Thoughts on Shakespeare
“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.
on September 24th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
You are so exactly right: most of us fear not being able to answer a question posed by a student. We are the teachers, after all!
Learning more about the topic, whatever it is, is the only answer. Part of being a new teacher is that you can’t possible hope to know everything about everything you are asked to teach. That will improve as time goes on. But that is really why it is so important for teachers to keep taking courses, to keep learning, to keep thinking deeply about what they do in the classroom.
It is also important, too, I think, to let your students know when you don’t know. Don’t pretend that you know when you don’t. But, of course, you have an obligation to try to find an answer once the question has been asked!
on September 27th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
[...] Delbert suggests an examination of the use of language as reflective of the Shakespearean and contemporary times. Such close language analysis is also reinforced through a practical application in the posts, Who Loves Shakespeare Now? and Much Ado about Shakespeare. The application in the former post is meant to help students to examine the ways in which literary devices such as repetition or rhyme, just to name but a few, can enhance the writer’s intent. The application recommended in the latter post focuses on the ways to make Shakespeare’s language more accessible to the student. [...]
on October 3rd, 2006 at 8:28 pm
I agree as well. I can’t remember how many times I have said, “Let me look at up and make sure I am telling you correctly.” It feels like teachers must be this pillar of wisdom, infallible and having all needed knowldge immediately at their command. And yes – Shakespeare requires more than its fair share of that knowledge as far as students are concerned. What looks a little challenging to us is an incredible barrier to our students. I think that keeping the original purpose of those plays in mind helps to smooth the pathway for both teacher and students. He wrote a thing of beauty and made it come alive. It spoke across social gaps and class barriers (no small feat in Elizabethan England.) His messages and lessons are more difficult to discern only because they require much more imagination than modern prose. Maybe it would help to think of Shakespeare’s works as poetry, for that is what they are.
on May 9th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Keep up the great work!