Why High Schools Teach Shakespeare
High schools continue to teach Shakespeare because his plays offer timeless lessons about human nature, critical thinking, and the power of language. Although his writing may initially feel unfamiliar due to the use of Old English, students quickly discover that Shakespeare addresses many of the same struggles, emotions, and questions that people face today.
Shakespeare’s works challenge students to think deeply about human motivations, why characters make certain choices, and how those choices lead to consequences. His plays feature complex characters and layered plot twists that encourage close reading and thoughtful discussion in the classroom. Themes such as ambition, love, betrayal, power, jealousy, and friendship are universal, making his stories relevant across cultures and centuries.
In addition, reading Shakespeare helps students develop academic skills. His language introduces rich vocabulary and figurative expressions, while the rhythm of his verse teaches students about poetic techniques and dramatic structure. By engaging with these texts, students strengthen both their analytical reading and critical writing abilities.
Finally, Shakespeare’s plays remain popular in high schools because they balance accessibility with depth. Works like Romeo and Juliet or Julius Caesar are understandable for first-time readers, yet they also offer layers of meaning that invite deeper analysis. This combination ensures that students not only enjoy the stories but also gain lasting insights about literature and life.
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Common Shakespeare Plays in High School
Some of the most commonly taught Shakespeare plays in high school include Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Othello. These works are chosen because they combine accessible language, dramatic storytelling, and themes that remain relevant to students today.
Romeo and Juliet introduces students to themes of love, conflict, and family loyalty. Its fast-paced plot and emotional intensity make it one of the most approachable Shakespeare tragedies.
Macbeth explores ambition, guilt, and moral choice through a concise yet powerful narrative. Its supernatural elements and intense atmosphere engage students while encouraging discussions about ethics and responsibility.
Hamlet presents a more profound challenge through its exploration of revenge, philosophy, and human indecision. Famous soliloquies such as “To be or not to be” help students practice interpretation and critical analysis.
Julius Caesar highlights political intrigue, betrayal, and the art of persuasion. It is often used in classrooms to teach rhetoric, public speaking, and the impact of leadership decisions.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcases Shakespeare’s lighter side with humor, romance, and magical elements. It introduces students to themes of illusion, transformation, and the complexity of relationships.
Othello tackles jealousy, race, and trust in powerful ways, sparking meaningful classroom discussions about human behavior and social issues that remain relevant today.
No matter which play students encounter, teachers often encourage them to experience Shakespeare through different formats, such as reading the text, watching performances, or analyzing adaptations. Each approach reveals new insights into Shakespeare’s craft, showing why his plays continue to hold a central place in the high school curriculum.
How You Engage With Shakespeare
High school teachers often use creative methods to make Shakespeare’s language and stories more approachable. Because the plays were written to be performed, engaging with them in multiple ways can deepen understanding and enjoyment.
- Reading Aloud: Speaking the lines out loud helps students hear rhythm, tone, and emotion, making the text easier to follow than silent reading.
- Modern Translations: Side-by-side editions offer contemporary English alongside Shakespeare’s words, making confusing passages easier to understand without losing meaning.
- Class Discussion and Analysis: Debating character choices, themes, and symbols not only clarifies the story but also develops critical thinking and interpretive skills.
- Performance and Projects: Acting out scenes, creating multimedia projects, or adapting dialogue allows students to connect emotionally and creatively with the plays.
- Watching Productions: Viewing live or recorded performances alongside reading reveals how stage direction, tone, and gestures add new layers of meaning to Shakespeare’s text.
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Resources for Students
Several resources can help you enjoy and understand Shakespeare. Here are a few sites to help you engage better with Shakespeare materials.
No Fear Shakespeare by SparkNotes pairs the original text with modern English on the same page, making it easier to follow the story. The site is perfect if you want to follow the story without getting lost in Elizabethan language. The side-by-side format helps you compare the old and new language, making it easier to understand wordplay, jokes, and emotional nuances.
The Shakespeare’s Globe YouTube channel shows performances that bring the text to life. The Globe’s channel offers live recordings and selected scenes from their stage productions, which can help you visualize characters, emotion, and pacing. Seeing actors interpret the dialogue can illuminate subtle meanings, tone, and humor that can be hard to imagine through text. This learning method is ideal if you learn best by seeing and hearing the story in action.
The Folger Shakespeare Library offers guides, exercises, and multimedia tools that explore themes, characters, and historical context, making Shakespeare more accessible and fun. This page helps you explore Shakespeare through detailed scene summaries and interactive lessons. It’s especially useful for in-depth study, class projects, or preparing for essays, as it provides insights that make Shakespeare accessible, engaging, and even enjoyable.
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