The article I decided to read focused upon the various characters present in Shakespeare's plays. The author describes these characters as role models even though a good bit of these characters are negative people. But, regardless I feel the reason Shakespeare has remained so relevant is due to the universality of his plays. His plays have remained increasingly popular in all areas of the world for their universal messages. He presents us with characters that are larger than life and maintain roles of power. The audience sees the internal struggles these characters have with their positions of power or the others trying to gain power. For instance, in The Merchant of Venice we see Portia, a wealthy female, left alone due to her Father's death. But, she is a strong powerful woman who does not feel the need to acquiesce to a man. However, subjected to her Father's proclamation she must succumb to his process of getting a male suitor. I think she would be a good role model for young women because she is intelligent, beautiful, and tenacious. She is by far the smartest person in the play and uses that to her advantage. I'm sorry I wandered onto a tangent about The Merchant of Venice, but it is my favorite Shakespearean Comedy.
Last semester, I began my first Shakespeare class with a notoriously hard professor. Before the semester started I was dreading this class and was ignorant of most Shakespearean works. However, the intense work and the powerful attitude of my Professor helped show me the light. I now understand why he is considered the best and how his plays are extremely relevant in today's world. You just have to dig a little bit deeper than most texts. Flick on the TV and you will see the many shows that are based on Shakespearean plays (e.g. Sons of Anarchy, Star Trek). Therefore, Shakespeare's works cannot be ignored.
Also, I definitely think his characters act as a great models, but not necessarily role models. They are faced with huge challenges and either rise or fall to the occasion. The adverse situations can give excellent leeway into discussion with your class. Life is full of struggle along with happiness and why not explore intense themes of decay, corruption, and power with the best possible material available. Once students begin reading Shakespeare they will see the universality they hold in the world today. It just takes one teacher to enlighten them.
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Shakespeare in American Life
This makes me think about Club Ophelia. Club Ophelia is an organization for middle school girls were they put on Hamlet and they learned important life skills (being confident, working with others, etc). The leaders pick a part the play and the girls discuss the different roles of the women in the play. My younger sister was in a production and she really loved it. I had to ask for her help while I studied it in high school.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the greatest gifts we can give students is the ability to connect literature with their personal lives.
"...I feel the reason Shakespeare has remained so relevant is due to the universality of his plays."
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! There is a way to connect his characters to our lives and we should help our students make their own connection. I also agree with what you said about Shakespeare's works not being able to be ignored. One of my favorite movies, "10 Things I Hate About You," is based on "Taming of the Shrew." We should point these connections out to their students because it might be able to interest them in a personal way.
"I think she would be a good role model for young women because she is intelligent, beautiful, and tenacious."
ReplyDeleteYour comment about relating Portia to female students is exactly what will get them engaged in Shakespeare. As soon as we can relate material to their own lives, they will become more interested.
You make me want to revisit Shakespeare reading. Have a great summer....
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