Why do secondary schools have to learn about shakespeare?

Answer 1

Being a high school student I can imagine, that people in school wonder why you still have to read Shakespeare in your English or literature class. What could Shakespeare possible have to add to your life in the 21st century, in which almost nothing is the same as in his time? What could his texts, four centuries old, have to offer you?

Although we are separated from Shakespeare by 400 years, some things have not changed. We are still human beings, we are born and we die and in the time in between we try to enjoy our lives and look for ways to give meaning and sense to it. This essence of human life has not changed; it has existed as long as human beings have existed. The value of Shakespeare lies in the fact that his plays and poetry can add something to your life in many different ways. In his work, Shakespeare deals with many different human emotions such as: joy, sorrow, fear, anger, desire, hate and love. His plays also deal with ethical dilemmas.

The plays confront you with complex issues such as racism, the differences between man and woman, display of power and the abuse of power and colonialism. The plays may challenge you to look at these issues in a new and different way. This is why it is worthwhile to read and study Shakespeare. His works have meaning and value even when the world around them, the context of the 16th century, has changed enormously.

Another reason to read Shakespeare is because he has a very deep influence on the English language and on western culture. Although you may not appreciate everything, he is partly responsible for the world that you grew up in and for the ideas, words and expressions that, perhaps unconsciously, shaped you and the culture you live in.

Answer 2

Because their schools do not have a drama department. Otherwise they would be acting Shakespeare, which is immeasurably more satisfying. Shakespeare's plays were not meant to be read, they were meant to be seen.

Answer 3

I don't think children, who are too young, should be required to read William Shakespeare. He is one of the greatest authors who ever lived. However, his books are often filled with sex, violence and some prejudice against people who are not white, or not Christians. Also, as written in their original Old English, they might be difficult to understand. I think the minimum age to read some of W. Shakespeare's novels should be 15. Children under the age of 15 might be too young to be exposed to some of the mature subject matter in some of his books.

Answer 4

When properly taught, literature is not only the best way of learning how language can be used powerfully, effectively and evocatively, but is also the best way of learning how to think. Plays, although they are difficult to read, provide a good opportunity for looking at a situation from various sides and thus being able to look at perspectives and develop empathy. Shakespeare is not only generally considered the best writer in the English language, but is the best playwright in the world, bar none. If you are teaching literature, shouldn't you teach the best?

Besides, Shakespeare's words, characters and dramatic situations are so well known that they are referred to constantly in other works of literature, films and television. If you don't know about them, you'll be lost.

And you'll notice I said "when properly taught". There are some great teachers of literature out there and also some real stinkers.