Great resources to help high school and college students
Shakespeare is the most widely read author in English speaking countries. 90% of American high school students must read some work by Shakespeare, and all British students in high school must read Shakespeare at some point. Need help?
Shakespeare's Complete Plays and Resources
Here you will find Shakespeare's complete plays and study resources. Students of all levels will find valuable information.
Here you will find Shakespeare's complete plays and study resources. Students of all levels will find valuable information.
Shakespeare's Complete Sonnets and Resources
Shakespeare's complete sonnets and essential resources for students.
Shakespeare's complete sonnets and essential resources for students.
Top 10 Questions About Shakespeare
Here are our most frequently asked questions about Shakespeare.
Here are our most frequently asked questions about Shakespeare.
Deception in Hamlet
The following introduction to the many instances of deception in Hamlet will help you plan your own essay on the broader topic of how this important theme relates to the play on the whole.
The following introduction to the many instances of deception in Hamlet will help you plan your own essay on the broader topic of how this important theme relates to the play on the whole.
Iambic Pentameter
Everything you need to know about Shakespeare's primary meter: iambic pentameter.
Everything you need to know about Shakespeare's primary meter: iambic pentameter.
Shakespeare's Popularity: Why Shakespeare is a Writer for "All Time"
While most people know that Shakespeare is the most popular dramatist and poet the Western world has ever produced, students new to his work often wonder why this is so. Here are our top four reasons why Shakespeare has stood the test of time
While most people know that Shakespeare is the most popular dramatist and poet the Western world has ever produced, students new to his work often wonder why this is so. Here are our top four reasons why Shakespeare has stood the test of time
The History of Othello
One performance of Othello, produced in 1660, starred an actress by the name of Margaret Hughes in the role of Desdemona. This production is of particular importance because it marked the first time a woman was accepted on the English stage. Before this, all the characters, whether male or female, were played exclusively by men...
One performance of Othello, produced in 1660, starred an actress by the name of Margaret Hughes in the role of Desdemona. This production is of particular importance because it marked the first time a woman was accepted on the English stage. Before this, all the characters, whether male or female, were played exclusively by men...
Heebie-jeebies: The Curse of Macbeth
A look at the unlucky Scottish play "Macbeth" and why actors fear it so.
A look at the unlucky Scottish play "Macbeth" and why actors fear it so.
Shakespeare's Longest Play
Which is the longest Shakespearean play?
Which is the longest Shakespearean play?
How to Study Shakespeare
Shakespeare is the most challenging reading the majority of students will ever encounter. However, everyone can master the Bard’s work with a little effort and the right study method. Inside are your steps to success!
Shakespeare is the most challenging reading the majority of students will ever encounter. However, everyone can master the Bard’s work with a little effort and the right study method. Inside are your steps to success!
Language of Hell: Shakespeare's Weird Sisters
They commence their incantations, chanting in tones wild and unearthly, and heard only during the intervals of a thunder-storm...
They commence their incantations, chanting in tones wild and unearthly, and heard only during the intervals of a thunder-storm...
Et tu, Brute?
The context and history of the line "Et tu, Brute?" from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, (3.1.77). Did Shakespeare invent "Et tu, Brute?" or did Caesar really say it?
The context and history of the line "Et tu, Brute?" from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, (3.1.77). Did Shakespeare invent "Et tu, Brute?" or did Caesar really say it?
Pronouncing Shakespearean Names
A guide to pronouncing proper names found in Shakespeare's plays. Names will be added frequently, so be sure to bookmark this page.
A guide to pronouncing proper names found in Shakespeare's plays. Names will be added frequently, so be sure to bookmark this page.
Shakespeare's Kings and Queens: A Timeline
Detailed information on British monarchs from the Houses of Normandy, Angevin, Plantagenet, and Lancaster.
Detailed information on British monarchs from the Houses of Normandy, Angevin, Plantagenet, and Lancaster.
Shakespeare's Seven Ages of Man
In which play would you find the passage on the seven ages of man?
In which play would you find the passage on the seven ages of man?
Shakespeare's Hamlet - Plot Summary
A detailed synopsis of each scene of Hamlet, including the significance of key lines and passages.
A detailed synopsis of each scene of Hamlet, including the significance of key lines and passages.
Shakespeare's Influence on Other Writers
Shakespeare influenced every generation of writers since his death and still has an impact on contemporary plays, movies, and books.
Shakespeare influenced every generation of writers since his death and still has an impact on contemporary plays, movies, and books.
