How refreshing to see pupils at a Jewish school in north London boycotting the key stage 3 Shakespeare test. The challenge was based on the belief that Shakespeare was anti-Semitic when writing The Merchant of Venice with his portrayal of Shylock. Their withdrawal has apparently sent the school plummeting down the school league tables.
This shows two things. First, league tables are not worth the paper they are written on and only serve to make teachers teach pupils how to pass exams and not much else. Second, it shows young people do have views and are able to represent them in a positive manner.
In an effort to engage more young people in the critical analysis of prose and poetry, could I perhaps, through your columns, seek their views on some of the writings of TS Eliot and whether they consider those to be anti-Semitic too. Written submissions can be sent to me at the address above and these will be held in our library for perusal.
Bob Miller, founder and chairman, TS Eliot Society (UK) Little Gidding, Huntingdon.
