How to Study Shakespeare

 

How to Study Shakespeare

Studying the works of William Shakespeare can be both challenging and rewarding. He is one of the most famous and influential playwrights of all time, and his plays have stood the test of time. Learning how to study Shakespeare can help you appreciate his works more fully and gain a greater understanding of the language and culture of his time.

Understand the Context

When studying Shakespeare, it is important to understand the context in which his works were created. Knowing about Elizabethan England, the political and social climate, and the literature of his time can help you understand the language and themes of his plays.

The most important thing to remember is that Shakespeare wrote for an audience that was very different from today’s. His language was designed to be accessible to his audience, so many of the words and phrases may be unfamiliar to modern readers. Understanding the context of the play can help you to make sense of the language and appreciate the meaning behind it.

Familiarise Yourself with the Language

Shakespeare wrote in a combination of old and modern English, and his language can be difficult to understand for modern readers. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the language before attempting to read and understand the plays.

One way to do this is to look up some of the words and phrases used by Shakespeare. Many dictionaries and websites have a glossary of Shakespearean language. Reading through these can give you a better understanding of the language and help you to make sense of the text.

It is also helpful to read a modern translation of the play alongside the original text. This can help you to understand the meaning of the original text, even if you don’t understand all of the words.

Understand the Themes

Shakespeare’s works are filled with themes, and understanding these can help you to appreciate the play on a deeper level. Many of his plays explore themes such as love, betrayal, power, and revenge. By understanding these themes, you can gain a better understanding of the play and the characters.

It is also important to understand the genre of the play. Shakespeare wrote a variety of genres, including tragedy, comedy, and history. Knowing the genre of the play can help you to understand the tone and structure of the play.

Analyse the Characters

Shakespeare’s characters are often complex and multi-faceted. Analyzing these characters can help you to understand the play in greater depth. Pay attention to the characters’ motivations, relationships, and interactions with each other. This can help you to understand their actions and the themes of the play.

Think Critically

It is important to think critically when studying Shakespeare. Consider the play from different perspectives and ask yourself questions about the characters and the themes. What does the play reveal about the society of its time? How do the characters change over the course of the play?

Read the Play Out Loud

Reading the play out loud can help you to appreciate the structure and beauty of the language. It can also help you to understand the meaning of the text and appreciate the rhythms of the language.

Perform the Play

One of the best ways to understand a Shakespearean play is to perform it. If you are studying the play in a group, try to perform scenes from the play. Acting out the play can help you to understand the characters and appreciate the language more fully.

Discuss the Play

Talking about the play with others can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the text. Discussing the characters, themes, and language with others can give you a greater appreciation for the play.

Practice Regularly

Studying Shakespeare can be challenging, and it is important to practice regularly. Read the plays and poems regularly and familiarise yourself with the language. The more you practice, the better you will understand the works of Shakespeare.

Studying Shakespeare can be a rewarding experience. With a bit of practice and effort, you can gain a better understanding of his works and appreciate them more fully. By familiarising yourself with the language, understanding the context and themes, and analyzing the characters, you can gain a greater appreciation of the works of William Shakespeare.