The Malignancy of Macbeth
Mike (aka Flip), wrote this fantastic rant as a part of an obscenely long and vile study guide for Macbeth. It was actually handed in. I think this is one of the best homework assignments produced this year from any of Mrs. Young’s English classes (with the obvious exception of Eric the Elephant). And I’m freaking honored to be mentioned in it.
When the class was first notified that we would be doing Macbeth I thought we would just be reading another boring book in English class. My first impression was that the book would really suck since it was written by William Shakespeare. I have never liked any of his plays so I anticipated that this one would not be any different. While my expectations were as low as they could be, things still seemed to get worse. The play itself was not that bad, but the fact that we were forced to over analyze made it unbearable.
We were required to complete a ridiculous study guide of twenty five pages containing hundreds of unnecessary in depth questions. Then I expected a test on the book, but a huge project was also required. At this point the teacher has trained me to despise literature in general. All of this was mandatory for analysis of a play that was never meant to be more than entertainment. A quick buck is all Shakespeare wanted. All men have to eat. In fact most writers write to share their feelings or ideas with the world. I ponder why the evil alliance of English teachers continues to pit us against it, forcing us to dissect it like a frog in biology. They try to make it seem like something its not, interpreting it like the constitution to make it say what they want. I honestly don’t have a personal opinion on this story because I never got a chance to enjoy it the way it was meant to be. I’m positive that Shakespeare is turning in his grave as we manipulate his life’s work.
I hope that someday when
<< Home