The Revenge Plot in Hamlet
Your guide to the main revenge plot of Hamlet, with all the key moments in Hamlet's journey for vengeance.
Your guide to the main revenge plot of Hamlet, with all the key moments in Hamlet's journey for vengeance.
Hamlet Subplot: The Romance Between Hamlet and Ophelia
A guide to the significant events in the Hamlet and Ophelia subplot.
A guide to the significant events in the Hamlet and Ophelia subplot.
Hamlet Subplot: Fortinbras and the War with Norway
A detailed examination of all the events in the play surrounding the subplot of the impending war with Norway at the hands of Prince Fortinbras.
A detailed examination of all the events in the play surrounding the subplot of the impending war with Norway at the hands of Prince Fortinbras.
Ophelia Character Study
A detailed examination of Ophelia's representation of the dual nature of women and her relationship with Hamlet.
A detailed examination of Ophelia's representation of the dual nature of women and her relationship with Hamlet.
Horatio Character Study
An examination of Shakespeare's Horatio, and, specifically, the key role he plays as Hamlet's confidant.
An examination of Shakespeare's Horatio, and, specifically, the key role he plays as Hamlet's confidant.
Double, double, toil and trouble: An annotated Guide to the Witches' Chants
Detailed explanatory notes for the speeches of the Weird Sisters (Three Witches) in Act 4 of Shakespeare's Macbeth. So let's round about the cauldron go...
Detailed explanatory notes for the speeches of the Weird Sisters (Three Witches) in Act 4 of Shakespeare's Macbeth. So let's round about the cauldron go...
Gertrude Character Study
A detailed examination of Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, and her relationship with Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet himself.
A detailed examination of Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, and her relationship with Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet himself.
Claudius Character Study
An in-depth look at Hamlet's uncle Claudius.
An in-depth look at Hamlet's uncle Claudius.
Et tu, Brute?
The context and history of the line "Et tu, Brute?" from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, (3.1.77). Did Shakespeare invent "Et tu, Brute?" or did Caesar really say it?
The context and history of the line "Et tu, Brute?" from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, (3.1.77). Did Shakespeare invent "Et tu, Brute?" or did Caesar really say it?
Hamlet Character Study
A detailed examination of Shakespeare's greatest tragic character.
A detailed examination of Shakespeare's greatest tragic character.
Shakespeare's Influence: Words and Phrases Shakespeare Coined
Although few would argue that Shakespeare has had a profound influence on every generation of readers since his work was first published, most people do not realize just how many of the words and expressions we use everyday originated with the Bard.
Although few would argue that Shakespeare has had a profound influence on every generation of readers since his work was first published, most people do not realize just how many of the words and expressions we use everyday originated with the Bard.
The Balcony Scene from Romeo and Juliet: An Annotated Guide
Here we present the complete text of the balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with detailed explanatory notes for each key phrase and line.
Here we present the complete text of the balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with detailed explanatory notes for each key phrase and line.
A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Comprehensive Summary
You are going to be an expert after you read our detailed plot summary of Shakespeare’s magical comedy, complete with quotations and line references. Everything you need to know is right here.
You are going to be an expert after you read our detailed plot summary of Shakespeare’s magical comedy, complete with quotations and line references. Everything you need to know is right here.
Shakespearean Sonnet Basics: Iambic Pentameter and the English Sonnet Style
Everything you need to know about the style and meter of Shakespeare's sonnets. What is iambic pentameter? Which three sonnets are not like the others? What is the difference between a Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnet? All the answers are right here.
Everything you need to know about the style and meter of Shakespeare's sonnets. What is iambic pentameter? Which three sonnets are not like the others? What is the difference between a Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnet? All the answers are right here.
General Introduction to Shakespeare's Sonnets
Essential information on the composition and publication of Shakespeare's sonnets, and the key characters in the narrative: the young man and the dark lady. A guide to themes in selected sonnets is also included.
Essential information on the composition and publication of Shakespeare's sonnets, and the key characters in the narrative: the young man and the dark lady. A guide to themes in selected sonnets is also included.
Worst Diseases in Shakespeare's London
Shakespeare’s overcrowded, rat infested, sexually promiscuous London, with raw sewage flowing in the Thames, was the hub for the worst diseases known to mankind. Here are the worst of the worst.
Shakespeare’s overcrowded, rat infested, sexually promiscuous London, with raw sewage flowing in the Thames, was the hub for the worst diseases known to mankind. Here are the worst of the worst.
