Why Do We Still Study Shakespeare in School?
To study, or not to study—that is the question.
William Shakespeare is arguably the most recognisable figure in English literature. His timeless tales, unforgettable characters, and iconic quotes have stood the test of time. In fact, over 1,700 words, such as eyeball, bedazzled, and fashionable, originated from his sonnets and plays, many of which are still in use today.
But in a world where literature has evolved and contemporary voices are increasingly celebrated, why do we still study Shakespeare in school? At first glance, his works may appear outdated, difficult to understand, or irrelevant to modern life. However, there are several compelling reasons why this 16th-century playwright continues to be a central figure in the English curriculum.
In this article, we’ll explore who William Shakespeare was, highlight his most famous works, and answer key questions like why Shakespeare is still relevant today and how teachers can make his works accessible and engaging for students. We’ll also touch on the benefits of English school trips to London and Stratford-upon-Avon, where students can walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps and bring his stories to life!
Who was William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, and christened on April 26th, 1564. He was widely considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s most famous dramatist.
He was the son of John Shakespeare, a prosperous glove-maker and local official, and Mary Arden, a member of a well-established landowning family. At the age of 18, William married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. Together, they had three children: a daughter, Susanna, and twins, Hamnet and Judith.
Sometime between 1585 and 1592, Shakespeare moved to London, where he began his professional career as an actor and playwright. His early plays, such as Henry VI gained popularity quickly, and he soon became an integral member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a prominent acting company that later became the King’s Men under royal patronage. He was also a part-owner of the Globe Theatre.
After a successful career in London, he returned to his hometown around 1613, where he had purchased a large family home called New Place. Although he wrote fewer plays during this time, he continued to collaborate with other playwrights and remained connected to the world of theatre.
William Shakespeare spent his final years living a relatively quiet life with his family. He passed away on 23 April 1616, at the age of 52. He was buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, where visitors can still see his grave.
The famous works of Shakespeare
Over the course of his life, he wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and numerous poems. His works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Some of Shakespeare's most celebrated works include:
- Romeo and Juliet: A tragic love story about two teenagers from feuding families whose secret romance ends in heartbreak. A powerful tale of love, fate, and the consequences of hate.
- Hamlet: Prince Hamlet seeks revenge after learning his uncle murdered his father. A dark and thoughtful play about betrayal, madness, and the search for truth.
- Macbeth: Ambition turns deadly in this chilling story of a Scottish general who, after receiving a prophecy from three witches, is driven to murder and tyranny in his quest for power.
- The Taming of the Shrew: A lively comedy about strong-willed Katherina and her suitor Petruchio, who tries to “tame” her. A witty exploration of love, gender roles, and relationships.
- King Lear: An ageing king divides his kingdom among his daughters, based on their flattery, leading to betrayal, madness, and ruin.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream: This magical comedy weaves together four interlocking plots involving young lovers, mischievous fairies, and a group of amateur actors.
- Twelfth Night: A comedy that celebrates love, identity, and self-discovery, shipwrecked Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes entangled in a love triangle.
When did Shakespeare become part of the curriculum?
Shakespeare was introduced in the early 18th century in line with a broader effort to standardise education and promote British cultural heritage. His works were valued for their rich language, ethical lessons, and insights into human nature, helping to instil moral values, linguistic skills, and a sense of national pride.
It wasn’t until much later that the formal study of his work as literature was fully integrated into the school syllabus. In 1989, Shakespeare officially became a compulsory part of the National Curriculum in England. Since then, all students are required to study at least one of his plays during Key Stage 3 (ages 11–14) and again for GCSE English Literature (ages 14–16).
Five reasons why we still study Shakespeare
But why is Shakespeare still relevant today? The reasons are varied and deeply rooted in his ability to reflect and challenge the human condition. From classroom discussions to enriching English school trips that bring his world to life, Shakespeare continues to captivate students in meaningful ways.
Let’s explore the top five reasons why we still study Shakespeare in more detail.
1. Powerful characters & stories
Everyone loves a good story, and one of the biggest reasons why we still study Shakespeare is his unforgettable characters and plots. From tragic heroes like Othello, whose vulnerability ultimately led to his downfall, to conflicted figures like Lady Macbeth, driven by ambition and guilt, Shakespeare’s characters are well-developed and emotionally complex. Even Puck or Feste offer more than just comic relief; they also reveal truths about human folly and wisdom.
The stories themselves are gripping, filled with drama, tension, romance, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. It’s why so many of them have been reimagined in modern films and TV shows. Take Romeo and Juliet, a classic tale of forbidden love which inspired everything from West Side Story to 10 Things I Hate About You, which brings The Taming of the Shrew into a 1990s American high school.
