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Shakespeare’s works remain relevant, but some find them difficult to read. To improve understanding and enjoyment, use a glossary, read plot summaries, make a cast list, read critiques, watch performances, and explore modern adaptations.
William Shakespeare is considered by many to be one of the most gifted writers to ever walk this earth. His works continue to be relevant, inspiring other writers, composing school programs, and remaining a frequent source of reference in literature, art, film, and a variety of other fields. For some, reading his plays is more of a chore than enjoyment. People may simply not understand the archaic language and find it difficult to enjoy the work. It is often more difficult to read plays than to read a novel, where more information about a character is given, and it is even more difficult to read plays where references, words, and a large cast of characters can obscure the plots.
There are several ways to become a better reader of Shakespeare and to find his work more enjoyable and relevant. First, since the Shakespearean language is unknown to many, it is important to read any Shakespeare work with a good glossary. Most editions contain a glossary that defines words as you go. Avoid those that will only define a word on its first use. Instead, look for editions that consistently define words and phrases.
Secondly, some copies of Shakespeare’s works are accompanied by a plot summary at the beginning or end of each scene. This can be useful if the language still has you a little lost. You can figure out from the summaries all the important plot details that you may have missed. It helps to read the full game summaries before starting; CliffsNotes® will too. While some people don’t want to know about plot spoilers, there are few surprises in Shakespearean comedies: comedies end in marriage and tragedies in death. Therefore, knowing the end may not diminish your enjoyment of the journey you take to get there.
It can be difficult to keep the cast of any comedy straight. This can get even worse when characters assume secret identities, which is often the case. It can be helpful to make a cast list of characters to keep handy as you read so you don’t have to keep going back to the original cast list in the book. You can write some pertinent details about each character and add any aliases the characters take during a play.
Reading critiques or interpretations of Shakespeare’s works makes them more understandable. There are excellent critiques accessible to Shakespeare’s work that can really help you get more out of each play. You can often find introductions in plays of plays, which offer some interpretation, but don’t stop there. There are many criticisms on the Internet and generally guides to his work as a whole.
Another useful tool is to actually look at Shakespeare’s works instead of just reading them. His work is often more understandable in context, when actors gesture and when the action can be seen rather than inferred from reading. He recalls that his initial intent was for his plays to be seen rather than read, so this is the most natural form in which they can be enjoyed.
Don’t forget the many modern adaptations of Shakespeare. For example, the musical Kiss Me Kate and the film Ten Things I Hate About You are both inspired by the play The Taming of the Shrew. Forbidden Planet, a science fiction classic takes on The Tempest. West Side Story reworks Romeo and Juliet.
