Wake-up Images and Why Shakespeare?

Wake-up Images

Elements of Expression by Arthur Plotnik, page 101

"The Chinese yak is a lovely long-haired animal, like a cow on its way to the opera." Riding the Iron Rooster by Paul Theroux.
"The startling and amazing is more powerful than the charming and persuasive ..." To be convinced is within your control. Amazement is beyond your control. ---- Longinus, page 110
"A camel is a race horse designed by a committee."

Why Shakespeare?

Elements of Expression by Arthur Plotnik, page 7

Average American commands 20,000 words, and about 4 minutes of attention.
Shakespeare used about 18 000 words, and has gained four centuries of attention.