How to Read and Understand Shakespeare

How to Read and Understand Shakespeare is an educational series from The Great Courses in 2013. This academic video course, which consists of 24 interactive lectures, is an in-depth exploration of the diverse world of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language.

The series, expertly led by Professor Marc Conner of Washington and Lee University, serves as a profound and covetous guide to anyone who wishes to both comprehend and appreciate Shakespeare's literary genius in a more refined and insightful manner. Setting the stage for an engaging literary journey, this course probes into Shakespeare's brilliance in both storytelling and depiction of the human condition, shining light on the contemporary relevance of the Bard's works.

Professor Conner is a widely-known academic, with a Ph.D. in English Literature, whose passionate storytelling and command of the subject matter have earned him high praise among his students and peers alike. He brings to the course a professional yet approachable style, making the content accessible to everyone, from seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts to aspiring scholars or newcomers intrigued by the legendary works of Shakespeare.

Throughout How to Read and Understand Shakespeare, viewers have a golden opportunity to delve into a select array of the playwright's most esteemed works. This includes popular tragedies like 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Hamlet', 'Othello', and 'Macbeth', beloved comedies such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', historical plays like 'Richard II' or 'Henry IV', and enigmatic plays like 'The Tempest'. As the course revisits these timeless stories, audiences are guided through thematic analysis, character exploration, contextual history, and the power of language, all contributing to a rich understanding of Shakespeare's narratives.

How to Read and Understand Shakespeare places a strong emphasis on the context in which Shakespeare's works were written, the Elizabethan era. By connecting each play’s themes and characters to the societal, religious, political, and historical backgrounds of the time, viewers gain an understanding of how our perceptions of the playwright's work have evolved over centuries.

In addition, the course expertly navigates through the complexity and beauty of Shakespeare's language. Elements such as puns, metaphors, iambic pentameter, and soliloquies are broken down, helping viewers to not only understand but also appreciate the mastery of language and wordcraft embedded in these plays. By doing so, Conner is able to instill an understanding of why Shakespeare has been admired, studied, and performed for over four centuries.

One of the key strengths of the series is its ability to demystify complex Shakespearean texts and make them relatable to the modern viewer. It elucidates the universal themes that run through Shakespeare's plays - love, death, power, identity, betrayal, and much more. By examining the motivations, relationships, and inner lives of characters such as Hamlet, Juliet, Macbeth, and Othello, Conner not only taps into their psychology but also illustrates their persisting relatability and humanity, breaking the barrier of time and language.

How to Read and Understand Shakespeare is an intellectual feast, highly recommended for anyone eager to unfurl the intricate linguistic twists and emotional depth of Shakespeare's plays. It's structured in such a way that it's just as welcoming for those taking their first foray into Shakespeare's works as it is enlightening for those who've long been familiar with them, offering newfound insights and layers of understanding to both groups. Overall, this course is an enriching journey towards comprehending and cherishing the art, influence, and universality of William Shakespeare.