In this week’s podcast, we discuss why Shakespeare was always included in Charlotte Mason’s curriculum. What is the value of Shakespeare as part of the study of literature, and how can we who have little experience with his works enter in and enjoy his feast?
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“Just as we partake of that banquet which is ‘Shakespeare’ according to our own needs and desires, so do the children behave at the ample board set before them; there is enough to satisfy the keenest intelligence while the dullest child is sustained through his own willing effort.” (Vol. 6, p. 245)
“We probably read Shakespeare in the first place for his stories, afterwards for his characters, the multitude of delightful persons with whom he makes us so intimate that afterwards, in fiction or in fact, we say, ‘She is another Jessica,’ and ‘That dear girl is a Miranda’; ‘She is a Cordelia to her father,’ and, such a figure in history, ‘a base lago.’ To become intimate with Shakespeare in this way is a great enrichment of mind and instruction of conscience. Then, by degrees, as we go on reading this world-teacher, lines of insight and beauty take possession of us, and unconsciously mould our judgments of men and things and of the great issues of life.” (Vol. 4, p. 72)
“This is what Shakespeare, as great a philosopher as a poet, set himself to teach us, line upon line, precept upon precept. His ‘Leontes,’ ‘Othello,’ ‘Lear,’ ‘Prospero,’ ‘Brutus,’ preach on the one text––that a man’s reason brings certain infallible proofs of any notions he has wilfully chosen to take up. There is no escape for us, no short cut; art is long, especially the art of living.” (Vol. 6, pp. 314-15)
“And Shakespeare? He, indeed, is not to be classed, and timed, and treated as one amongst others,––he, who might well be the daily bread of the intellectual life; Shakespeare is not to be studied in a year; he is to be read continuously throughout life, from ten years old and onwards. But a child of ten cannot understand Shakespeare. No; but can a man of fifty? Is not our great poet rather an ample feast of which every one takes according to his needs, and leaves what he has no stomach for?” (Vol. 5, p. 224)
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You know, I have been reading a retelling of Shakespeare's play before reading the real thing with my kids but I really have no idea why I'm doing that! Perhaps because I used to just read the retelling when they were younger, and stayed in the habit? It certainly isn't something I do in any other subject… Thanks for helping me to take a step back and consider what I'm doing a little more thoughtfully.
I had a different perspective on using a recording though – I've used that not so much because the language is difficult, but because I wanted the children to hear it read clearly and distinctly with a good cadence and rhythm. I want the language to sing for the children as I know it can. There's perhaps a selfish motive as well – I don't want to suffer through Shakespeare read poorly! But I can see how I'm also not giving them a chance to learn how to read Shakespeare well and to grow in that area. We do memorize some passages so they do get some experience reading it, and learning how to speak it well… but still.
We're reading Henry V over the summer and I had already planned on not reading a retelling beforehand (mostly because I don't have one and they are familiar with the figures already from their history studies) but I'm going to try reading at least some of it with them rather than listening to it all over the course of the summer.
I'm really enjoying this podcast, thank you!
Amber,
Sometimes as the mom, I find it helpful to read a retelling so I know what's going on–if I didn't say that on the podcast. Also, I do think a good rendition is wonderful for children to hear from time to time, just like I sometimes let them watch movies, or read lighthearted books outside of school. Perhaps it would be inspirational during recitation lessons to watch or listen to a great Shakespearean actor read a famous speech from the play you are currently doing. Our children, as you are considering here, learn by doing, however, and do not need as much passive receiving, talk from adults, as personal involvement in the material to make stronger connections. When your early reader was haltingly reading his first
schoolbooks, you patiently listened, knowing that one day speech would become fluent and articulate. Give Shakespeare at least that same patience. It is hard to wait sometimes, for ability and beauty to become one, but they do.
Liz
Thanks, Liz! We've been reading Henry V twice a week out loud now and we're really enjoying it. My 10 yo sometimes stumbles, but he isn't daunted by it and is really enjoying the reading. We have always enjoyed our Shakespeare studies, but this has given it even more life, interest and zest. I appreciate the encouragement!
So we can add to the benefits of studying Shakespeare: gives children courage and confidence.
-Liz
We talk a lot about Shakespeare's plays, but what about his sonnets. Would you take a year to read through those?
L,
I believe the sonnets would fall under literature, and poetry in general. I know the PNEU students studied the sonnet and memorized some, and were asked to write in that form as well.
-Liz
Had not thought of that. Interesting that it is divided out, but I could see it under poetry. Another poet to add in. 🙂
How do you feel about listening to an audio recording of the play instead of trying to read aloud by yourselves?
I believe it is not engaging in the literature to the extent that Mason wished. It is the effort to read and verbalize what we are seeing that gives the understanding.
-Liz
Would you recommend getting a Shakespeare play with side-notes, so while reading it out loud we can at least understand some vocabulary unfamiliar to us? If so, how often then do you stop and read/explain? Would it inhibit the flow of thought too much? Maybe that is something for us as the teachers to read ahead of time and explain it at the beginning before we begin to read?
I haven’t ever been brave enough to try Shakespeare. But I would like too! Thank you for your encouragements in the podcast!
Hi !
Thank you so much for your good work ! You are litterally changing my life at the moment ?
My question is: what about french speaking people ? I know you are purists, as I try to be, but when I listened to this episode, I got the sense that language was such a big part of studying Shakespeare that I feel unconfortable to use a translation…. Should I ? Or should I find another french poet/theather writer to read to my kids ? Moliere ? I don’t like to switch something like that…. So, any thoughts ?
Thank you so much !
Meggie,
We are grateful that the ADE podcast is making a difference in your life. Shakespeare is a treasure not just for English speaking peoples, but for cultures worldwide. Surely anyone who is learning English would greatly enhance their study through familiarity with the Bard, but the worth of Shakespeare extends beyond language. As a revealer of character and motive, he is unsurpassed. The wisdom we can draw from Shakespeare is universal. Studying Shakespeare is not a replacement for familiarity with dramatists of your native language which will be valuable in your study of your nationality’s literature, too.
Liz
Nancy,
As the episode explains, dictation begins in form II. Form II is also the form in which children are building skill in oral reading. All lessons are taken from their own schoolbooks. If you have a child who is not yet reading from his own books, perhaps it is too soon to begin dictation, other than for words or simple phrases–and those can be taken from schoolbooks. You should be able to tell whether a child is ready by the level of performance in transcription.
Liz
Thank you for your answer! That is so helpful ?
Could you help me a bit more with the specifics? I am wondering…. Should I start with a translation, and then read the original version when my children’s understanding of english get better ? Or I wait longer to start directly with the original text ? You put such emphasis on the richness of the language and the importance of choosing the original text that I am not sure about how to proceed….?