Shakespeare too mature

The first survey of teachers' attitudes to Shakespeare also found strong opposition to using his history plays as the basis of lessons. Henry IV Part I was dismissed as "boring" because it required too much knowledge of historical context. The Taming of the Shrew, meanwhile, was rejected by many teachers for "the problematic portrayal of women and relationships".

Consultation with teachers and English advisers put Othello at the bottom of the list of suitable texts. It received twice as many statements of opposition as any other play. Nearly all cited the topic of racism or the play's handling of sexual jealousy, which was felt to be "beyond the experience" of 13 and 14-year-olds.

"Both were subjects that respondents would not feel comfortable teaching at this level," says the report. Teachers were also concerned about the play's many sexual puns.









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: "The first survey of teachers' attitudes to Shakespeare also found strong opposition to using his history plays as the basis of lessons. Henry IV Part I was dismissed as 'boring' because it required too much knowledge of historical context. The Taming of the Shrew, meanwhile, was rejected by many teachers for 'the problematic portrayal of women and relationships'.Consultation with teachers and English advisers put Othello at the bottom of the list of suitable texts. It received twice as many statements of opposition as any other play. Nearly all cited the topic of racism or the play's handling of sexual jealousy, which was felt to be 'beyond the experience' of 13 and 14-year-olds.'Both were subjects that respondents would not feel comfortable teaching at this level,' says the report. Teachers were also concerned about the play's many sexual puns."