Ah, the perennial question. As a teacher who’s worked with both primary and secondary students, I’ve heard it more times than I can count: “But Miss, when will I ever need Shakespeare?” It’s usually followed by a dramatic sigh, a heavy roll of the eyes, and a stare-out-the-window that suggests they’re already mentally in a different universe.
I’ve taught Shakespeare to students of all ages—those who can barely get through a line of “Romeo and Juliet” without needing a dictionary and those who seem to think they’re entitled to an immediate Oscar nomination for their rendition of “Macbeth.” But no matter where they are in their learning, one thing is almost always true: Shakespeare can feel like the ultimate classroom struggle. And I get it. Who needs to study a long-dead playwright who wrote in a language that feels like a linguistic workout? What’s the point?
Here’s how I like to approach it when that classic question lands in my classroom: “But Miss, when will I ever need this?”
1. “I’ll Never Use This!” — The Classic Student Grumble
As teachers, we know this moment well. A student—often in the middle of a particularly challenging passage—throws their hands up in frustration and asks, “When am I ever going to need this?”
At first, it’s tempting to shrug it off. But if you pause and think about it, it’s actually a really interesting question. Because let’s face it: Shakespeare doesn’t exactly come up in most job interviews (unless you’re auditioning for a role in Macbethor applying to teach English).
So, instead of rolling my eyes (I do try, I really do), I take a moment to reflect. Shakespeare is often seen as a relic of a bygone era, a historical figure who has little relevance to the Instagram-loving, TikTok-scrolling world of today’s teenagers. But here’s the thing: while students may not need Shakespeare in the way they need their phone chargers, the skills they develop by engaging with his work are more useful than they might think.
2. The Drama of Everyday Life: Shakespeare and Emotional Intelligence
One thing Shakespeare does brilliantly is tap into the raw, unfiltered emotions that make us human. The universal themes in his plays—jealousy, ambition, love, betrayal, guilt—are not only still relevant today, but they’re practically the backbone of daily life. I mean, when was the last time a student wasn’t dealing with at least one of these emotions?
One of my favorite moments was when I overheard a student, during a particularly dramatic exam revision session, say, “I’m so angry at my friends, I could do a Macbeth on them.” After I stopped myself from laughing, we had a good discussion about how unchecked rage and ambition lead to disastrous consequences. Shakespeare’s ability to dive into the complexity of emotions offers a lot to learn from, even if students don’t immediately see the connection.
And here’s where the magic happens: once students start to recognize the emotions they’re exploring in Shakespeare’s characters, they begin to reflect on their own feelings. Trust me, when students can identify with Hamlet’s indecision or Lady Macbeth’s guilt, they’re not just studying literature—they’re learning about themselves.
3. Shakespeare and the Power of Storytelling
“Okay, okay, Miss,” they might say, “But I still don’t get why we need to read all this complicated language.” Fair point. Shakespeare’s writing can feel like it’s from another universe—those tricky soliloquies, the poetic structure, the language that seems more like a puzzle than a conversation. But here’s a little secret: it’s not just about decoding old words. It’s about understanding the power of storytelling.
Shakespeare was a master storyteller. He was brilliant at weaving together suspense, conflict, and resolution, and that’s something we can all appreciate. When students start to recognize how a well-crafted narrative can build tension or elicit empathy, they begin to see how powerful storytelling is in all aspects of life. Whether it’s writing a good essay, crafting an argument, or even just explaining a funny anecdote to friends, the skills they build by engaging with Shakespeare’s stories are invaluable.
4. Shakespeare’s Language: A Vocabulary Workout
I know, I know—Shakespeare’s language can be intimidating. But here’s the truth: once students get the hang of it, they start to realize that the richness of Shakespeare’s vocabulary actually helps improve their own communication skills. They learn to play with language, to understand its nuances, and to appreciate its rhythm.
I often tell my students that reading Shakespeare is like going to the gym, but for their vocabulary. Sure, it’s hard work at first, but over time, it strengthens their ability to articulate thoughts and ideas more clearly. And trust me, when they start using phrases like “break the ice” or “wild-goose chase” (both of which were coined by Shakespeare), I know they’re starting to see the value of his influence.
5. Shakespeare and Critical Thinking
The thing about Shakespeare is that his plays often don’t have a straightforward, one-size-fits-all answer. Take Hamlet, for example. Is he a tragic hero? Is he a procrastinator? What’s his relationship with his mother, his uncle, his ghost dad? Every time you look at it, you might come up with a new answer.
Shakespeare encourages critical thinking, and this is one of the most important skills we can develop. Students have to analyze, evaluate, and interpret. They learn to approach problems from different angles and consider multiple perspectives—skills that will serve them well in life, whether they’re making decisions at work, solving problems in relationships, or even just choosing which Netflix show to watch.
6. Humour: Shakespeare Wasn’t Just Drama
The thing that surprises most students, though, is how funny Shakespeare can be. For every dark tragedy, there’s a sharp wit or a clever pun. Yes, there’s plenty of drama—Macbeth has more betrayal and bloodshed than an episode of The Crown—but there’s also moments of lightness, even in his most serious plays. Twelfth Night is filled with slapstick comedy and mistaken identities that will still make you laugh today.
When students realize that Shakespeare’s works aren’t just about heavy drama, but can also be laugh-out-loud funny, it opens up a whole new world of appreciation for them. Sometimes, all it takes is a good chuckle over a witty line or a quirky character to help students see that Shakespeare wasn’t all doom and gloom.
7. The Bottom Line: Why Shakespeare Still Matters
So, when students ask, “But Miss, when will I ever need Shakespeare?” I try to respond with a smile and a gentle nudge in the right direction. Sure, they might not need him in the same way they need to know how to work the latest app or order a pizza online. But they do need the skills Shakespeare helps develop: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, language appreciation, and storytelling.
And who knows? Maybe one day they’ll find themselves in a conversation, quoting Hamlet or reflecting on the madness of ambition, and realize that, in some strange way, Shakespeare did have something important to say after all.
