How to Read Shakespeare and Comprehend His Works

Shakespeare, much like Neil Simon or Andrew Lloyd Webber in their respective genres, often skirts the edges of contemporary understanding. Many are woefully underprepared to engage with his rich and complex texts. However, with the right approach and resources, any reader can successfully navigate Shakespeare's language and master his work.

Understanding the Plot and Characters

Just as modern playwrights' works rely on prior knowledge, so too do Shakespeare's plays. During his time, audiences would come with a broad understanding of the plots and characters, which was often promoted through advertising and word-of-mouth. This environment, familiar to many due to contemporary media's influence, suggests that it is beneficial to familiarize oneself with the basic plot and characters of a play. Books such as Marchette Chute's Stories from Shakespeare or Charles Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare offer concise and accessible summaries, which should not be dismissed simply because they are aimed at younger audiences. These resources provide a foundation that can greatly enhance understanding when diving into the original texts.

Choosing the Right Edition

Selecting an appropriate edition is crucial for a smooth reading experience. A favorite is the Oxford Edition, published in octavo format (paperback size), with each play contained in a separate volume. These editions are invaluable, as they include comprehensive and clear notes at the bottom of each page for unfamiliar words. This feature allows readers to maintain their place effortlessly and without the need for flipping pages between notes, ensuring a fluid and uninterrupted reading experience. Additionally, the stage notes that accompany these editions are indispensable, providing insights into the movements of characters on stage, which can help clarify otherwise confusing scenes.

The Riddles of Royal Names

Understanding the language and references in Shakespeare's works can also be tricky due to the complexity and cultural context. For instance, in British usage, a person's name can vary depending on their social status. John Smith could be "Earl of Blankety Blank" or simply "Blankety Blank," both referring to the same individual. Stage notes are particularly helpful here, as they detail who has entered or exited the stage, helping to clarify the number and identity of the characters in a scene.

Busting the Myth of Iambic Pentameter

The rhythm of a line in Shakespearean verse, often described as iambic pentameter, can be intimidating but is actually quite natural. An iamb is a rhythmic unit where a short syllable is followed by a long one. Pentameter means that each line contains five such units. Thus, a line in iambic pentameter would be structured as follows: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM. This structure is used to mimic the natural flow of spoken English, which is why it is not nearly as challenging to understand or read out loud as one might think.

To illustrate, consider the famous opening line from Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 (Sonnet 18):

Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day?

When read aloud, as if speaking to a loved one, it flows naturally without forced stresses. This seamless delivery is characteristic of the best Shakespearean actors, who convey the words in a way that sweeps the audience into the dialogue, making the experience lifelike and emotionally engaging.

Enjoying Shakespeare's Works Through Different Lenses

Finally, the great thing about delving into Shakespeare is the variety of genres and themes available. Categories like history, tragedy, comedy, romance, and fantasy offer a diverse landscape for exploration. Some plays, like the Taming of the Shrew, may shock with their frankness and use of language that would raise eyebrows if subjected to modern rating systems. Teachers and readers should be prepared for the direct and sometimes crude exchanges that occur between characters, especially in plays like Taming of the Shrew where characters like Katherine and Petruchio openly trade rude and pointed remarks.

In summary, the key to fully comprehending Shakespeare is preparation, especially in understanding the plot and characters, selecting the right edition, and appreciating the rhythms andnatural flow of his language. By adopting these strategies, readers can immerse themselves in one of the greatest playwrights in history and enjoy the rich tapestry of his works.