Should we ditch Shakespeare?

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.

The play, set just before the First World War, follows the prosperous Birling family as they are visited by the mysterious Inspector Goole. Goole's interrogation reveals the family's shameful secrets and their individual roles in the death of Eva Smith, a young working-class woman. The play emphasizes the consequences of their actions and the importance of social responsibility, class, and social division.

Published in 1937, 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression. The narrative revolves around their dream of owning a small farm, a symbol of the American Dream. However, their plans are continually thwarted by circumstances, including Lennie's accidental killing of the ranch owner's daughter-in-law, which leads to a tragic conclusion. The book is known for its vivid portrayal of farm life, its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of the labor system, and its objective narrative style. It has been widely adapted into stage and film versions and remains a significant work in American literature.

The novella tells the story of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a well-respected scientist, and his mysterious and malevolent alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. Jekyll’s experiments with a potion lead to the physical and moral transformation into Hyde, an embodiment of his darker impulses. The story explores the theme of the duality of human nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order. The narrative unfolds through the investigations of Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a London lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, who uncovers the sinister relationship between Jekyll and Hyde.

Written in the spring of 1819, 'Ode to a Nightingale' is one of John Keats' most famous odes. The poem delves into the speaker's deep meditation on time, death, beauty, and human suffering, inspired by the song of a nightingale. The speaker yearns to escape the sorrows of the world through various means, including alcohol, poetry, and even death, but ultimately realizes the impossibility of fully joining the nightingale's immortal realm. The poem contrasts the eternal, beautiful song of the nightingale with the mortal, suffering life of humans, highlighting the themes of creative expression, mortality, and the fleeting nature of human experience.

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.