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London school slammed for 'Macbeth' suicide notes assignment

By Ray Downs

June 26 (UPI) -- A teacher at a London school is facing criticism for assigning his teenage students to write suicide notes from the perspective of Lady Macbeth as part of a Shakespeare lesson.

The lesson was intended to give students insight into the character, who kills herself in Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth. But parents were outraged and said the assignment was emotionally distressing for their children.

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"My daughter had had personal experience with people her age committing suicide," a mother said.

She added: "My daughter is very outspoken but there are other kids not as vocal who might be suffering from depression. I support [Thomas Tallis school] addressing suicide but it should be in a supportive environment."

The school's headteacher, Carolyn Roberts, assured parents that the issue was addressed and similar events would not happen again.

"We appreciate that the exercise was upsetting to the family and have discussed the subject matter and approach with teaching staff," Roberts said. "I met with the parent last week and apologized wholeheartedly on behalf of the school."

She added that "the exercise is a well-known method for getting students to understand this dramatic twist in the play. The teacher who set the exercise is very experienced."

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