UNIVERSAL THEMES His plays introduce issues of love, anger, contempt, fear, courage, innocence, vulnerability, honor, and so much more. 

THE BIG QUESTIONS All humans face questions of morality, wealth, life and death, love, and friendship. 

THE ACTOR IS THE WRITER He wrote plays from the perspective of a professional actor and acting company making them extraordinarily rewarding to both read in a classroom setting and act on a stage. 

THE WORDS HAVE RHYTHM While his language can be difficult to decipher, it is unique and eloquent with meter and a lyric quality. 

WORD INVENTION He invented hundreds of words, like swagger, bandit, and dauntless, influencing our language today.

CRITICAL THINKING Shakespeare’s wording and language can be analyzed and the meaning can be taken in so many different ways depending on the reader and the emphasis.

DISCOVERY At each reading, one can find something different in his plays and poems.

ACCOMPLISHMENT The feeling that students have when they master a Shakespearean play is unique. Students at any level realize the true potential they have for literature when they invest in reading Shakespeare.

A FIRST LOOK AT THEATER His plays are often the first experience students have with theater in the classroom, and it inspires students to be actors and performers. 

INSPIRATION THROUGH THE AGES Film writers constantly look to Shakespeare’s plots and characters for inspiration-- The Forbidden Planet, Lion King, 10 Things I Hate About You, Kiss Me Kate, O, and West Side Story just to name a few.