Beware
the Ides of March! And students, beware of teachers quoting Shakespeare, or Julius Caesar in March! Teachers adore Shakespeare and the
Ides of March (March 15) is their feast day! But students--meh, not so much.
Are you struggling with Shakespeare? Do you despise your literature teacher for
making you read Middle English? Do you fail to see the appeal of the Bard of
Avon? That is perfectly understandable, but don't despair. Here are tips to
vanquish that Shakespearean tragedy, parse his sonnets and laugh in the face of
the Bard's comedy. Teachers and homeschool parents, use these lesson plans to
make Shakespeare more approachable for students.
Use
your textbook lexicon to translate Middle English. A lexicon is a reference
guide like a dictionary that defines and explains word usage from different
dialects, regions or periods. Many publishers include a lexicon in the form of
references at the bottom of each page. Penguin and Dover Thrift classics of
Shakespearean works also include lexicons. Here are free printable
Shakespeare lesson plans with lexicons, teachers.
Use
a specifically- Shakespeare lexicon. A lexicon will make mincemeat of
troublesome Middle English and make you battle-ready for the Ides of March
inspired homework assignments! Here are more free printable
Shakespeare lesson plans to put Shakespearean dialog in user-friendly terms.
Use
Internet study guides. Many sites offer free study guides on Shakespeare's
books and sonnets. They will include a character analysis, character web, plot
timeline, major themes and chapter or verse breakdown, as well as an
explanation of unfamiliar terms. Cliffnotes, Sparknotes, Bookrags, E-Notes and
Pink Monkey provide great literary help with Middle English, Here are more free printable Shakespeare resources.
Read
any Shakespeare story in the narrative or children's version. Julius Caesar
should beware the Ides of March and teachers should beware of reading the play
versions of Shakespearean works until students have a feel for the actual story
without all the confusing theatrical notes and dialogue. Charles and Mary Lamb
and Evelyn Nesbit have written beautiful story versions of Shakespeare's that
are very readable for all ages.
When
you get to the play, read the dialogue aloud. Shakespeare is first and foremost
a playwright. His works were written for actors in a theater. His sonnets were
written to be read aloud. Read plays as if you're a troupe of theatre actors.
Put a little enthusiasm into it! Add the correct emotion (which the play will
tell you in parenthesis). Get into character. Reading aloud as Shakespeare's
plays were meant to be read, will help you to understand the flow and meaning
of the dialogue.
Visualize
the similes and metaphors
. Shakespeare was free with metaphor, so to
understand his phraseology is to connect with his metaphorical references
(which may be very different in Medieval/Renaissance England than in 2016!)
