The Ides of March is upon us, and for many, it recalls the famous warning from Julius Caesar— “Beware the Ides of March.” It’s a phrase forever etched in history and literature, thanks to Shakespeare’s immortalization of the event. For me, however, the Ides of March is a reminder of a high school English class, where the words of Shakespeare became a bridge between my love of literature and my passion for storytelling.
I can still hear Mrs. Hultgren’s voice guiding us through the complex layers of Shakespeare’s plays—Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, and others. With her encouragement, we didn’t just read the words; we felt them. One assignment that stands out is the one where we had to memorize lines. It wasn’t about memorizing for the sake of recitation—it was about understanding the depth of each word. I remember standing in front of the class, heart racing, as I recited, “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world…” from Julius Caesar. The weight of Cassius’ words still carries a profound impact today. In this line, Cassius speaks of Caesar as a colossus, a giant who towers over everyone else, and the jealousy and resentment are palpable.
Reciting that line wasn’t just about memorization, it was about understanding power and ego. It was a lesson that transcended the pages of Shakespeare and seeped into our own lives. Mrs. Hultgren taught us that every character’s words are carefully chosen to shape the story. And that’s exactly what storytelling is: a reflection of the characters, the choices they make, and the consequences that follow.
It’s these lessons that have stayed with me as I work with others on telling their stories. Every life has its own Ides of March—those pivotal moments that shift the course of the narrative. Just as Julius Caesar’s fate was sealed by the actions of those around him, so too are our stories shaped by the choices we make, the people we encounter, and the lessons we learn along the way.
Mrs. Hultgren’s influence extended beyond Shakespeare. She made Lord of the Flies come alive in a way that resonated deeply, helping us understand how each character’s actions reflected parts of human nature. Her approach wasn’t just about reading and analyzing stories, it was about living them, feeling them, and seeing ourselves within them.
That’s what makes storytelling, whether it’s autobiographical writing or fiction, so powerful. The characters and moments in our lives shape who we are and how we see the world. Just like Shakespeare’s masterpieces, our personal stories have the power to move, inspire, and transform. And just as Mrs. Hultgren helped us memorize and internalize those famous lines, she also taught us how to tell our own stories in a way that matters.
Teachers like Mrs. Hultgren make a difference because they not only teach us the mechanics of language but also show us the deeper meaning behind the words. She made us believe that the stories we tell—whether Shakespearean tragedies or our own life narratives—are worth sharing. She instilled in me a love for storytelling that I carry with me today, as I help others unearth, reflect, and share their own journeys.
So, this March 15th, whether you’re revisiting Julius Caesar or crafting your own story, take a moment to reflect on the power of a well-told narrative. The stories we tell shape who we are, and teachers like Mrs. Hultgren shape how we tell them.
“The raven watches the Ides of March, a silent witness to fate’s turning tide.”
