Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

I love Shakespeare, I always have. But in ninth grade when we read Romeo and Juliet I was in the minority. That is why I’m very torn about using this classic work in a classroom.

It is a valuable text for those who can enjoy for what it is it but for most ninth grade students reading a 16^th century strangely worded play about two teenagers who fall in love at first sight and commit suicide because of it might seem silly. I think the biggest problem with it is the way this story’s reputation as a simple love story and teachers, in my experience don’t really sway from that. They devalue 9^th graders ability to see the complexities of their world.

I think students may feel that teachers are trying to tell them that their teenage feelings and actions are rash and stupid. Shakespeare’s point in writing was to show the absurdity and repercussions of impulsive decisions but it is archaic in the way that it diminishes and disregards emotions. The do need to learn that there are ramifications for not thinking through a situation rationally but that also takes into effect that emotions, love, and relationships shape who they are and how they act as well, and that is okay. Perhaps there is another text where students can learn this lesson.

Continuing to teach something just because it is tradition may not be helpful to students, in fact it might hurt them. I do however think it extremely important for students to experience Shakespeare in the classroom. The complexity of his stories, the depth of characterization, and the comments on society/humanity makes them wonderful for students learning about literature. Not too mention the striking craftsmanship of his language is something students should learn to appreciate.

However I think there may be better choices when it comes to teaching Shakespeare.

In many cases reading Romeo and Juliet in ninth grade is a persons only experience with Shakespeare and if they are off put by it then they are missing out on other powerful works. If a school/district requires that the teachers teach this text I think it is just important to do it the right way that doesn’t sound like adult telling teens they are stupid for acting upon their feelings and teaches them to appreciate its literary value even centuries later.