Shakespeare

“Shakespeare… Does it even make sense to read this? Why do we waste time on this?  

 It is over 400 years old, so we should focus on issues which really affect us and what can brings us further in life! Time is money!”  That’s what some people might think when they have to read Shakespeare for class.

When I first had to read Macbeth, a few years ago at my old school, I felt the same way; I REALLY hated Shakespeare and wished that he would have never lived.

I guess times changes. I grew up and English as a second language became a lot easier for me to understand. I enjoy reading Hamlet even when it’s in a difficult language. Finally, I understand why we read Shakespeare; it’s not only because of reading old English and learning the techniques Shakespeare used, it’s just that the issue Hamlet is addressing never gets old: people murder each other, indecision, jealousy, distrust in family members- it can happen everywhere at any time.

Especially at this point of our life; our Grade 12 school year, the big question is who we are and who we want to be. What is important for us and what is the sense of life? Hamlet is addressing this in his own way but you start thinking about the matter of life and maybe Hamlet can help you find an answer.

For example, the advice Polonius gives Laertes before leaving home could be given by every father to every son before leaving to college or somewhere else in the world. Don’t be a borrower, or a lender! Be true to yourself! It is just important to stay to yourself and know what’s good.

Besides all this deep meaning, it is deep thinking what Shakespeare does to us. It seems like he has fun playing with words and rhymes. Every student can learn how to structure texts, learn new words and just get a sense how people at this time thought. It is stimulating the brain.

Overall I think Hamlet , or Shakespeare is a great tool to teach students and we should continue using it in Grade 12.