Why do we continue to study Shakespeare? s the question not only students are asking, but also parents. Shakespeare's influence has expanded from traditional literature and theater to present-day movies. You may have seen these. Movies like ‘She’s The Man’, ‘Ten Things I Hate About You’, and who could forget, the amazing ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’. Shakespeare is regarded as one of the best English-language writers, and has introduced innovative ideas to novels, plays, dramas and even changed the world of poetry. Love, loyalty, betrayal, envy, jealousy, fear, pride, lust, and sadness are all timeless themes that are still relevant, four centuries after his death. It is undeniable that his impact on literature and the English language remains highly significant, to this day. This is why we continue to study William Shakespeare's work, because the themes and meanings still fit into today's society.
With that in mind, we go on to ask the question: Is William Shakespeare’s most well known play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ still relevant to 21st century teenagers? We've all heard the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers kept apart by their feuding families. There's no doubt it's a classic, but does the story and its themes still fit into the 21st century? I have set out to discover whether the general population of the school believes the story of Romeo and Juliet is still a relevant story, with themes that correspond to today's society. Or if it's a classic that we should just let go, and that holds no more relevance to 21st century teenagers.
First, let’s find out what the teachers have to say,
Do you think Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is still relevant to 21st century teenagers?
Mr Dubois (Japanese): I think so, the themes of love, family, suicde, teenagers being dumb are all things that still happen today. And even though Romeo and Juliet itself may not be engaging, the themes still have meanings to us. That's why we have West side story, Gnomeo and Juliet, 10 things I hate about you, and She's the man.
“Shakespeare is like the bible, it's not for everyone but it still has some good lessons in it.”
Mr Kilborn (English): Definitely. I mean, I’m an English teacher so many of the texts that we study have borrowed from the views of Shakespeare. It’s kind of cool that we still compose texts in a 21st Century society that remain relevant to England, hundreds of years ago.
Mrs Pinney (Support): Yes. It’s a story about love, family conflict and making sacrifices for those you feel you can’t live without. I feel like it has a lot of themes that are still relevant to teenagers today.
Miss Williams (English): Absolutely because I think the themes are the same idea, love, revenge, loyalty to family. The language may be different but the ideas never change.
So…it looks like the teachers have something to teach us about Shakespeare.
Now let's hear what students have to say.
Do you think Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is still relevant to 21st century teenagers?
Student: Probably not, A Lot of the motivations and traditions in the original are not as new, so you can't really relate to the characters as much as you can new adaptations. I believe the adaptations of Romeo and Juliet are much more relevant to teenagers than the original text.
Student: Because Leonardo Dicaprio is in the movie.
Student: I don't think his original play is that relevant anymore compared to the new adaptations, I feel the language used in the text and the social ideas aren't really that relevant anymore compared to new, more entertaining movies.
So, it seems like the verdict is still out there on whether Shakespeare is still relevant, with teachers understanding the value in its universal themes, though students struggling with the language. If one thing is for certain:
Shakespeare is going to be studied by students for many years to come.
Viva la Shakespeare!!
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