Why Bother With Shakespeare?
Why are the schools torturing you by making you learn Shakespeare? What is the point of learning stuff a dead dude wrote 400 years ago?
Like many students, I struggled to understand Shakespeare in my high school years. The Elizabethan language was really the greatest barrier for me - I was an ESL (English as a Second Language) student when I arrived in Australia in Year 6 and suddenly, I was expected in Year 9 (just a mere 3 years after learning how to speak English somewhat fluently), to make sense of another version of English?! It was completely ridiculous! Young Ally vehemently protested (in silence of course)...
What changed for me though, was an illustrated book that explained some of Shakespeare's plays in narrative form (and in modern day English). I loved discovering facts such as : William Shakespeare invented or introduced about 1700 words in the English language; words such as eyeball, gossip, kissing, puppy dog even zany among thousands more.
It was in university though, that I truly came to appreciate Shakespeare and his works. I had a remarkable professor who was truly passionate about teaching English Literature and I have to say, I wouldn't be the tutor that I am if I hadn't been taught by MG. He truly encouraged self-expression in his classes, as a 15% part of our semester assessments, his courses required us to write blog entries 2x a week about things that inspired us whether it be film, literature, art, music. To create stories, reportage, discursive writing and critiques, always encouraging us to share our work. He still shares his wealth of knowledge on his own blog, it houses this brilliant man's indelible passion for teaching literature and its connection to Philosophy, Art and has inspired much of why I decided to start this blog.
Above all though, MG (his preferred nickname all his students called him); really dissected Shakespeare's body of work and opened my eyes to what made his work accessible and prescient in our modern times. And so, when learning ANY of Shakespeare's work, whether it be his sonnets or his plays; in order to deepen our understanding, increase our appreciation and elevate our marks, we must ask ourselves only one question :
What aspect of human nature still remains the same from Shakespeare's time?... In other words, what attitudes, characteristics, behaviours or traits remain unchanged in humankind?
Answering this one question, will lead you to discover the breadth and depth of Shakespeare's influence across time and diverse contexts. As for the language, blessed are the nerds and geeks from No Fear Shakespeare who now profit from their genius endeavour to translate the Elizabethan language to modern day English. Blessed are the film makers - the good, the bad and the mediocre for producing the many iterations of Shakespeare's work for many generations. Above all, blessed art thou, for relying on your brilliant research skills and using the power of the internet to get the most out of Shakespeare's enduring influence.
A good teacher allows us to discover the value in seemingly insignificant or unnecessary things. They open our eyes, so we can open the doors to our own minds; in order for us to seek new vistas and expand our knowledge and horizons. Shakespeare can be one of those teachers, but I bet if you look hard enough, there are many brilliant teachers and mentors around you, willing to help in your journey of growth.
Reference:
Image 1 :
https://www.daily-sun.com/post/367747/30-words-invented-by-Shakespeare
Image 2:
https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/?scr=1
Mission Excellence - Associate Professor Michael Griffith - Staff - Australian Catholic University. (n.d.). https://staff.acu.edu.au/people_and_capability/staff-awards/vice-chancellors-staff-excellence-awards/2017-vice-chancellors-staff-excellence-awards-winners/mission-excellence---associate-professor-michael-griffith
Michael Griffith: Home Page- Literature and Life Spring 2025. (n.d.). Michael Griffith: Home Page- Literature and Life Spring 2025. https://michaelgriffith1.com/
Shakespeare’s Words. (n.d.). Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-words/