Every year, high school students are required to read some of Shakespeare’s works. Whether that be his plays or his poems, students are in some way analyzing his work. This causes controversy due to the level of difficulty many regard Shakespeare’s writings as. Many students and parents will argue that Shakespeare should not be required. High school students should be required to study the works of Shakespeare because his writing is relevant, gives insight to ourselves, and everyone encounters his works at some point.
Undoubtedly, Shakespeare is relevant to our popular culture. “He has a presence like Lincoln or Washington in American history” (Tumiel 1). The speaker compares him to significant figures in American history. These are names that everyone recognizes, showing that everyone recognizes Shakespeare. This demonstrates the importance of high schoolers becoming familiar with Shakespeare’s work.
Furthermore, Shakespeare’s works can give us insight to ourselves. “As you discover the true meaning of the parable you discover the truth about yourself” (Mack 206). Shakespeare’s plays capitalize on common characteristics and emotions,
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“At least one class in Shakespeare is required for college English majors, which is one of the most popular academic programs” (Tumiel 2). One of the most mainstream majors requires that you study his works, providing a separate course for it. If a high school student is interested in majoring in English, it will be beneficial for them to start analyzing Shakespeare early. “Even in prisons, inmates who pursue educational opportunities regularly find lessons about Shakespeare and his plays” (Tumiel 2). People who don’t necessarily even have a substantial job encounter Shakespeare. If inmates studied Shakespeare in high school, pursuing education may be easier for them. High school students who study Shakespeare have an advantage in their adult