Welcome to the world of Elizabethan Drama!
For many of you, this will be your first real experience reading an Elizabethan drama in its original wording. While this may seem difficult at first, you will be successful if you follow the steps and suggestions I present in class and on this page. Understand that both of my degrees focus on this time period, and I can show you how to not only understand this stuff but also enjoy it. So, relax, follow the tips, and dive in - when we perform in class, let loose and have fun; the more you get into the roles, the better you will understand the characters. This is drama - it is meant to be alive!
Why's This Stuff Sound So Strange?
General Sites & Bios
Shakespeare and the Internet Bio, timeline, his theatre, and more!Folger Shakespeare Library: Info on the library and its exhibits, etc.
Internet Shakespeare Editions: From the University of Victoria, a very good site
Shakespeare Insult Kit: This is a bit twisted, but fun
Shakespeare Resource Center: Lots of good links into many facets of Shakespeare
The Shakespeare Mystery: From Frontline, this explores the authorship debate.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: No authorship debate here! They're built on Shakespeare.
Insults! Go here to get a new and exciting Shakespearean insult each time you visit, you impertinent jolt-head!
Key Literary Concepts
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Annotated Hypertext: Full text, with some helpful notes.Entire Text and Commentary: Has analysis / insights linked to the text. Very nice.
Entire MND Text: This can save you some time when working on assignments - need to quote a passage? Find it, copy it, and paste it into word. Why retype it?
Enjoying MND: A good essay, with insights into the drama, its characters, and controversies about the play
Surfing with the Bard: A well-done "How to" for reading MND
GradeSaver: Covers the basics, and can help you follow the play.
SparkNotes: Another summary / basic analysis site...
Cliff's Notes: Synopsis with some insights
TheatreHistory.org: A more advanced analytical essay on the play