Geeking out about Shakespeare

[Rebecca Steel]

Fact: Many high school students dread learning about Shakespeare. 

Sure, there are a few outliers, but in general it seems to be a  negative experience for most students. 

Why? I had simply associated this with the subject matter, simply that his work was just uninteresting. That is until english class this year, where I am actually enjoying Shakespeare (damn, never thought I'd be saying that!). Generally, Shakespeare is taught with students taking turned reading aloud, and involves lots of tripping over words and misspronounciations because this language is practically foreign to us. In retrospect, this ruins the rhyming, rhythm and meter of his writing, which makes a big difference in the overall effect.  This year, our teacher took a more unique approach to the curriculum, rather than reading the play out loud it was more of a film study where we focused on the major scenes and soliloquies. To my astonishment, I am legitimately enjoying the experience, I read through the play on my own,I've watched a few versions of the whole movie, I have even found specific passages and quotes that I really like- quite simply I am geeking out about Shakespeare.

Also, for out final project we were given many options that allow each individual to highlight their strengths rather than one project for everyone, where some people can excel and others get screwed over.  

It is not strictly the content that students don't enjoy, but the dull monotonous way in which it is generally taught in classrooms. As students we may have dismissed subjects as boring and uninteresting, simply because of they way that they were taught to us, not because of the actually material! Hm... now that's something to think about- maybe i fo like math! =p

Anywho... I should probally shush up and and go study for my chem test!

DFTBA!

[Rebecca Steel]

Thanks, I'm glad to know someone likes it! Haha, i definatly agree, David Tennant was a great Hamlet, and the modern twist they put on the play while still keeping the language was quite interesting. Mel Gibson (the Zeffereli version) was a good one as well. 

[Raxacoon]

Hey! I like your blog and I totally agree about Shakespeare. There are so many great ways to go about it without losing the interest and appreciation as a student. For example watching David Tennant as Hamlet :D

[hopelesscynic]

Urgh  i agree, out teachers practically slaughter The Bard. Apart from his sonnets, which are great to pick apart, his plays should be WATCHED more than anything, and THEN the literary background should be analysed.