Why we study Shakespeare!

1
Why we study Shakespeare!
2
We study Shakespeare because

• He tells us so much about human nature. This is
  probably one of the major reasons why
  Shakespeare's plays are still watched and
  studied. If the things he wrote about were not
  the perennial aspects of human nature, we
  wouldn't be interested in watching the plays any
  more.
• He is a brilliant dramatist. Shakespeare might
  have lots of profound things to say to us, but we
  wouldn't watch the plays unless they worked as
  drama. The experience of watching the plays is
  entertaining and spectacular as well as revealing
  many things about life to us.
• He is a great poet. The plays are full of
  memorable passages of poetry, which along with
  all Shakespeare's other achievements, contributes
  to the enduring success of his plays.

3

• Simply stated, students should study
  Shakespeare's works in school because of the
  incredible value within them.
• In addition to exposing students to a multitude
  of literary techniques, Shakespeare's plays
  challenge the student with difficult language and
  style, express a profound knowledge of human
  behavior and offer insight into the world around
  us.

IF YOU CAN READ SHAKESPEARE, YOU CAN READ
ANYTHING!
4

• "Shakespeare's use of poetry within his plays to
  express the deepest levels of human motivation in
  individual, social and universal situations is
  considered one of the greatest accomplishments in
  literary history.

5

• Evident in Shakespeare's plays is the broad use
  of irony, imagery, rhythm and other literary
  devices. Through these devices, he establishes
  atmosphere and character, and intrigue.
• Exposure to these devices provides students with
  a broad knowledge of literary style and
  technique, while serving to develop and improve
  writing skills.
• Also, because much of the modern literary ideas
  and writings allude to and can be traced back to
  Shakespeare, familiarity with his works can only
  be an advantage to the student.

Original writing, Hamlet
6

• Shakespeare's works, like no other literature in
  the high school curriculum, challenge and
  invigorate our minds.
• Because of the complex characters, difficult
  vocabulary and style in which he writes, students
  must elevate their level of learning to grasp a
  clear understanding of his works.
• Shakespeare's plays hold intricate meanings and
  messages. His works are open to many
  interpretations and encourage the student to use
  his or her imagination.

7

• People who have studied Shakespeare
• have a broader view of the world in general.
• have little trouble in other literature classes.
• do well in logic and philosophy.
• appreciate other art forms as well music, drama,
  art, costume, writing.
• have an easier time grasping the concepts of
  character, plot, irony, universal truth, advanced
  vocabulary, etc.
• can better judge what is a good book.
• understand concepts in clear speaking.
• have a broader view of important historical
  events.
• have a greater understanding of human nature
  (greed, faithfulness, love, power, gentleness,
  poor choices, honesty, integrity, popularity,
  danger, patriotism, selfishness, self-sacrifice,
  etc.)