The greatest English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare, was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon in England. The ‘Bard of Avon’ penned at least 38 plays over 150 poems[1]. His famous works include classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and many others.
Shakespeare has left an indelible mark on English literature and language. His works are immortal and universal, and he is as relevant today as he was in the 17th century. Shakespeare can teach us valuable lessons pertinent to war, history, morality, politics, power, love, betrayal, jealousy, and revenge.
The great English essayist William Hazlitt once remarked, “If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should read Shakespeare….” Hazlitt aptly summed up the significance of reading Shakespeare. Therefore, it is prudent and paramount that we inspire kids to read Shakespeare.
We have compiled a list of some key benefits of reading William Shakespeare for kids.
Boosts Brain and Nurtures Empathy
A study has revealed that reading Shakespeare boosts brain activity by holding a reader’s attention and inspiring moments of self-reflection[2]. Another research indicates that reading literary fiction bolsters empathy in readers to comprehend what others are thinking and feeling[3]. Therefore, encourage kids to read Shakespeare’s literary works to reinforce their brains and nurture their empathetic feelings.
Diverse Themes
Shakespearean plays encompass comprehensive storylines encompassing varied themes. By reading these plays, kids can considerably broaden their minds and imagination. Shakespeare scrutinizes themes such as life, hate, love, death, jealousy, ambition, and power, among others, in his plays. We can identify with his characters and the themes they portray, which seem a reflection of our daily struggles and battles.
Vocabulary Enrichment
Shakespeare is credited with inventing over 1700 words and countless phrases for the English language today. His works are a locus of those words and phrases. By reading Shakespeare, kids can enhance their vocabulary and learn many new words, and improve their overall English.
Shakespeare is Timeless
There is an uncanny quality about Shakespeare’s plays that makes them relevant to the contemporary world. They can enlighten us about politics, history, class, race, society, human psychology, and morality – topics that continue to shape and affect our lives in the modern world.
Modern Cinema Draws Inspiration from Shakespeare
Shakespearean works are embedded in history and myths – making them a centerpiece for movie script ideas. It is not surprising that popular movies like The Lion King are loosely based on the plot of Hamlet. Moreover, the massively popular Harry Potter series and Game of Thrones are also dominated by Shakespearean themes. Hence, by reading Shakespeare, kids can comprehend the nuances present in these movies.
Discover History
The works of Shakespeare are a great way to catch a glimpse of history. Reading them is undoubtedly a historical experience as it is a literary experience. Though based on imagination, Shakespeare still employed varied historical and mythological themes and settings to permeate his works. Whether it is depicting Ancient Greece in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ancient Rome in Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra, or the 1605 Gunpowder Plot events around which Macbeth revolves – kids can also enhance learning history by reading Shakespeare. [4][5][6]
Enthralling Quotations
Shakespeare worked magic with words! No wonder, even after 400 years, his highbrowed quotations continue to enchant us. His words and quotes are ubiquitous and present in books, TV, and social media. Kids will polish their English language skills if they read Shakespeare. Here are some of our favourite Shakespeare quotes:
“To be or not to be: that is the question”
– Hamlet
“Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo?”
– Romeo and Juliet
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
– Julius Caesar
“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.”
– As You Like It
“All that glitters is not gold.”
– The Merchant of Venice
Final Thoughts
There should be no qualms that reading Shakespeare is immensely rewarding. And there are ample reasons for that; namely, his works are timeless, and his themes still resonate today. In addition, they are a treasure trove of English literature and an excellent source for mastering the English language. Thus, kids should read Shakespeare to sharpen their mental, psychological and emotional senses and understand the modern world.
References:
[1] “Shakespeare’s Works.” Folger Shakespeare Library.
[2] “Shakespeare and Wordsworth Boost the Brain, New Research Reveals.” The Telegraph.
[3] Chiaet, Julianne. “Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy.” Scientific American.
[4] “Rediscovering Ancient Greece in Shakespeare’s Plays.” Shakespeare Oxford Fellowship.
[5] “Ancient Rome’s Influence on Popular Culture.” Royal Shakespeare Company | RSC.
[6] “Macbeth in Historical Context.” Columbia College.
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