I'm interested in reading some of Shakespeare's plays before we start studying them in school. Our teacher hasn't given a specific list, so what are some of the most commonly studied plays in high school?
It's excellent that you're taking the initiative to familiarize yourself with Shakespeare's works. Often in high school, curriculum choices are influenced by themes that resonate with students' lives, developmental capacity, and societal issues, and Shakespeare's plays provide ample content in this regard.
From my knowledge, there are several 'classic' Shakespeare plays that frequently make their way into high school English classrooms:
- "Romeo and Juliet": As a quintessential story of young love marred by a feuding society, this play sparks engaging conversations around topics like passion, impulsivity, and the consequences of intolerance.
- "Macbeth": This tragedy is noted for its exploration of ambition, guilt, and the effects of succumbing to temptation. Macbeth's character arc is a valuable source of discussion about morality and personal responsibility.
- "Hamlet": Known for its deep existential themes, Hamlet explores grief, vengeance, procrastination, and mortality, making it more suited for upperclassmen who have matured in their analytical capabilities.
- "Othello": This play about jealousy, manipulation, and the disastrous effects of prejudice can lead to valuable discussions about race, identity, and trust.
- "A Midsummer Night’s Dream": This lighter, comedic play is often used to introduce students to Shakespeare's work, with its themes of love, whimsy, magic, and confusion.
Remember that reading Shakespeare can be challenging, but understanding the language and themes becomes easier with practice, so don't be discouraged if it seems daunting at first!
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