Murder and Mayhem: Shakespeare in the Classroom

Originally published March 2016

By Meagan Gillmore

Does the thought of teaching A Midsummer’s Night Dream give you nightmares?

This year marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, renewing attention on a man whom scholars treat as a demigod and students often loathe and associate with drudgery. A playwright by any other name wouldn’t inspire such strong reactions. New novels based on his plays are hitting shelves; appreciation societies are planning events. Teachers are tasked, however, with introducing youth to this foundational, cultural icon.

Meagan Gillmore

Meagan Gillmore is a freelance writer in Toronto, ON.