Character Quote by Nick Hornby
“I hated teaching Shakespeare. In order for the students to understand what was going on, you had to tell them the story of 'Macbeth' or whatever. Shakespeare is about character and language, and they didn't get any of that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing Teaching, Nick Hornby, 2008
Shakespeare’s depth lies in character and language, which can be lost if taught only through plot summary.
In simple terms: Teaching Shakespeare needs focus on characters and language.
Prioritize character and language in teaching.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- high school English classes
- literature workshops
- reading groups
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teachers make Shakespeare’s language accessible?
- What activities reveal character depth?
Students may still struggle without engaging storytelling.