As I've been reading A Midsummer Night's Dream, I've been really interested in the process of reading his work.  Obviously, his masterful grasp of the English language sets him apart from other writers throughout history... but also his creativity with language.  He does what many English teachers tell their students NOT to do.  He plays with language.  It's like a door is opened up to a new world without all the rules and formats and paragraphs.  He makes his own words and structures, and it is brilliant.  Dr. Sexson's assignment to have us memorize a passage is so powerful because a quick reading of MSND just is not the same experience that we will have soaking in a specific passage and letting it open up new doors in our mind.  When I think of memorizing literature, these are some words that come to mind.

Ruminating
Soaking
Enjoying
Experiencing
Listening

For me, there are few texts that allow for that kind of experience with language, but the work of Shakespeare is so rich and heavy that we can spend hours with a passage before uncovering its meaning.  Reading Shakespeare is a process, and even if there there was no story, plot or meaning it would still be fascinating work with depth and insight.

This is my first experience reading one of Shakespeare's comedies.  In the past I have studied tragedies, and both are great.  The comedy is light and fast to read, but the tragedy draws me into the story and helps me identify with characters.

The contrast between the craftsmen and the lovers.  Shakespeare really brings each group to life by showing their differences.
Helena's dramatic nature is very entertaining.
Demitrius's direct way of speaking to Helena.  He is blunt
Titania's sass :)
The fairies' banter and their rhythmic language.

More on my reading to come...