Many people consider William Shakespeare to be the “father of English Literature”. Although Shakespeare’s plays and poetry are still as fresh and relevant today as they were four centuries ago, it has been almost four centuries since he stopped writing. Why should children study Shakespeare when there are so many modern writers?
Shakespeare was a great poet and prose writer. He explored complex characters and themes, rich language, and complex characters that are as relevant today as they were in 16th and 17th centuries.
William Shakespeare, an English playwright, poet and actor, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, April 1564. Anne Hathaway, his 18th year of age, was his wife. They had three children together: Susanna in 1583, Hamnet and Judith in 1585.
Most of Shakespeare’s best-known work was produced between 1589-1613. His writings included tragedies, history and comedies. His plays have been translated into many languages around the globe. Here are some of his most famous works:
The Merchant of Venice
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Hamlet
Antony and Cleopatra
Twelfth Night
Romeo and Juliet
Macbeth
Othello
King Lear
Winter’s Tale
It’s your choice
The list could go on, and Shakespeare’s entire work is worthy of mention. Shakespeare enjoyed a successful career as an actor and writer in London before settling down in Stratford, where he died May 1616.
To commemorate the 400th anniversary and work of William Shakespeare, celebrations will take place around the globe, starting in the UK. Visit Sky Blue Theatre to sign up for school Shakespeare workshops.
Why study Shakespeare today?
These are just four reasons that children should be encouraged by their parents to read the works and classics of one of the greatest literary giants in the world:
1. Extraordinary Stories
Shakespeare’s ability to create great plots was the best thing about him. Many people believe that Shakespeare’s writing inspired many of the best modern works. These are his themes:
Revenge
Love
Marriage
Power
Ambition
Murder
Obsession
Imagine you are dreaming
Ambition
Loyalty
Death
Sin
Guilt
Every Shakespeare play has a great story. Hamlet is a powerful tragedy with a tremendous depth. Hamlet, the main character, learns about his father’s death and his mother’s marriage with his uncle. He then speaks to the ghost his father to get revenge on his uncle (the new king) for his murder. The play examines various relationships, including Hamlet’s obsessions with Gertrude and his mother as well as his love for Ophelia whom he tries convincing his insaneity to. Hamlet is a gripping drama that’s beautifully written and must-see for anyone who loves literature.
Macbeth, another brilliant play about ambition and contradiction is full of beautifully creative characters and subtle witchcraft. Shakespeare’s plays are enlightening, absorbing and captivating. Reading the works of Shakespeare can be a great way to inspire children of all ages and help them learn about the past, as well as enhance their imagination.
2. Influential Characters
It is a fact that Shakespeare’s characters have so much depth. Shakespeare was a master at describing the emotions of his characters.
Romeo, from Romeo & Juliet, is the most well-known young lover in the world. Hamlet can be considered Shakespeare’s most complicated character. Shakespeare’s characters have many traits that are designed to grab the attention of the reader. Shakespeare’s characters include villains, killers, lovers, dreamers, traitors, servants as well as witches, magicians, and all the other traits you could imagine. How can you inspire children to read Shakespeare and build their imagination?
3. Stunning Quotes
Shakespeare’s powerful portrayal words and famous quotes are still some of his most well-known achievements.
One of Shakespeare’s most famous lines is “To be or not be: That is the question” from Hamlet. Hamlet discusses his obsession with death, and asks whether he should take his own life. This quote was written nearly four hundred years later.
Some other great Shakespearian quotes are:
“Romeo, Romeo. Where for art thou Romeo?” Romeo and Juliet
“All the world is a stage and all the people are just players. They have their entrances and exits. One man can play many roles in his life. – As you like it
“If you poke us, don’t we bleed?” Do we laugh if you tickle or pinch us? Do we not die if you poison us? We will not take revenge if we wrong you.” – The Merchant of Venice
“I love too well, but not wisely.” – Othello
“The path of true love was never smooth” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“The fault lies not in the stars, dear Brutus. It is in us, that we are sublings. – Julius Caesar
4. Inspiring and challenging
There is no better way to test a child’s ability to read than to make them study Shakespeare. When a child is comfortable reading, it’s a great way for them to increase their interest in the subject and stimulate their brains. To help children understand the language better and help them overcome any problems, it is a great idea to read together.
Reading Shakespeare can be an amazing learning curve for children and a great skill to have. Shakespeare’s writings have a timeless quality and are full of meaning. Studying the works of Shakespeare can help children understand the history and learn from the messages he intended to communicate.