Taking a Closer Look at Shakespeare's Work

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Shakespeare’s work helped develop a deeper understanding of the English language and usage of writing techniques throughout his writings while entertaining his audiences. The Elizabethan Era was the start towards a successful education system, which mainly consisted of strong religious views. Children who were fortunate enough would have the opportunity to start their formal education at a petty school. Petty schools were primary schools in Shakespeare’s England in which pupils would start at five years of age and complete their knowledge on how to read and write. Those who weren’t fortunate enough would obtain their information through private teaching, family member, or from a neighbor, who might be paid in order to provide the information. “This is the beginning towards education and a successful future,” said Jeffrey Forgeng. All schools should make it mandatory to study Shakespeare’s work and life. All of these factors will result in better writing and better understanding of the English language (1).

The first objective was to learn the alphabet from a hornbook which was printed test on a wooden tablet that was covered with a thin layer of translucent horn to protect the paper. The hornbook was invented in 1450 and it helped to develop a deeper understanding of the English language. It the same alphabet that we use today and without it there would be no form of education today (Forgeng 1). Schools today are nowhere to be compared to schools in Elizabethan Era. Forgeng stated:

All students at the school sat in one room, without desks: they were grouped on benches, called forms, according to their level of schooling. The typical grammar school was headed by a master, usually a university graduate. The master might have on...

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...than 100 languages. Students should know where the English language came from and how it originated. Without Shakespeare there would probably be no education system and the world wouldn’t be where it is now (2).

Works Cited

Forgeng, Jeffrey L. Daily Life in Elizabethan England. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2010.

Forgeng, Jeffrey L. "Education in Elizabethan England." Daily Life through History. ABC- CLIO, 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.

Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare's Writing Style. Shakespeare Online. 28 Mar. 2014.

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Olsen, Kirstin. "Entertainment in Shakespeare's England: Background." Daily Life through History. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.

Salisbury, Joyce E. and Lawrence Morris. "Literature in England: 15th and 16th Centuries." Daily Life through History.ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.

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