When
you're studying Shakespeare, there are a few things you need to remember going
into it:
The
first thing to remember is that you shouldn’t be scared of it. If you go in
with a mindset of being intimidated, this will impede your ability to learn and
really experience the text. Because ideally, that’s what happens when you read great
literature—you don’t merely read words on a page. You experience it. But that isn’t going...
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Sam's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear Parker,
I must say, I'm shocked that you ended up choosing English as your major. You never seemed like an English guy to me... You'll probably take that as a compliment but I meant it entirely as an insult (love you). But now that you have chosen this road less traveled, I have a few words of advice for you that may be somewhat helpful. If you didn't get that Robert Frost allusion, get out. You're done. It's time for you...
Stella's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
To take a Shakespeare course, or not to take a Shakespeare course. That is the great dilemma. Dear nonexistent younger sibling, I sure care a lot about you, even though I've never met you. That's why I'm here to impart a little sisterly wisdom upon you. I just finished taking a Shakespeare course at BYU and while it seemed somewhat daunting...
Riley's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear Rees,
I'm thrilled that
you decided to study English (I confess, I was a little taken back since I know
you hate to read...). But I understand that you signed up for a Shakespeare
course - which can seem a little daunting at first. But don't worry, it’s
perfectly normal to be nervous. Nevertheless, I thought I’d take this
opportunity...
Brett’s Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Hey kiddo,
I had a really good experience studying individual plays
with my partner. We studied Othello and
because I had never read that play before, I really enjoyed studying it with
freedom to focus on what I found interesting. However, it was also nice to have
a framework within the class to refer back to, and a partner with whom I could
converse. I encourage you to find a friend in the class who you can trade
papers...
Abby’s Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Jason,
I
understand your apprehension over your required Shakespeare course for next
semester. Before taking my Shakespeare class this past semester, I was a little
bit worried about being able to understand the “archaic” language. I was nervous about the requirement to write
a sonnet, and I was insecure with my personal writing...
Christopher's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear Distressed Sibling,
I heard that you're a little anxious about your upcoming Shakespeare class. I will admit that Shakespeare can be a wee bit daunting, but I think in the end you'll find it one of the most rewarding classes you'll take.
This semester, in my Shakespeare class, I had some wonderful experiences interfacing...
Garrett Fisher's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear Grayson,
So, apparently you are taking Shakespeare next semester. Well, I know how much you dislike reading, so I can imagine that Shakespeare might seem really daunting. Despite the bias you might feel toward Shakespeare, let me tell you that I had a good experience in the class. My favorite thing was getting to go to a performance. I saw Hamlet, and it even had Benedict Cumberbatch in it. Point is, the performance showed...
Hanann's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear John,
I know Shakespeare uses archaic language and many of the customs are obscure and you have to always have a dictionary on hand, but believe me, the Bard is worth every footnote. 400 years ago, Shakespeare was able to capture the human condition.
Think of your hardest days, your best days, your mellow days, your recent days
and most likely, there’s a Shakespeare play about whatever you’ve experienced.
This semester,...
Karee's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear Katie-lady-eighty,
I can't believe you are graduating high school already and following me to BYU. You are finally growing into your nickname (though you still have a while for the eighty part). I am also really excited that you have declared English as your major. Because you mentioned you were a little concerned about some of the...
Monday, December 12, 2016
McKay's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear
Carter,
I
heard you are taking Shakespeare this next semester and was a little worried.
So I decided that I could give you some tips of what I did to enjoy and
understand Shakespeare more this semester.
Probably
the most rewarding experience that I had this semester was when our professor
gave us the opportunity to pick any Shakespeare writing that we wanted and then
basically do a book club with another student...
Mallory's Advice on Studying Shakespeare
Dear Ben,
I’m so excited that you’ve decided to take Shakespeare! Your
perspective on the Bard and on the way to research and learn about literature
is about to change. Be ready for your world to get rocked, and you’ll be good
to go.
I think my favorite thing about taking Shakespeare was how
we related it to regular life. I will never forget why Dr. Burton encouraged us
to memorize Shakespeare. He said that Shakespeare...
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