Guidelines

Why should I read Shakespeare?

Alex Dopico

Why should I read Shakespeare?

Reading Shakespeare makes you smarter, nicer, and more handsome. Well, OK, I can’t vouch for the handsome part. But research shows that reading Shakespeare does boost brain activity and memory. It’s also been shown to relax readers, and we already know that reading literature can make you more empathetic.

Should I read all of Shakespeare?

My recommendation is to read the Shakespeare plays generally considered his best first, but with the caveat that the historical plays will be read in order. The historical plays are really like one long series (a bit like Game of Thrones), so you’ll get a lot more out of reading them in order.

Which Shakespeare should I read first?

If you are about to read Shakespeare for the first time then choosing the right play will help tremendously. Luckily variety is not a problem. I’d recommend starting with one of the most popular ones. Something like ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Macbeth’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Othello’ or ‘The Merchant of Venice’.

How do you read Shakespeare’s pleasure?

How to read Shakespeare for pleasure

  1. Ignore the footnotes. If your edition has footnotes, pay no attention to them.
  2. Pay attention to the shape of the lines. The layout of speeches on the page is like a kind of musical notation or choreography.
  3. Read small sections.
  4. Think like a director.
  5. Don’t worry.

How do you enjoy Shakespeare?

Here are some helpful tips to enjoying Shakespeare.

  1. Watch a production by a professional acting company. Shakespeare wrote plays.
  2. Watch a movie (that uses the original script) If you can’t get to a play, then watch a movie adaptation.
  3. Watch a movie of a play. Yes, these exist.
  4. Fine, read him.

How do I get into Shakespeare?

Digging Deep

  1. Purchase a Well-Edited Edition. If you are going to be reading Shakespeare outside of a classroom setting, you cannot just buy any old edition.
  2. Read the Play Twice. Start off by reading the play through once, just for fun.
  3. Use the OED.
  4. Gain Historical Context.
  5. Read it Out Loud.
  6. Find a Friend.

How do you master Shakespeare?

How to Study Shakespeare

  1. 1) Read a great plot synopsis.
  2. 2) Find an annotated copy of the work you would like to read.
  3. 3) Get comfortable and read once through the play.
  4. 4) Rent, buy, or borrow from your local library the BBC production of the play.
  5. 5) It is time to read the play again.
  6. •
  7. Related Articles.

How can I understand Romeo and Juliet better?

How to Study Romeo and Juliet

  1. 1) Read a modern translation along with the original.
  2. 2) Understand the term “star-crossed lovers.” Fate will never allow Romeo and Juliet to live happily ever after.
  3. 3) Romeo and Juliet are teenagers.
  4. 4) Do background research into the time period.
  5. 5) Act out a variety of scenes.
  6. 6) Annotate and react.