Wiki Page, Oklahoma High School- Drama/Theatre Course (OK Art Tech): 7.4 How to Read Shakespeare

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2025-03-06T08:26:19-06:00

How to Read Shakespeare

Understanding Shakespeare

Approaching Shakespeare's work can feel unfamiliar or intimidating. Shakespearean English is not the same as today's English; the words have different meanings and pronunciations. However, Shakespeare is relatable, and once you break down the text of his works, it is easier to understand.

Watch the video below to learn some tips about how to read Shakespeare.

Video: How to Read Shakespeare

Lincoln Learning Solutions. (2017, Jul 14). How to Read Shakespeare. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/MVZFt2ST0OA?si=wjjSAOlGGxiBZNXK

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

In order to comprehend Shakespeare's work, it is beneficial to translate the original English into the modern English we use today. We can use the tips in the video above, as well as learn some simple translations found in most writing from this era.

Watch the video below to learn some simple Shakespeare translations.

Video: The Mr. A Show: Shakespearean Language

Yousef Alqamoussi. (2016, Jan 11). The Mr. A Show: Shakespearean Language. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/XcRWyi8zIYc?si=jZrbnENNlxc684q2

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Translation

Below is a translation of a scene from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The original text is on the left side, and the modern text is on the right side.

Read both sides to see the many differences between the two versions.

Hamlet- Act 3, Scene 1

Original Text

1. To be or not to be? That is the question-

2. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

3. Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And, by opposing, end them?

4. o die, to sleep- No more- and by a sleep to say we end the heartache and the thousand natural shocks

5. That flesh is heir to- 'tis a consummation devoutly to be wished!

6. To die, to sleep. To sleep, perchance to dream-

7. ay, there's the rub, for in that sleep of death what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause.

8. There's the respect that makes the calamity of life so long.

Modern Text

1. The question is: is it better to be alive or dead?

2. Is it nobler to put up with all the nasty things that luck throws your way,

3. or to fight against all those troubles by simply putting an end to them once and for all?

4. Dying, sleeping- that's all dying is- a sleep that ends all the heartache and shocks that life on earth give us

5. that's an achievement to wish for.

6. To die, to sleep- to sleep, maybe to dream.

7. Ah, but there's the catch: in death's sleep who knows what kind of dreams might come, after we've put the noise and commotion of life behind us. That's certainly something to worry about.

8. That's the consideration that makes us stretch out our sufferings so long

Guiding Questions

By yourself, or with a partner, answer the following questions before moving on to the next page.

1. What is the modern translation of 'art' used in Shakespearean times? As used in Where art thou going?".

2. Translate this modern phrase to original English- "Whither goest thou this eve?"