The ultimate storyteller is Shakespeare, who was able to get the

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Jon Favreau, who calls forth the greatness of the master storyteller: "The ultimate storyteller is Shakespeare, who was able to get the 'groundlings' to laugh at his bawdy humor and storylines but could still be studied by scholars to this day for the complexity of his language, meter, and symbolism. That's the real guy." These words speak to the essence of Shakespeare’s genius—a genius that transcended time, class, and the limits of storytelling itself. Shakespeare was not merely a playwright, but a visionary who bridged the gap between the common man and the intellectual elite, weaving tales that resonated deeply with both the heart and the mind.

In the ancient world, the art of storytelling was revered as the highest form of wisdom. Homer, the blind poet of ancient Greece, taught us that stories were not just for entertainment, but for the preservation of culture, values, and the soul. The Iliad and the Odyssey were not merely tales of gods and heroes, but blueprints for understanding the human condition. Just as Homer crafted stories that spoke to the nobility of the gods and the struggles of men, so did Shakespeare create a world where humor, drama, and tragedy mingled seamlessly. He understood that to truly connect with the audience, whether noble or common, the story must speak to both the simple and the complex parts of the human experience.

Consider the great Athenian playwright Sophocles, whose works, like Antigone and Oedipus Rex, explored the depths of fate, morality, and the human soul. His works were performed for all to see, from kings to commoners, and his stories still resonate today with their exploration of divine justice and human pride. Yet, Sophocles—like Shakespeare—understood that the power of a story is not just in its deep meanings or lofty themes but in its ability to engage the audience on multiple levels. Shakespeare took this understanding to new heights, blending highbrow elements with lowbrow humor, so that his plays could be appreciated by both the intellectuals in the royal seats and the rowdy groundlings in the pit. His ability to entertain and educate simultaneously was what made him not just a playwright, but the ultimate storyteller.

The groundlings, the common folk who paid a penny to stand in the pit of the Globe Theatre, were the ones who most often laughed at Shakespeare’s bawdy humor, yet they too were being invited into the grand intellectual world of his work. Just as Homer had woven tales for the masses that taught them about the gods, Shakespeare used his comedic moments to present profound truths about love, power, and the human soul. His wit, much like Sophocles's dramatic irony, acted as a vehicle for both entertainment and moral reflection. In this way, Shakespeare understood that a true storyteller must be able to reach the hearts of the masses, while also engaging the intellect of the scholars. The humor of his characters, while often crude, was meant to make the audience laugh, but also to challenge them to see the world through different eyes.

In our time, Shakespeare’s works remain a staple in the study of literature because they continue to reflect the complexity of life. His use of language, his mastery of meter, and his profound symbolism invite the reader to peel back layers of meaning that are as relevant today as they were in the days of the Elizabethan era. The sonnets, full of love and loss, still speak to the heart; the tragedies, such as Macbeth and Hamlet, continue to explore the darker aspects of human ambition and fate. And the comedies, from Twelfth Night to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, offer us a glimpse into the absurdities of love and human nature, wrapped in moments of laughter. Through his words, Shakespeare does not just tell stories—he shapes the very fabric of human experience.

Therefore, O future generations, take this lesson to heart: to be a true storyteller, one must understand the power of both the simple and the complex. Learn from Shakespeare, who not only entertained the masses but also invited them into a deeper understanding of the world. Understand that a story does not live in the superficial moments alone—it resides in the layers of meaning, the symbols that speak to our highest truths, and the humor that helps us face the trials of life with lightness. As you craft your own narratives, whether through words, actions, or deeds, remember that the greatest storytellers are those who engage both the heart and the mind, who speak to the common and the learned alike.

Like Jon Favreau said, Shakespeare is the "real guy" because he lived his truth as a storyteller, unafraid to combine the trivial with the profound. His works remind us that stories are not just tools of entertainment, but of connection—connecting us with our shared humanity, our deepest fears, and our greatest joys. Let this be your guide as you tell your own stories, for it is in the balance of humor and complexity, of the simple and the sophisticated, that the true power of storytelling lies.