Tutor profile: Jared M.

Shakespeare is often stereotyped as a boring subject that many must suffer just to obtain a diploma that will never have any impact in their lives. If this is the case, why is Shakespeare still taught and what purpose does it have?

First, many schools read Shakespearean plays as literature instead of performing them. This causes the art to lose much of its appeal as it was intended to be seen, not read. Second, Shakespeare contributed over 1,700 words to the English language. English is a living unit - with new words being created and words becoming archaic every day. Music and social media continue this trend to this very day echoing what Shakespeare began. Shakespeare can be entertaining provided the proper context, and understanding basic Middle English can help overcome the stereotypical hurdles that often come with this field of study.

As technology grows at an exponential rate, literature is seen increasingly more as a study than an enjoyment or leisurely activity that it was in the past. What does the study of literature offer the average person?

Literature exists in a number of fields that can serve different purposes regardless of the field of study. For example, a biography of Marie Curie or Louis Pasteur can help scientists gain a new perspective of scientists that helped shape the present, perhaps sparking new ideas that could influence the future. Allegories become more relevant as political and religious philosophies grow and spread throughout social media.

Assuming that one knows how to speak, read, and write evenly remotely proficiently - what more does the field of English offer to those who do not wish to teach?

The truth is that majority of English majors do not go into the teaching profession. English as a whole is looked upon as a positive field that intertwines both critical and free thinking. Those who study English often create original solutions that are effective as well. Communication that includes correct spelling and grammar also points to those who care about the details in their work and signifies someone who can excel professionally to their employer.