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 ability. My limited exposure to Shakespeare in high school left me with the belief that Shakespeare was inaccessible. However, through the course of this semester, my perspective has changed and I would like to encourage you not only to approach Shakespeare with an open mind, but also with the belief that you can do well by deciding that studying the Bard is worthwhile.

One positive part of the term was creating and strengthening relationships with like-minded students that helped me to consider interpretations of the text completely different from my own. This was mostly done over the instant messaging, social media platform called “Slack.” While studying the text on my own, I tuned in to see what other students thought about each play. This helped me to watch for specific points in each story, as well as to develop their ideas by contributing my own discoveries. It helped me to become more comfortable recognizing formal elements and rhetorical devices because I could draw on the knowledge of my classmates for help.

One especially positive experience on Slack was when we separated into small groups for studying individual plays. Mine turned out to be a group of two studying Julius Caesar. For both of our discussions, we weren’t very far along in the play (which was reassuring that my partner moved at the same pace that I did). We both contributed research relating to the historical time period and cultural context of the play, and then moved on to do an extremely close reading of the play, looking for formal elements. It was really cool to be able to throw out ideas to one another and then develop those ideas into thesis that we used in our eventual term-end research papers.

Something that really helped in that process was looking up a summary of each play ahead of time – before reading the text at all. After I had ensured that I knew what was going on with the plot, it was a lot easier to focus on the truly fascinating parts of Shakespeare. While the plots are interesting, I would argue that they are not necessarily what make Shakespeare special. Rather, it’s the language that creates the scene. When I didn’t have to worry about understanding the plot, I could focus on formal elements that set up characters and interactions. Before, I could talk about character motivations and themes, but now I can evidence those through formal elements in order to show larger truths about society at large. I know this seems a little bit silly to be so excited about, but it really helped to improve my writing by identifying rhetorical elements and considering their purpose. Or, to feel like an idea was being conveyed and then discover how it was accomplished through rhetorical devices. It made the language much more accessible.

I also saw my writing improve by creating a tightly focused question that not only required an organized response, but also was interesting enough to divide an educated audience. This required me to have specific topics to research, as well as to keep my writing extremely organized in order to tie back to that question. It also helped to keep me focused as I studied the text. If I had something specific that I was looking for in order to find evidence for my idea, I would pay much better attention to the text and discovery new ideas in the process.

Because I am a social learner, “Smartphone Shakespeare” was a very positive experience. Discussing with students online enriched my experience with the text in a unique way that reading on my own and then discussing in class does not. For me, it seemed more approachable. I was more willing to share my ideas because I didn’t have to come up with them on the spot. I wasn’t afraid of missing something important in my note taking my participating. I know that is another silly thing to worry about, but it’s a true struggle that I have. By socializing the course through online participation, I was able to have a better experience than with my other literature courses. It also helped me to realize that literature is a human experience. Its not only meant to connect the reader and writer, but also to connect various communities of readers. Shakespeare can be universally applied to many situations, and it allows for human connection.

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Mary's Advice on Studying Shakespeare

Dear Nobody,

I'm shocked and proud that you finally chose English, and I'm so excited for you to take a Shakespeare class.  From what we've talked about already, I know you'll love it.  I understand why you're worried though.  Reading Shakespeare for a college class can be very different, but let me tell you that Shakespeare is about to get a lot more intriguing.

First of all, if you have a chance to chose a play, I highly recommend Richard III, because villains are great and that one has a variety of interesting characters who haven't all received a lot of critical attention.  While you're reading, it's super cool to look up images of the characters.  Artists have such an interesting way of looking at people and this can really help you get a sense of what's going on.
Also, pace yourself when reading.  Reading too much at once will probably cause it all to just fly over your head and you'll miss some awesome cleverness (Shakespeare is hilarious.)  Look at the footnotes too or else you'll probably miss a lot and get lost, but don't let them distract you and you really don't need to look up things you already know.   Getting some background too is helpful, and it doesn't usually spoil the story. It really helps to get that context, whether that means wikipedia-ing the history or else watching a version of the play first.  (Remember how I hated Rob Roy until I re-read it after researching Scottish history?  Now, I won't shut up about it.  It's basically the same for Richard III, except, well, it isn't quite Rob Roy).

