Why Shakespeare Still Matters: Insights from GSB's English Department 

More than four centuries after William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet and Macbeth, these timeless works continue to captivate audiences and remain a cornerstone of Gill St. Bernard’s Upper School English curriculum. But what makes “the Bard” so enduring? We asked Upper School English Instructor Fernando Gomez and Twelfth-Grade student Darya Tahmasebi to share their thoughts on why Shakespeare’s plays remain relevant in modern education. 

Hamlet: A Mirror to Life’s Challenges 

Why does Hamlet still resonate with readers? 

“At its core, Hamlet is the story of someone trying to navigate life—just like many of our students,” explained Gomez. “It’s about a highly dysfunctional family and universal experiences: love, death, hate, war, the afterlife, and revenge. Peel back the layers, and you’ll find a deeply human story.” 

For Tahmasebi, Hamlet’s language was part of the appeal. “I’ve really enjoyed reading Hamlet,” she said. “The way the language is crafted and written in prose is fascinating. Not everyone loves Shakespeare because the meaning isn’t always obvious—it takes time to understand. I enjoy that process, almost like solving a code, to uncover the underlying message.” 

The Timeless Power Struggles in Macbeth 

What about Macbeth makes it relevant today? 

“Macbeth is the story of someone who craves power so much that he seizes it, leaving a trail of tyranny and bloodshed,” Gomez shared. “Looking at history, figures like Castro, Chavez, Hitler, and Stalin all exhibited similar traits. Macbeth allows students to draw connections between literature and the real world.” 

Why Study Shakespeare? 

Both Gomez and Tahmasebi agree that Shakespeare’s work is unparalleled. “His plays are unlike anything being written today,” Tahmasebi said. “It’s important to experience a different way of understanding literature and to embrace that change in perspective.” 

Gomez highlighted the plays’ intended format. “Shakespeare wrote his plays to be experienced live, and their continued performance today is a testament to their enduring relevance.” 

Gill St. Bernard’s students had the chance to experience this firsthand when the junior class attended the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s production of Macbeth on November 14, 2024. The performance, held at Drew University, brought the story’s drama and intrigue to life—underscoring why Shakespeare continues to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.