Rediscovering Shakespeare: A Guide to Engaging with His Masterpieces

William Shakespeare, the 'lit' in literature, continues to captivate readers and performers over four centuries after his time. Rediscovering Shakespeare can be an enriching journey, but it doesn't necessarily require diving into 37 plays and 157 sonnets in a single fell swoop. In this article, we explore how to engage with Shakespeare's works through various mediums, from reading to performance, to truly appreciate the depth of his genius.

Starting Your Journey: In Search of Shakespeare

Michael Wood's In Search of Shakespeare is a fantastic starting point for anyone wishing to delve into the life and works of the Bard. Wood's book, accompanied by a DVD series, offers fascinating insights into Shakespeare's life and his literary genius. As someone who has been teaching and studying Shakespeare for decades, Wood provides a comprehensive introduction to the playwright and his works.

Engaging Through Performance: Movie Adaptations

Engaging with Shakespeare's plays through performance is perhaps the most immersive way to understand his language and tragic, comedic, and romantic characters. Four highly recommended movie adaptations include Kenneth Branagh's versions of Henry V, As You Like It, and Hamlet. These films showcase not only the beauty of Shakespeare's language but also the power and depth of his storytelling.

Exploring Shakespeare Through Multiple Resources

Instead of reading a book on your own, consider a multi-faceted approach to engage more deeply with Shakespeare. Starting with Slings and Arrows, a Canadian comedy-drama series, is a great way to explore the world of Shakespeare. Follow it up with an enhanced audio book from SmartPass, such as Hamlet, which provides a commentary alongside the text, making it easier to understand the nuances of the language.

Enhancing Your Understanding: Critical Analysis and Performance

After gaining insights through performance and audio, dive into critical analysis to explore the deeper meanings behind the plays. Harold Bloom's Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies and Shakespeare: Invention of the Human provide invaluable critical perspectives. From here, pick up an annotated guide to enhance your reading experience, making it more accessible with explanations of complex words and phrasing.

Final Step: Seeing It Live or on DVD

The ultimate step is to see Shakespeare performed live, if possible. However, if you can't attend a live performance, watching a high-quality DVD can be a fantastic substitute. Actors like David Tennant and Patrick Stewart in their roles bring a new dimension to the text, providing insights and interpretations that are truly rewarding.

To summarize, rediscovering Shakespeare can be a journey of multiple steps, from reading his works through various mediums to experiencing the brilliance of his language and storytelling through performance. Whether you choose to start with a book, a TV show, an audio book, or a performance, the key is to engage with his works in a way that resonates with you. Happy reading and exploring!