England’s Two Books: The Bible and Shakespeare
The saying “England has two books, the Bible and Shakespeare. England made Shakespeare, but the Bible made England” suggests that these works are central to English culture, but in different ways. Shakespeare is seen as a product of England’s history and society, while the Bible is presented as a force that shaped the nation itself. I agree with this statement to a large extent, because both the Bible and Shakespeare have had a huge influence on the English language, values, and identity, but their roles are not the same.
The Bible, especially the King James Version of 1611, has been one of the most important texts in English history. It was not only a religious book but also a cultural foundation. For centuries, the Bible was the main source of moral teaching in England. It influenced laws, education, and everyday life. The Bible helped standardize English and made it more accessible to ordinary people. Many common expressions, such as “by the skin of one’s teeth” or “labour of love”, come directly from it. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Protestantism became closely linked with English identity, especially in contrast to Catholic Europe. The Bible was at the heart of this identity, shaping how people saw themselves and their country.
In this sense, the Bible did “make” England, because it influenced the nation’s moral code, political ideas, and sense of unity.
William Shakespeare, on the other hand, was a product of the English Renaissance. His plays and poems reflect the society, politics, and human concerns of his time. Shakespeare wrote about kings, commoners, love, betrayal, and ambition — themes deeply connected to English history and culture. He expanded the English vocabulary, inventing words and expressions still used today, such as “break the ice” or “wild-goose chase”. His works were written for the theatre, a popular form of entertainment in Elizabethan England. They show the creativity and energy of the period.
In this way, Shakespeare was “made” by England — by its language, political events, and audiences.
The Bible gave England a moral and spiritual framework, while Shakespeare gave it a cultural and artistic voice.
I agree that the Bible had a deeper role in forming England’s moral and national identity, while Shakespeare was a brilliant creation of English culture. However, both are essential to understanding England’s history. Without the Bible, England’s values might have been very different; without Shakespeare, its literature would have lost one of its greatest treasures.
1. What do you think of when you see the Union Jack flag?
When I see the Union Jack, I immediately think of the United Kingdom and its history. The flag makes me imagine British traditions, such as royal ceremonies, London landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London, and famous cultural icons such as the Beatles. It also represents the unity of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, combining their different symbols into one flag.
2. How do you think British people would describe their country?
British people often describe their country as diverse and culturally rich. They usually take pride in history, traditions, and the monarchy. Many would also mention the countryside with green fields and historic towns, as well as modern cities like London, which are centres of business and culture. They might say the UK is welcoming, friendly, and creative in arts, music, and literature.
3. What do you know about British food and weather?
British food is famous for traditional dishes like fish and chips, roast dinners, English breakfast, and afternoon tea with scones. However, modern British cuisine is also influenced by many international cultures. The weather in the UK is quite changeable. It is often cloudy or rainy, with mild summers and cool, sometimes snowy, winters. People often talk about the unpredictability of British weather, as it can change several times a day.
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