with depression and existential dread.

McEvoy:
"Shakespeare was to take one of the most operative and innocuous verbs in the English language, to be... He took this onological anxiety like we have never seen before."

c. Personal Reflections on Hamlet

McEvoy shares his admiration for Hamlet, ranking it as his number one favorite Shakespearean play. He contemplates the universality of Hamlet’s character, asserting that “There are as many Hamlets as there are people and we are all Hamlet.”

McEvoy:
"Hamlet's the ambassador of death. Falstaff from Henry IV would say, 'Give me life.' And both of these characters are two halves of Shakespeare's psyche."

3. As You Like It: "All the World's a Stage"

Shifting to As You Like It, McEvoy examines Jacques' famous speech that likens life to a theatrical performance, outlining the seven ages of man.

[Timestamp Example: 35:20]
"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players..."

He appreciates the speech’s depth, noting its philosophical overtones and its reflection of Shakespeare’s view of humanity as actors navigating various roles throughout life.

4. King Lear: The Storm on the Heath

In discussing King Lear, McEvoy focuses on the iconic storm scene, where Lear confronts the elements as a metaphor for his loss of power and sanity.

[Timestamp Example: 50:05]
"Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!..."

He interprets Lear's rage against the storm as a manifestation of his inner turmoil and societal chaos, highlighting Shakespeare’s prowess in blending natural imagery with psychological depth.

5. Julius Caesar: Mark Antony’s Funeral Oration

McEvoy analyzes Mark Antony’s masterful speech in Julius Caesar, famed for its persuasive rhetoric and ironic repetition.

[Timestamp Example: 1:05:30]
"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him..."

He underscores the speech’s intricate use of irony and its pivotal role in turning public opinion against the conspirators, demonstrating Shakespeare’s understanding of political manipulation and eloquent speechmaking.

6. Anthony and Cleopatra: Enobarbus' Description

Exploring Antony and Cleopatra, McEvoy highlights Enobarbus' rich and vivid description of Cleopatra, showcasing Shakespeare’s unparalleled use of imagery and language.

[Timestamp Example: 1:20:15]
"Her own person it beggared all description. She did lie in her pavilion..."

He commends the poetic beauty and the sensory details that bring Cleopatra to life, reflecting the deep emotional and political complexities of the characters.

7. The Tempest: Prospero’s Farewell

As Shakespeare’s final solo work, The Tempest, McEvoy discusses Prospero’s poignant farewell to the theater and the ephemeral nature of life and art.

[Timestamp Example: 1:35:40]
"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."

He interprets Prospero’s dissolution of the magical realm as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of theater and existence, celebrating Shakespeare’s lyrical closure to his illustrious career.

Personal Connection to Shakespeare

McEvoy shares a touching narrative about his grandmother, whose love for poetry and the theater ignited his passion for reading and Shakespeare. Her influence led him to explore the complete works of Shakespeare, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and Charles Dickens, shaping his literary journey from a reluctant reader to an ardent lover of classic literature.

McEvoy:
"Thanks to my grandmother, because of the way she used to talk about poetry and how she used to talk about going to the theatre in Dublin as a young girl."

He recounts his early experiences with Shakespeare’s works, starting with Romeo and Juliet and moving through other plays, acknowledging the initial confusion but enduring fascination with the Bard’s powerful language and storytelling.

Shakespeare's Influence and Legacy

Throughout the episode, McEvoy emphasizes Shakespeare’s profound impact on literature, language, and modern storytelling. He discusses Shakespeare’s ability to capture universal human experiences, his innovative use of language, and his influence on countless authors and playwrights.

McEvoy:
"Emerson would say that the majesty of Shakespeare comes in the fact that our own rejected thoughts return to us with an alienated majesty when we read Shakespeare."

He explores how Shakespeare’s themes—such as power, ambition, love, and existential angst—remain relevant, resonating with contemporary audiences and continuing to inspire new generations.

Upcoming Projects and Recommendations

McEvoy hints at future content, including a ranking video of Shakespeare’s works to be released on the Hardcore Literature YouTube channel. He also previews upcoming book club selections, such as Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury, drawing inspiration from Shakespearean themes.

McEvoy:
"Our next big read is going to be a work by William Faulkner, The Sound and the Fury. He takes that title from this speech 'signifying nothing.'"

He encourages listeners to delve deeper into Shakespeare’s plays and other literary masterpieces, highlighting the educational and transformative potential of engaged literary study.

Invitation to Join the Book Club

Towards the episode’s conclusion, McEvoy extends an invitation to join the Hardcore Literature Book Club, emphasizing its diverse reading list that spans from Shakespeare and Tolstoy to contemporary authors like David Foster Wallace and Toni Morrison.

McEvoy:
"If you would like to read any of Shakespeare's plays in depth with me with my commentary, my lectures and my writing, recommended resources and the discussion that happens amongst the members of the Hardcore Literature Book Club, then do join us@patreon.com/hardcoreliterature."

He outlines the benefits of membership, including access to an extensive back catalog of lectures, read-throughs, and bookish discussions available on-demand, fostering a community of passionate literature enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In this deeply personal and intellectually stimulating episode, Benjamin McEvoy intertwines his celebration of his birthday with a comprehensive appreciation of William Shakespeare’s enduring genius. Through detailed analyses of iconic soliloquies and speeches, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the transformative power of literature, McEvoy not only honors Shakespeare’s legacy but also inspires listeners to engage profoundly with classic literature. The episode serves as both a tribute and an invitation—to celebrate, explore, and live the great literary works together.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Macbeth Soliloquy:
  "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time."
  [05:30]

• Hamlet’s First Soliloquy:
  "O God, God, how weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!"
  [15:45]

• Hamlet’s "To Be or Not to Be" Soliloquy:
  "To be, or not to be: that is the question..."
  [25:10]

• As You Like It’s "All the World’s a Stage" Speech:
  "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players..."
  [35:20]

• King Lear’s Storm Scene:
  "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!..."
  [50:05]

• Julius Caesar’s Funeral Oration:
  "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him..."
  [1:05:30]

• Anthony and Cleopatra’s Enobarbus’ Description:
  "Her own person it beggared all description..."
  [1:20:15]

• The Tempest’s Farewell:
  "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."
  [1:35:40]

Join the Conversation:
Share your favorite Shakespearean passages and plays with Benjamin McEvoy by joining the Hardcore Literature Book Club. Engage in in-depth readings, insightful discussions, and become part of a community that keeps great literature alive.

Follow and Subscribe:
Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Hardcore Literature on your preferred podcast platform and supporting the book club through Patreon at patreon.com/hardcoreliterature.

Happy reading!