Romeo and Juliet is often a good starting point because many of us are familiar with the “star-crossed lovers” plot. Consider a comedy, like Taming of the Shrew, a play which has been adapted to film for modern audiences. Macbeth is another popular Shakespearean tragedy, and if you are interested in political intrigue, this might be the play for you.
The “No Fear Shakespeare” series is a good option that offers the original text side-by-side with modernized text. Remember that modernized text should support understanding, and not replace the original. Popular annotated versions are available by Arden and Oxford. Non-annotated texts will provide just the text as it was originally written.
”Thee” as “you. ” For example: “When will I see thee next?” ”Thou” as “you. ” For example: “Thou art a villain. ” ”Thy as “your. ” For example: “Thy name is more hateful than thy face. ” ”Hath” as “has. ” For example: “He hath killed many a man. ” OR “He hath a horse.
Nouns or adjectives used as verbs Verbs and subjects which don’t agree Omitted or implied words Word endings such as “-ly” applied inconsistently Tricky sentence construction. For instance, where we say “John caught the ball,” Shakespeare might write “John the ball caught,” or even “The ball John caught. “[1] X Research source
An example of a Shakespearean metaphor compares life to the theatre stage: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts. " An example of a Shakespearean pun: after Hamlet has killed Polonius and hidden his body, the king asks him where Polonius is. Hamlet tells him he is at supper – “not where he eats, but where he is eaten,” meaning that Polonius is the supper – for worms. An example of a Shakespearean malapropism: officer Dogberry said, “Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons” (apprehended two suspicious persons). [2] X Research source [3] X Research source
A dictionary A tablet to easily access internet reference material Links to websites that will help you understand the language. For example: Early English Grammar Sheets (http://homepages. wmich. edu/~cooneys/tchg/lit/adv/shak. gram. html), Shakespeare’s Language (http://www. bardweb. net/language. html), and Pronunciation (http://www. renfaire. com/Language/pronunciation. html). [4] X Research source
What are the important main events? Which characters are involved in the sub-plot and how does the sub-plot relate to the chief plot? What is the relationship of characters to each other? What motivates the characters? What is the central point or lesson of the play?[5] X Research source
Write a summary of each scene or act. Record questions or thoughts you may have about the scene. Record any new words, phrases, and their definitions that you looked up during reading. [7] X Research source
How does the performance compare with your perceptions of the play? Was there something the actor provided that you did not consider? Was there something you would have done differently?[9] X Research source
