THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HOPE this letter stirs up some discussions regarding the teaching of and creative approach to English literature.
I recently spoke to my nephew who is currently in third form. I inquired about the subjects he would be pursuing the following year and got the usual: math, English, biology, history, etc. I waited to hear one of my favourite subjects mentioned, but it was not included. I then asked about English literature to which he responded that Shakespeare annoys him. The conversation soon ended and I was somewhat disappointed with his views.
However, to be fair, what does Shakespeare have to offer a 13-year-old Jamaican boy in this the year 2006? Caribbean students no longer need to do GCE, but instead take the CXC. What about giving them a play that they can relate to? There are plays by our own Jamaican playwrights along with other Caribbean playwrights. There are even two African-American plays that come to mind The Color Purple and A Raisin in the Sun, to which Caribbean students can relate.
I have only had one discussion with a Caribbean student and that might not be much to go by but we seem to be turning students away from English literature with Shakespeare.
In addition, teachers need to be more energised and entertaining when doing Shakespeare. I have also found that watching the play helps with increasing your understanding of Shakespeare, and what child does not like watching TV as a part of the school curriculum. Let us start exploring other avenues to make learning literature more interesting.
I am, etc.,
ANGELA BLAIR
amariab@comcast.net
USA
