Where Should You Start With Shakespeare?
We all know that Shakespeare was a great writer. We see those who read him as sophisticated and intelligent. But why should anyone read him? Aren’t those plays just for homework? Why should I care?
Why Read Shakespeare?
Shakespeare should be read today for the beauty. Forget academics for a second. The works of the Bard of Avon are beautiful illustrations which bring light into the soul. Your soul needs beautiful things. Satisfy it with some Shakespeare.
The works should be read because they expand the mind. This prolific author used lyrical language and basic plots, and yet, he can’t be replicated.
He masterfully weaves these elements together as if it were children’s story. As Angelina Stanford has noted many times, “Shakespeare wrote fairy tales.” He imitated the Creator when he took what was simple in the world to confound the wise.
Read Shakespeare because his works are everywhere. His influence on literature is unmatched. He is the blueprint for all stories. If you don’t read Shakespeare, you are literarily uninformed.
Criteria
If you want to begin reading Shakespeare, or are slightly interested, you may be confused where to start or are intimidated at the outset. This was once me, so take my advice.
Here are a few criteria that I think will be useful in picking where to start.
Ease of Language
Shakespeare had a working 15,000 word vocabulary.1 We don’t have that, so we have to pick something that is easy to understand.
And no, not No Fear Shakespeare. You cannot avoid the difficult language. Just because it is high language does not give you an excuse to take an axe and butcher it.
Easy Content
If you are new to Shakespeare, the style will be different to anything than you are used to. Simplicity must become your newest friend.
Popularity
If you pick something that is not popular, your lack of exposure will not be helpful.
You know the plot of Macbeth, even if you haven’t read it. But do you know the plot of Twelfth Night?
My Recommendations
When you read one of his works, read it out loud. The language is suddenly not as hard as it appeared to be. Why is that? Because he wrote them to be heard, not to be read silently.
The Sonnets
If you are an absolute beginner, with no experience with this type of language, then start with the sonnets.
These are 14 line poems that have 10 syllables per line. Shakespeare’s sonnets are written with three groupings of 4 lines known as a quatrains, ending with a couplet.
Very simple structure. You know what you are getting every time.
Romeo and Juliet
This is where I began. It is the most famous of them all. You already know what happens.
Very easy plot where two lovers are separated by a multi-generational family dispute, and it ends in tragedy (of course).
It meets all three criteria and is a great place to start.
Julius Caesar
“Et tu, Brute?” One of his many historical plays. The story of Caesar’s assassination has been told for over 2,000 years.
The impassioned Cassius lures the calm and honorable Marcus Junius Brutus into betraying Julius Caesar. The most basic of his tragedies.
One of my favorites.
Much Ado About Nothing
The war has ended. Don Pedro and his men come into town. Claudio breaks off his engagement to Hero, the governor’s daughter, after being tricked into believing she is not a maid by the villain, Don John.
This is one of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies. Very easy plot and one of the lighter ones.
A good place to start.
What Else Can I Read?
If you want to continue reading great classics and influential works, then subscribe to get my free ebook, The Traditions for the Future Reading List!
If you want to cultivate a greater love of the English language, then read my article here:
https://www1.cmc.edu/pages/faculty/welliott/Shakespeare%20Vocabulary%20Chapter%20911.pdf