A Few Tips For Reading Shakespeare

We all know that Shakespeare can be a challenge and a half. Throughout my high school career I struggled with Shakespeare's foreign words and his elaborate speeches. Here are a few things that helped me succeed. 

1. Always look at footnotes:

You may be asking, what are footnotes? Well, they are often found at the bottom of the play's page. Sometimes words or phrases are marked with an astric (this little star *). The astric is put on the page to indicate that a further explanation is found in the footnotes (or in some cases at the back of the book). Footnotes not only clarify challenging words or phrases, they also often offer insights which can prompt ideas for essays (what a win)! 

2. Watch the plays:

Often Shakespeare's work is best understood when viewed on a stage or watched on a screen. If you can rent a copy of the play from your local library, or see it acted at a local theatre, do so! The way the actors move and interact often helps with interpreting and understanding the play. 

3. Write notes while you read: 

Make sure to make a note of sections that you don't understand so you can ask your teacher or tutor later.  After reading an act or scene it can also be very helpful to take some time to summarize the events that occurred- this helps you remember what has happened and stay on track with plot! 

  • Posted By Heather
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