Shakespeare's Boss: The Master of Revels
Anyone involved in the production of plays in Elizabethan England, from the playwright to the theatre owners, knew that the Master of Revels was the man to impress and fear, for he auditioned acting troupes, selected the plays they would perform, and controlled the scenery and costumes to be used in each production...
Anyone involved in the production of plays in Elizabethan England, from the playwright to the theatre owners, knew that the Master of Revels was the man to impress and fear, for he auditioned acting troupes, selected the plays they would perform, and controlled the scenery and costumes to be used in each production...
The Theatre: London's First Public Playhouse
Learn about the "wooden O", London's first public playhouse and early home to Shakespeare's acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men.
Learn about the "wooden O", London's first public playhouse and early home to Shakespeare's acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men.
The History of Othello
One performance of Othello, produced in 1660, starred an actress by the name of Margaret Hughes in the role of Desdemona. This production is of particular importance because it marked the first time a woman was accepted on the English stage. Before this, all the characters, whether male or female, were played exclusively by men...
One performance of Othello, produced in 1660, starred an actress by the name of Margaret Hughes in the role of Desdemona. This production is of particular importance because it marked the first time a woman was accepted on the English stage. Before this, all the characters, whether male or female, were played exclusively by men...
Shakespeare's Songs
Not surprisingly, Shakespeare alludes to or includes the text of over one hundred songs in his works. Music was an integral part of Elizabethan life, as it is today. The following is an annotated collection of the songs Shakespeare used in his works.
Not surprisingly, Shakespeare alludes to or includes the text of over one hundred songs in his works. Music was an integral part of Elizabethan life, as it is today. The following is an annotated collection of the songs Shakespeare used in his works.
Shakespeare on Fate
A collection of Shakespeare's most famous quotations on fate and Lady Fortune's wheel.
A collection of Shakespeare's most famous quotations on fate and Lady Fortune's wheel.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar: A Comprehensive Summary
Although Brutus reveals he has contemplated conspiring against Caesar, he will not immediately involve himself in Cassius's plot. Rather, Brutus agrees to ponder all that Cassius has said and meet with him again to "answer such high things" (169). Caesar and his entourage return, and Caesar confides to Antony that he mistrusts Cassius...
Although Brutus reveals he has contemplated conspiring against Caesar, he will not immediately involve himself in Cassius's plot. Rather, Brutus agrees to ponder all that Cassius has said and meet with him again to "answer such high things" (169). Caesar and his entourage return, and Caesar confides to Antony that he mistrusts Cassius...
Shakespeare on Omens and Prophecies
Shakespearean quotations on felicitous events and coming calamities.
Shakespearean quotations on felicitous events and coming calamities.
Hamlet's Soliloquy: How all occasions do inform against me (4.4.35-69)
A detailed examination of Hamlet's final speech How all occasions do inform against me.
A detailed examination of Hamlet's final speech How all occasions do inform against me.
Hamlet's Soliloquy: Now might I do it pat, now he is praying (3.3.77-100)
Full glossary of Hamlet's speech, Now might I do it pat, now he is praying.
Full glossary of Hamlet's speech, Now might I do it pat, now he is praying.
Shakespeare on Lawyers and the Law
A selection of annotated Shakespearean quotations on lawyers and the law, including the most famous, "let's kill all the lawyers."
A selection of annotated Shakespearean quotations on lawyers and the law, including the most famous, "let's kill all the lawyers."
Hamlet's Soliloquy: O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I! (2.2.555-612).
Free detailed annotations and glossary for Hamlet's soliloquy, O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!
Free detailed annotations and glossary for Hamlet's soliloquy, O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!
Shakespeare Soliloquy Analysis
Our look at the major soliloquies and speeches in Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
Our look at the major soliloquies and speeches in Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
Hamlet's Soliloquy: To be, or not to be: that is the question (3.1.64-98).
A detailed examination of Hamlet's most famous speech, To be, or not to be: that is the question.
A detailed examination of Hamlet's most famous speech, To be, or not to be: that is the question.
Hamlet's Soliloquy: O, that this too too solid flesh would melt (1.2.131-61).
Detailed annotations and commentary on Hamlet's first soliloquy - O, that this too too solid flesh would melt (1.2.131-61).
Detailed annotations and commentary on Hamlet's first soliloquy - O, that this too too solid flesh would melt (1.2.131-61).
Macbeth's Soliloquies: To be thus is nothing (3.1.47-71)
An analysis of Macbeth's speech, "To be thus is nothing" from Macbeth.
An analysis of Macbeth's speech, "To be thus is nothing" from Macbeth.
