Both the stories are talking about education as a way of understanding, bridging the gap and enlightening people.
Explanation:
Both of these stories deal with fundamental theme of providing education of something to a people who do not have access to it.
“Teaching Shakespeare in a Maximum Security Prison” and “Village Schools and Traveling Soldiers" both are about people who are in either an undesirable position or in a difficult position and often do not get to study enough.
This is shown as a way to bridge the gap between them and the society and making them more enlightened. It is also about understanding their position as a people.
Focus your attention. You don't want to be on your phone or watching tv while someone is talking to you.
