Happy Birthday, Shakespeare! Today is all about remembering the timeless quality of the Bard's craft--from his tragedies and histories to his comedies and poems. Personally, I love reading Shakespeare's comedies. Not only are they playful and funny, but they are also timeless in their exploration of human emotions, social conflicts and gender fluidity. You can … Continue reading Wooing, Wedding, Happy Ending: Shakespeare’s Comedies
How to Read Shakespeare
Happy birthday Shakespeare! If you were, like me, fortunate enough to study his plays with a good uni professor, you probably understand why he's such a revered writer still today. If you read his plays for the first and last time in high school with a teacher who was more than happy to move on … Continue reading How to Read Shakespeare
Back to the Roots: Shakespeare in Pop Culture
Have you ever wondered what Shakespeare's characters would do if they lived in our times? Well, according to recent movie adaptations, Romeo and Juliet date amidst a gang war, Katherine is a feminist high-school student, Viola shows off her talent on the football field, Othello tries out for the basketball team, Beatrice and Benedick quarrel … Continue reading Back to the Roots: Shakespeare in Pop Culture
Celebrating Shakespeare’s Heroines
Today marks the 456th birthday of William Shakespeare and the 404th anniversary of his death--For Shakespeare was born and died, supposedly, on the same day: April 23. Either way, today is all about remembering Shakespeare's genius. For some, it rests in his play's timeless appeal, for others in their complex language or insightful themes. If … Continue reading Celebrating Shakespeare’s Heroines
Who Was William Shakespeare?
Who was William Shakespeare? Most people would probably answer this question with: "a writer," or a "dramatist." But what do you actually know about the man William Shakespeare? For example, when did he live? Where did he grow up? Did he have a wife and children? If you don't already know the answer to these … Continue reading Who Was William Shakespeare?
Who’s Afraid of Shakespeare?
Do you remember the first time you read Shakespeare? I remember it well. It was at my German high school and we read Othello. I don’t know about you, but for me it was a rather unpleasant experience. I didn’t understand the language (made it not easier that English isn’t my first language), so I … Continue reading Who’s Afraid of Shakespeare?
Pages and Papers 