wolfblog

“Shakespeare’s use of `thee,’’ `thou,’ `thy’’ and `thine’ can initially worry students. Those concerns are eased when, through active use, students appreciate that although these old-fashioned pronouns have now dropped out of use in English, they were common in Shakespeare’s time alongside `you’ and `your.’’ (Gibson p. 83).

As a teacher, the most difficult moment is when a student asks a question that I simply do not know the answer to. This was often the case when dealing with material such as Shakespeare and the language used. Many times, a student would ask, “so what do they mean by that?’’ Gibson provides a perspective on Shakespeare, which I didn’t have. As I read Gibson, I realize that my knowledge of Shakespeare as well as the importance of his works to literature run much deeper than I first thought. Language at any given time, is reflective of its users’ immediate surroundings. In all honesty, I thought the use of `thou’’ “thee`’’ “thine’’ and “thy’’ were all just flights of fancy by Shakespeare in an attempt to sound impressive and sophisticated. What I am starting to realize is that no devices were randomly used by Shakespeare and in order to achieve a desired effect, his language had a purpose. In fact, the use of language was his greatest skill. Getting students to understand the meanings behind Shakespeare’s words and to see characters and their predicaments as living and breathing with complexities beyond just what’s on the surface is my aim as teacher. Also, as I learn more about Shakespeare, the more empowered I become as a source of guidance for students when questions arise. It is a disservice to my students to remain uninformed about Shakespeare as I often now feel as though I am.

I would like to use this blog as a forum to discuss important issues in the teaching of literature and the theory of teaching. I see daily how education is played out in the classroom as a teacher and would like to have a better understanding of why I do the things I do in the classroom to impact student learning and what are the most effective means to reaching students. I also think this forum is an ideal place to help others as they enter the education field and to bounce genuine concerns off each other. I look forward to using this tool and the cooperative learning it should foster.