"Macbeth: A Timeless Tragedy or a Product of Its Time?"

Pupils at St. Edmund’s have been immersing themselves in the works of Shakespeare since the school was founded over 150 years ago. Shakespeare’s plays are classics that many of us have encountered in our own studies, but what makes these timeless works so significant today? Why do we continue to study and read them, and are they still as relevant for our pupils as they once were?
We caught up with Miss Messina, one of our Prep English teachers, for her perspective on why Macbeth continues to resonate:
‘’Macbeth is a timeless tale of ambition, power, and moral dilemmas. Its themes are just as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare's time. To truly appreciate the play, Form 7 Set 1 English have donned their best tartans, witches' cloaks, and have dusted off the cauldron for all the double, double, toil and trouble! ‘
We also asked Mr Bellack, our Head of English in the Senior School, for his thoughts on the relevance of Shakespeare’s work in modern education.
‘’Have you been in love? Ever been jealous or angry or felt betrayed? Do you have dreams and ambitions? Then Shakespeare writes about you! We still study Shakespeare today because 500 years later he remains as relevant as ever; whether it is the ‘Merchant of Venice’ or the drive and ambition of Lady Macbeth, human behaviour doesn’t really change and this is what Shakespeare knew and what makes his plays still relevant today.’’
Mrs Hodgkins who has taught English to Senior pupils for many years said: '‘Macbeth’ continues to resonate with its audiences both young an old. Shakespeare considered all aspects of the human psyche and pushed these to the extreme, for example, in Macbeth there is intense and unwavering ambition, self-delusion and guilt. This is exactly what soap operas do in the 21st century. In fact Eastenders scripts have the names of Shakespeare's plays at the top of them, proof that Shakespeare's ideas have transcended time.''
In conclusion, Macbeth remains as relevant today as it was over 400 years ago, with its exploration of ambition, guilt, and moral conflict still striking a chord with modern audiences. Whether it's the dramatic tension of the play itself or the way its themes continue to echo in contemporary media, Shakespeare's insights into human nature transcend the boundaries of time. As Miss Messina, Mr Bellack, and Mrs Hodgkins highlight, Macbeth offers pupils a unique opportunity to engage with timeless themes in a way that not only connects them to the past but also allows them to reflect on their own world. It’s clear that the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work ensures that Macbeth will continue to be an essential part of the curriculum for generations to come.