The Importance Of Shakespeare In Schools

One of the largest arguments that students and teachers have today is whether or not Shakespeare should be taught in schools. There are many reasons that support for and against this matter, but there is only one right answer such as the fact that the language is too hard or he isn’t relevant. But, Shakespeare should be taught in schools because of his relevance and importance to society. hello. The first argument that supports Shakespeare being taught in schools is that he so known all over the world. If Shakespeare wasn’t taught then students wouldn’t get the references that people make all the time. His works and plays have influenced so many all across the Earth, so why would you deprive students of having the same experience. In the following …show more content…
It is true that the language is a bit hard to understand and that he isn’t relevant to some people. But, overall he still influences readers all around the world. Also, if you take the time to understand the language he uses, it is easier to understand. One of the works that is most argued about for both language and relevance is Romeo and Juliet. This play has been around for over 400 years so there have to have been aspects of it that made it worthwhile to be teaching in the first place. Romeo and Juliet is still relevant because it is directed towards young adults and teenagers because that is who the play is about. Therefore, ninth graders are the perfect people to be reading the play since they are who the play is meant for. To show this, “Shakespeare loves his teenagers as he paints them in all their absurdity and nastiness. That basic honesty, neither idealizing not afraid, has kept Romeo and Juliet fresh.” ( Did Shakespeare Invent Teenagers Par. 7). The students when learning this are taught what teenagers are really like when it comes to love in an over dramatic way. The language on the other hand just takes effort. They have to be willing to take the time to understand and study the language which will expand their vocabulary and help them out in the long run. This quote shows how Shakespeare would help teenagers if they were to continue learning it in the ninth grade curriculum, …show more content…
Modern day society is still continuing to learn their past. We as a community haven’t given up on Shakespeare and even though many may not like his works, he is still an important part of literature and even history. For example, a prison in Kentucky has a program for inmates that teaches them the different works of Shakespeare. They have the opportunity to perform and share the experience with other inmates. “Vaughn and 23 other inmates became characters in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, reviewing their lines in the final moments before the curtain drew back on opening night.” (Shakespeare Behind Bars Par.3). The inmates don’t get any other reward for participating in this program other than the satisfaction of learning and experiencing the impact that Shakespeare has on them and others. This shows that if grown adults out of school have the chance to gain an understanding of Shakespeare then students should also get this opportunity. All in all, Shakespeare is still relevant because of all that he’s taught us over the years. He has shaped the english language and how we teach today. Shakespeare’s works have been around for over 400 years and there is obviously a reason that they’re still around. The works he has done should be taught in the ninth grade curriculum because it is very important for students to be able to understand