Every high school student knows the pain (or joy) of learning Shakespeare. Whether it’s Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth or Henry V, these plays have been taught in classrooms for generations. But why we spend so much time analysing and writing essays about works that were written centuries ago? Why do we dedicate hours to understanding texts that, let’s be honest, feel pretty disconnected from our everyday lives? 

Not only is Shakespeare old, but it’s outdated. We waste time in studying these works that don’t apply in this day and age. We live in a world where social media, trends and current events shape our day to day lives. Wouldn’t we be better off studying articles and narratives that address real world problems that we face often? Shakespeare doesn’t help to give students knowledge on issues in society, such as climate change, politics and the dangers of the internet. The weeks spent on Shakespeare could instead be used to shape the minds that are our future. 

Another issue with Shakespeare is the actual writing of it. Half the time reading Shakespeare feels like trying to understand a foreign language, it’s like it has to be dumbed down just for us to get a grasp on what is going on. We study quotes and passages that don’t even make sense when you read them, because that’s not how we talk today. If you’ve ever had to Google a line from Macbeth just to figure out what’s going on, you’re not the only one. We shouldn’t be studying what’s essentially a whole different English to the one we use. We are required to watch plays where the dialogue is incomprehensible and often needs to be decoded and translated for us. 

Thirdly, the fact that Shakespeare is mostly subjective. Within its writings, some students and teachers might find techniques, themes and deeps meanings, but to others there might be a different opinion, or it might even feel like people are just making it up. And it isn’t as though Shakespeare can tell us exactly what he meant or wanted to convey, so instead we have to guess and possibly stretch for interpretations that were likely not intended in the first place. 

And finally, the cultural differences between now and when Shakespeare lived in the 1500’s are immense. Back then the world was ruled by older, English men. The world was full of racism and misogyny, a state (I’d like to think) we somewhat evolved from. In fact, every role in Shakespeare’s plays were acted by men, women were not allowed. Furthermore, there was not a single character or actor from the time of cultural diversity. 

So the question is: Is Shakespeare truly ready to be retired? Could we be learning about more topics more relevant, meaningful and practical? Are we wasting lessons on learning about a man that’s way past his time. Or is the Bard truly timeless, should he live on forever through his stories? That’s up to you to decide.