Macbeth's Soliloquy: Is this a dagger which I see before me (2.1.33-61)
A detailed examination of Macbeth's second soliloquy, complete with extensive annotations and commentary.
A detailed examination of Macbeth's second soliloquy, complete with extensive annotations and commentary.
Hamlet: List of Characters
A complete list of the characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
A complete list of the characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Macbeth Soliloquy: If it were done when 'tis done... (1.7.1-29).
A scholarly and detailed examination of Macbeth's first soliloquy, complete with extensive annotations and commentary.
A scholarly and detailed examination of Macbeth's first soliloquy, complete with extensive annotations and commentary.
Top 5 Shakespearean Villains
Shakespeare created some of the most memorable evildoers in all of literature. Here are my picks for the most notorious.
Shakespeare created some of the most memorable evildoers in all of literature. Here are my picks for the most notorious.
Shakespeare on Love
A collection of Shakespearean quotations on love, for Valentine's day or any day you want to pay tribute to your special someone.
A collection of Shakespearean quotations on love, for Valentine's day or any day you want to pay tribute to your special someone.
Edward Alleyn: Master of the Elizabethan Stage
Born into a working class family, Alleyn (1566 - 1626) rose to become one of the two foremost tragic actors of the Elizabethan age and the founder of Dulwich College.
Born into a working class family, Alleyn (1566 - 1626) rose to become one of the two foremost tragic actors of the Elizabethan age and the founder of Dulwich College.
Shakespeare on the Seasons
A collection of Shakespearean quotations on the beauty, joy, and transitory nature of the four seasons.
A collection of Shakespearean quotations on the beauty, joy, and transitory nature of the four seasons.
Astor Opera House Riot
In 1849, two competing productions of Macbeth were held on the same night in New York City. The result was the worst disaster in theatre history. Read on...
In 1849, two competing productions of Macbeth were held on the same night in New York City. The result was the worst disaster in theatre history. Read on...
Shakespearean Quotations on Grief and Sorrow
A collection of Shakespeare's most profound passages.
A collection of Shakespeare's most profound passages.
The Longest Word
In Love's Labours Lost, Costard uses the word "honorificabilitudinitatibus", which is the longest word in English literature...
In Love's Labours Lost, Costard uses the word "honorificabilitudinitatibus", which is the longest word in English literature...
Shakespeare's Settings
Shakespeare's plays are set in many exotic locations, from Verona and Milan to Athens and Rousillon. If you want to know more, here is a list of the settings of Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies.
Shakespeare's plays are set in many exotic locations, from Verona and Milan to Athens and Rousillon. If you want to know more, here is a list of the settings of Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies.
Biblical Imagery in Macbeth
A in-depth look at the biblical imagery in Macbeth (Act 1).
A in-depth look at the biblical imagery in Macbeth (Act 1).
Shakespeare's Edward III?
The play contains three direct quotes from Shakespeare's other works -- "Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds" (2.2), from sonnet 94; "scarlet ornaments" (2.1), from sonnet 142; and "bootless cries" (5.1), from sonnet 29 -- and a multitude of allusions to lines and passages in Shakespeare's canonical plays and poems...
The play contains three direct quotes from Shakespeare's other works -- "Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds" (2.2), from sonnet 94; "scarlet ornaments" (2.1), from sonnet 142; and "bootless cries" (5.1), from sonnet 29 -- and a multitude of allusions to lines and passages in Shakespeare's canonical plays and poems...
Shakespeare's Farewells
Famous goodbyes from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets
Famous goodbyes from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets
Shakespeare on Poverty
Famous passages about poverty from Shakespeare's works.
Famous passages about poverty from Shakespeare's works.
The Sordid Tale of Titus Andronicus
Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare's first attempt at the tragedy genre, is a twisted chronicle of murder, human sacrifice, rape, dismemberment, and the eating of human flesh. Inside is a detailed plot summary of the play.
Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare's first attempt at the tragedy genre, is a twisted chronicle of murder, human sacrifice, rape, dismemberment, and the eating of human flesh. Inside is a detailed plot summary of the play.
Famous Quotations from Romeo and Juliet
The most important quotations from Shakespeare's moving tragedy.
The most important quotations from Shakespeare's moving tragedy.
Quotations from Shakespeare's Hamlet
The most important quotations from one of Shakespeare's most popular plays.
The most important quotations from one of Shakespeare's most popular plays.
Famous Quotations From King John
In the shadow of Shakespeare’s second tetralogy of history plays lies the neglected masterpiece, King John. The play is cursed with the egregious reputation of being Shakespeare’s great artistic failure, but some of his most famous quotations appear in the play.
