Getting Shakespeare

Here is a list of a few lessons you will learn when you read the book. Word order confusing sometimes is: Sometimes a line doesn't make sense because it really doesn't make sense. This book walks you through some strategies and provides some practice exercises to help you untangle the twisty syntax (word order) Shakespeare uses in his plays. He's quite the character: Characters usually fall into certain roles in literature, and Shakespeare is no exception here. This book teaches you how to identify different characters and keep track of all of their relationships. Persistent Confusion: It is perfectly normal to be confused when reading Shakespeare. Sometimes he's trying to confuse his audience in order to build suspense or for some trick the characters are playing on stage. You'll find suggestions and exercises in the book to help you push through in your reading. Life and Times: You don't need to be an expert in Early Modern England to appreciate Shakespeare's work, but it does help to know a few things about the Bard and his world. Immerse Yourself : The final section provides a list of some of my favorite books, films, and websites for you to explore. I discuss the importance of getting to a live performance of Shakespeare, as well as Shakespeare influence on some popular television series. I had to reign myself in and not go crazy in this section. The book also includes a glossary of terms.