Last semester as I was thinking about teaching English, I had a sudden and terrifying thought: I WILL have to teach Shakespeare. It's not that I don't like Shakespeare, but more that I don't feel like I have a good grasp on it. In high school, I got through those Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth without much engagement and I have read no Shakespeare in college... until now. The introduction to Essential Shakespeare has already helped me so much to understand that important mystery-solving piece that I really lacked in regards to the great playwright... and that piece is context. The introduction reminded me of some information that I learned too long ago and it brought to light new information about Shakespeare's culture.
I now know a little about the religious turmoil in England and how Shakespeare had to balance his writing carefully so as not to offend important people.
I know about his diverse audience and the pressure he had to appeal to the rich and the poor.
I know that his language was an intentional blending that he created to reach both the rich and the poor.
I know that he often made up words, and this trait was not unique to him but was a cultural fascination. I want that word craze to become popular again!
Those were just a few quick first thoughts, and I'm excited to learn more about the fascinating person of Shakespeare. :)
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