In the shadow of Shakespeare’s second tetralogy of history plays lies the neglected masterpiece, King John. The play is cursed with the egregious reputation of being Shakespeare’s great artistic failure, but some of his most famous quotations appear in the play.
Shakespeare's Flowers: Quotations on roses, violets, lilies, and oxlips by William Shakespeare
Shakespearean quotations on flowers
Shakespearean quotations on flowers
Shakespeare on Jealousy
Quotations on jealousy from Shakespeare's plays.
Quotations on jealousy from Shakespeare's plays.
Blackfriars Theatre
Information about the winter home of Shakespeare's acting troupe.
Information about the winter home of Shakespeare's acting troupe.
Famous Quotations from "1 Henry IV"
quotations from Shakespeare's history play, featuring Prince Hal and the jolly Falstaff
quotations from Shakespeare's history play, featuring Prince Hal and the jolly Falstaff
Berryman on Shakespeare
Poet John Berryman's engaging relationship with the Bard in lectures, essays, and letters
Poet John Berryman's engaging relationship with the Bard in lectures, essays, and letters
Shakespeare's Brain
Using current cognitive theory to reevaluate many of the plays, Mary Thomas Crane investigates how Shakespeare's use of specific words can uncover the secrets of his genius. Read her introductory chapter, Embodying the Author-Function.
Using current cognitive theory to reevaluate many of the plays, Mary Thomas Crane investigates how Shakespeare's use of specific words can uncover the secrets of his genius. Read her introductory chapter, Embodying the Author-Function.
Famous Quotations from Shakespeare's "Henry V"
A collection of the most memorable quotations from Shakespeare's "Henry V"
A collection of the most memorable quotations from Shakespeare's "Henry V"
The Shakespeare Glossary
Our glossary giving the meanings of words used in Shakespeare's England.
Our glossary giving the meanings of words used in Shakespeare's England.
Shakespeare Timeline
A detailed outline of key dates in the life of Shakespeare, his family, and his contemporaries.
A detailed outline of key dates in the life of Shakespeare, his family, and his contemporaries.
Hamlet in His Modern Guises
Alexander Welsh, the Emily Sanford Professor of English at Yale University, explores the history of the play and Hamlet's ultimate role as a contemporary cultural icon. In Chapter 1: Medieval Hamlet Gains a Family, Welsh outlines Shakespeare's sources for "Hamlet" and examines some of Shakespeare's many dramatic alterations.
Alexander Welsh, the Emily Sanford Professor of English at Yale University, explores the history of the play and Hamlet's ultimate role as a contemporary cultural icon. In Chapter 1: Medieval Hamlet Gains a Family, Welsh outlines Shakespeare's sources for "Hamlet" and examines some of Shakespeare's many dramatic alterations.
Shakespeare's Characters
Our comprehensive list of Shakespeare's characters and the play or poem in which each one can be found.
Our comprehensive list of Shakespeare's characters and the play or poem in which each one can be found.
Study Guides for Shakespeare's Plays and Sonnets
Students of all levels will find valuable information in these comprehensive introductions to Shakespeare's works.
Students of all levels will find valuable information in these comprehensive introductions to Shakespeare's works.
Shakespearean Quotations by Theme and Play
Our ever-expanding collection of Shakespeare's most profound and popular passages.
Our ever-expanding collection of Shakespeare's most profound and popular passages.
Do You Know Your Shakespeare Characters?
Taking this quiz will help you prepare for upcoming comprehensive exams on Shakespeare's plays. Are you ready? Take our quiz and find out. Good luck!
Taking this quiz will help you prepare for upcoming comprehensive exams on Shakespeare's plays. Are you ready? Take our quiz and find out. Good luck!
Glossary - masque
Glossary - masque
Glossary - masque
Enjoying Hamlet
A detailed plot summary and some background on the play and Shakespeare's sources.
A detailed plot summary and some background on the play and Shakespeare's sources.
Enjoying King Lear
A look at themes and image patterns in the play and an excellent plot summary.
A look at themes and image patterns in the play and an excellent plot summary.
Shakespeare in Print
Why was the first authoritative collection of Shakespeare's plays published seven whole years after his death? What is the difference between Shakespeare’s folios and quartos? Come explore the history of Shakespeare’s early texts.
Why was the first authoritative collection of Shakespeare's plays published seven whole years after his death? What is the difference between Shakespeare’s folios and quartos? Come explore the history of Shakespeare’s early texts.