I know the long paper is also worrying you, but I can guarantee that, once you get into the idea, you'll probably having a harder time shutting up that reaching the page amount.  But one vital advice: START EARLY!  You can do so much, but not if you don't have time.  Furthermore, research something that interests you.  Research was made much more fun when it meant scrolling through memes on my favorite social media site to collect resources. And yes, surprise! You can use more than scholarly articles. Heck, use Snapchat if you want.

Once you have that idea that's all yours, it's exciting to learn about and probe. Don't be afraid to get excited and geeky.  If your idea seems a little crazy at first, don't be discouraged, at least you know you're probably trying something new. Talk to other people about it.  Pretty much everyone knows about Shakespeare or had to read some play or another.  I talked to people online who I knew were reading Shakespeare and they had some great ideas and were very encouraging. Also, go to the library.  Even if they don't have a book on your topic and I can guarantee that there's a chapter somewhere there will help you analyse or prove a point. Don't worry that your sources don't exactly match  your subject, remember that it's a good sign if what you're saying hasn't been said before.  The great thing is though, you don't have to stick to the library either!  You can go directly to the scholars if you want and e-mail them.  Knowing you, that's something you'd have no struggle with.

So, don't worry, get excited, try new things, and get as deep into as you can.  Good luck.

-Mary

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"Gaylie's Advice on Studying Shakespeare"

“Gaylie’s Advice on Studying Shakespeare”

Travis Mark,

If you ever decide to study English, don’t let anyone tell you that Shakespeare is antiquated and unapproachable. While the language may be a little different from what we use when talking with our friends or what we hear in most movies and shows, it is still English and with a little confidence you can understand the Bard.

Plus, if you let your fears govern your reading selection, you will find your way hedged up on several sides, denying you some truly enlightening opportunities. Travis, Shakespeare is lauded a lot, especially in English literature, and while I don’t find all of his works particularly intriguing some of his stuff is truly fascinated. While studying some of his works this semester, I have been impressed with the universal themes so prevalent in his works.

I got to study Hamlet and then go see a live broadcast of the play starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Travis, it was amazing!

I gained a lot from that experience, and learned a lot about how I, personally, should approach Shakespeare and even literature in general. If you are ever feeling stuck, I hope this will be relevant for you.

One of my favorite parts of seeing Hamlet was being able to see the different artistic modifications made by the directors and actors. It was so interesting to me to see how different aspects were portrayed. I was also impressed by the variation in readings and understanding that were presented.

If you move forward in literature I would highly recommend that you pick topics in the literature that interest you. For me that was in an artistic vein, which based on your current interests, I think that will be something that fascinates you as well. Travis, read the work looking for those themes or for the ways the author formats and presents those themes.

Then explore the ideas of others! I would high recommend that you find friends to talk about the works with. Some of my most meaningful experiences in Shakespeare class and as an English major have come from gaining perspective by listening to and discussing the thoughts of others. And don’t be afraid to turn to visual sources and media sources to draw on for material.

Finally, pour yourself into whatever you are doing. On the Friday before my final project was due I found myself spending hours into digitally creating the image that accompanied my final presentation and trying to cleverly articulate my point in the form of a recipe. Did it take a while? Yes, but it was so worth it. Even doing that really helped me get excited about what I was learning and form a personal connection with what could have been just another English paper.

Travis by doing these things you will have a far better understanding of the topic and it will mean more to you. That will be crucial whether it is for writing a paper, preparing for an exam, or simply providing fuel to persevere as an English major despite the general lack of respect you may face.

Travis Mark, life is what you make it, and literature can help you get so much more out of the limited time and opportunities you have been given.

Love you little brother, best of luck!

Gaylie

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