2. Universal themes
Similarly, Shakespeare is still relevant today because of his work’s big, universal themes that resonate across time and culture. Love, power, identity, ambition, justice, betrayal, and the struggle between appearance and reality are all ideas we wrestle with today. For instance, Hamlet explores the theme of revenge and the difficulty of making moral decisions in a corrupt world. Meanwhile, Much Ado About Nothing dissects the nature of trust and the harm caused by rumours and miscommunication.
These themes help students to connect literature to their own lives and the world around them, encouraging reflection and empathy. Whether you’re a teenager grappling with identity or a friend dealing with loss, there’s a Shakespearean moment that hits home. His ability to tap into real-life experiences makes his work relatable, no matter your age, background, or generation.
3. Cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills
With such influential characters, stories, and themes, Shakespeare’s work challenges students to think critically, analyse language, and engage with the subtext of the scenes and speeches. Each line is packed with metaphor, irony, symbolism, personification, allusion and other rhetorical devices that require careful examination to understand a character’s true intentions.
For instance, in Julius Caesar, when Brutus says, “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more,” students must explore whether he’s being sincere or manipulative. Is he a patriot or a betrayer? This kind of analysis encourages interpretation, debate, and close reading. Learning about Shakespeare’s complex vocabulary and poetic structures also helps students develop skills that are useful far beyond the classroom, from essay writing to public speaking and argumentation.
4. Offers historical context
For insight into Elizabethan and Jacobean society and life, look no further than Shakespeare’s plays! These are windows into the past, touching on everything from gender roles and class systems to politics, religion, and views on fate and the supernatural. Macbeth is a good example that reflects the political anxieties of the time, particularly around kingship and legitimacy following the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. In contrast, the witches and their eerie prophecies reveal the period’s deep-rooted belief in the supernatural and the widespread fear of witchcraft.
Studying Shakespeare in historical context helps students see literature not just as a story, but as a commentary on society. Understanding these contexts deepens our appreciation of the text and sparks thoughtful comparisons with today’s world. How much have we really changed? What issues (e.g., power, prejudice, inequality) still remain?
5. Inspires creative expression
Finally, Shakespeare continues to inspire creativity in schools and on stages across the globe. His influence on theatre is unparalleled. He helped shape modern drama by introducing soliloquies, complex characters, and dramatic tension that still awes audiences. Students have countless opportunities to innovate and express themselves creatively, whether by performing a scene, designing sets and costumes, or rewriting one of the plays in a modern-day setting.
His plays also remind us of the joy and excitement of live performance. From the open-air stages of the Globe Theatre to school drama productions, Shakespeare’s works are meant to be seen and heard, not just read. Shakespeare’s legacy continues to fuel passion for performance and storytelling, proving that centuries later, the Bard is still a creative force to be reckoned with.
How to introduce Shakespeare to students
Now that you know the many benefits of studying Shakespeare, how can you make it feel less daunting for your students? With the right approach, his work can become exciting, engaging, and surprisingly enjoyable to learn.
Use interactive, student-led activities
Rather than jumping straight into reading the text, start with drama-based workshops or scene reenactments. Encouraging students to act out key moments helps them understand the language through tone, gesture, and movement. You could put a student in the "hot seat" as a character and have others ask them questions, opening up space for interpretation.
Explore modern translations and adaptations
Pairing Shakespeare’s original language with modern translations or side-by-side texts can demystify the more difficult passages. You can also use contemporary film adaptations, like She’s The Man or The Lion King, to show how his themes are still relevant today. These modern twists offer a way in for students who might initially find the language challenging.
Incorporate multimedia resources
Make use of podcasts, video performances, interactive websites, and even social media-style character profiles to bring Shakespeare’s stories and characters to life. Visual learners, in particular, benefit from seeing the drama in action rather than reading it on the page.
Encourage discussion and debate
Shakespeare's plays are full of moral dilemmas, complex relationships, and controversial decisions. Hosting classroom debates about characters’ decisions or the relevance of Shakespeare’s themes to students’ own lives encourages them to think independently, express their views, and engage with the text on a deeper, more personal level.
Take learning beyond the classroom with English school trips
English school trips to London or Stratford-upon-Avon can be an enriching experience for students. Visiting the iconic Globe Theatre and attending a live performance lets students immerse themselves in the energy and atmosphere of Shakespearean drama. Meanwhile, exploring Anne Hathaway’s Cottage offers a glimpse into the rural life of the young bard.
Step into the world of Shakespeare on an English school trip!
Ready to take a journey through time, language, and literature? Book an English school trip with European Study Tours!
Immerse your students in the world of Shakespeare with visits to the Globe Theatre in London, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon, and other historic sites. Our expert-led tours combine education with inspiration, helping students connect classroom learning to real-life experiences.
Request a quote, and we’ll respond within the next working day. Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly team today and discover how we can help make your school trip unforgettable!
