February 5, 2018
How to Tolerate Shakespeare: 5 Simple Tips I know we all question the importance of reading such ancient, frustrating pieces of literature, but Shakespeare was actually a very intelligent man (I know, adding apostrophes and taking our letters in the middle of random words doesn’t seem like much of an accomplishment but I guess the rules were different back them). Annnnnyways, Shakespeare did actually invent many words that we still use today like majestic, accused, and flawed, so I suppose I owe him much thanks, how else would I describe a prancing horse…
Now. . . without further ado: 1) TAKE IT SLOW
As much as we all just want to get it done with, taking it slow is the best way to comprehend Shakespeare. Shakespeare's plays are quite archaic in their structure, making content that much harder to grasp. Although arduous, it is not impossible, and with practice and time comprehension will pick up. Unfortunately with the aging of the work, many words slip through our comprehension level or have utterly different meanings now compared to years ago. Although I think I could do without “callet” (Act IV, ii, 142) and “coxcomb” (Act V, ii, 278). |
Author
Sierra- a morally obligated advasary of Shakespeare. |
2) Make an Excuse for Movie Night and Popcorn
Fortunately, we live in a glorious time of media where movies and videos aren't hard to come by. Since I am a huge visual person, this tip helps tremendously, and is probably one of my favorites. Although movies don’t fit the script exact and could never replace the work, they help give insight and get the general ideas and themes across. Some that follow Shakespeare’s plays are “O” and “10 Things I Hate About you,” these are just two of the many. Watching the play after reading can really help deepen understanding, and in end analysis. |
3) Bring out your Inner Voice Acting
Shakespeare writes PLAYS. We oftentimes forget this and get frustrated when we don't understand things right away (at least I do anyways). Reading the play aloud or in groups is another great strategy to Shakespeare comprehension. Instead of reading it as tonight I “ knee’eer” might say before, we can read it as “tonight I never might say before” (Act II, iii, 97). When reading aloud our brain can catch onto things and is much better at filling in the blanks. |
5) Don't Overthink it
Unfortunately, Shakespeare feels the need to make everything 1,000,000 times more complicated than necessary, which can make it hard on the eyes AND the head, but do not fear. Getting frustrated and angry will not help, trust me I've already tried... Simply resetting your mind or taking a little break to regroup can make a hell of a difference. Personally, I can only take Shakespeare in small dosages, I don't care how many words he's created, my mind can only take so much. When I regroup, my mind is no longer filled with frustration and I can focus my energy on understanding the text rather than complaining. |