Half Time: Shakespeare

Six Months of Shakespeare

Enter Hamlet, reading on a book. So goes the stage direction in Act II. Gertrude takes note of him: "sadly the poor wretch comes reading." Hamlet's escape into books for a relief of his pain is admirable, if only that were true. In fact, it could be his sadness increased upon reading or his brooding needs lament. Is this Shakespeare's tacit argument for or against reading education in public schools today? I have no idea. And I truly have no intention to attempt an argument.

I do, however, believe Shakespeare's characters find themselves in our contemporary world, walking and talking (and posting) among us, mostly in different clothing. I also believe my brain needs a challenge like this. When I considered Russian authors—Brothers K, Anna Karenina, and Dead Souls—I remembered I'll be reading until midsummer, so to the Bard I went. The readings also serve well for a semi-regular blog on a few thoughts and observations, when I encounter them. To the Bard (and blog)!

"For courage mounteth with occasion."

For each play, I'll have a "running" blog post, which basically means I'll update and publish it as I read, eventually culminating in a complete and separate post for each play. The posts will mostly focus on three areas: scene reflections, proper quotes, and best/worst characters. I hope to write lightly and accessibly about Shakespeare while I read thoughtfully and sharply. I'll also write a few notes on the context of the play, especially the histories.

I will read the histories last, in chronological order by events within the plays. The first play, which happens to be a tragedy, is Titus Andronicus, which is set in the early 1200s, about 400 years before Shakespeare lived. If the play were being written today, it would be set in Shakespeare's time, about 400 years ago. Ha! Enjoy the insights. Read more Shakespeare!

*a place where Shakepeare never drank