Well...do you think that we should be teaching Shakespeare?
I'm guessing yes.
Do you think that we should teach Shakespeare in a way that students will understand it?
I'm also guessing yes.
Hamlet act 5 scene 2: "Not a whit. We defy augury. There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow."
I know that you all know the individual words, with the possible exception of "augury." What does it really mean?
Well, here's Matthew 10:27-31 which Hamlet is referencing: Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Understanding the reference kinda makes the line clearer and makes it hit harder, right?