LO – An answer to teenagers’ complaints and concerns about learning Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616
Why do we learn and study the
works of William Shakespeare,
a 16th Century English
playwright and poet?
Apart from a 'requirement' to
study Shakespeare, what
positive reasons can you think
of to study Shakespeare?
www.englishabc.co.uk 2014

2. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616
'The ideas, themes and issues
of human nature described in
his works have a resonance, a
connection with the lives led by
people today!'
A possible reason?
Here is a list of ideas, themes and issues
that are written about by Shakespeare...?

3. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616

4. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616
Common expressions, clichés, were
Shakespeare's creations
Compelling characters
Great stories
Highlighting human experience

5. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616
Common expressions, clichés, were
Shakespeare's creations – over 135
examples
•A fool’s paradise – an experience of happiness based
on false hope - Romeo & Juliet
•All of a sudden - suddenly – The Taming of the Shrew
•A sorry sight – something or someone of an untidy
appearance - Macbeth
•Love is blind – The Merchant of Venice, Henry V, and other plays
•Lie low – keeping out of sight, hiding – Much Ado About Nothing
•Milk of human kindness – care, compassion for others –
Macbeth

6. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616

7. William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616William Shakespeare - 1564 - 1616