Shakespeare: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Iambic Pentameter
Iambic pentameter is the meter that Shakespeare nearly always used when writing in verse. This guide tells you everything you need to know about iambic pentameter. Read on.
Iambic pentameter is the meter that Shakespeare nearly always used when writing in verse. This guide tells you everything you need to know about iambic pentameter. Read on.
Sonnet 18 - Study Guide
In our Study Guide to Sonnet 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?, you'll find everything you need to understand this classic sonnet.
In our Study Guide to Sonnet 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?, you'll find everything you need to understand this classic sonnet.
'Macbeth' Quiz - How well do you know 'Macbeth'?
Do you know 'Macbeth' inside out? Well, now's your chance to put it to the test with our Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' quiz. Good Luck!
Do you know 'Macbeth' inside out? Well, now's your chance to put it to the test with our Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' quiz. Good Luck!
Biography
This Shakespeare biography reveals the life and times of William Shakespeare. Amazingly, historians know very little about his life. This Shakespeare biography looks at the surviving evidence and paints a picture of the world’s most famous playwright.
This Shakespeare biography reveals the life and times of William Shakespeare. Amazingly, historians know very little about his life. This Shakespeare biography looks at the surviving evidence and paints a picture of the world’s most famous playwright.
Shakespeare for Beginners
Are you a Shakespeare newbie? Discover the Bard for the first time with our Shakespeare for Beginners FAQ.
Are you a Shakespeare newbie? Discover the Bard for the first time with our Shakespeare for Beginners FAQ.
Sonnet 18
Read the complete text to Sonnet 18
Read the complete text to Sonnet 18
Renaissance
The renaissance was in full swing during Shakespeare's time and the Bard was a product of the huge cultural shifts occurring at the time.
The renaissance was in full swing during Shakespeare's time and the Bard was a product of the huge cultural shifts occurring at the time.
Scene Breakdown
A scene-by-scene breakdown for the greatest love story ever told.
A scene-by-scene breakdown for the greatest love story ever told.
Romeo and Juliet Guide
Our 'Romeo and Juliet' summary is the best place to kick-start your study of Shakespeare's best loved play. Find out why 'Romeo and Juliet' has been so enduring.
Our 'Romeo and Juliet' summary is the best place to kick-start your study of Shakespeare's best loved play. Find out why 'Romeo and Juliet' has been so enduring.
Know Your Shakespeare Quotations?
Do you really know your shakespeare quotations? Your 'Hamlet' from your 'Macbeth'? Your 'Winter's Tale' from your 'Coriolanus'? Well, now's your chance to put it to the test with our shakespeare quotations quiz. Good Luck!
Do you really know your shakespeare quotations? Your 'Hamlet' from your 'Macbeth'? Your 'Winter's Tale' from your 'Coriolanus'? Well, now's your chance to put it to the test with our shakespeare quotations quiz. Good Luck!
Common Phrases
You have probably quoted Shakespeare thousands of times without realizing it. His writing lives on in our everyday language - testament to his powerful influence over the English language.
You have probably quoted Shakespeare thousands of times without realizing it. His writing lives on in our everyday language - testament to his powerful influence over the English language.
Fate in 'Romeo and Juliet'
Are Romeo and Juliet fated to fall in love and die from the very start? Discover how fate permeates the events and speeches of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Are Romeo and Juliet fated to fall in love and die from the very start? Discover how fate permeates the events and speeches of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Other Themes in 'Hamlet'
Find out why the state of Denmark, sexuality, incest and uncertainty are all important themes in 'Hamlet'.
Find out why the state of Denmark, sexuality, incest and uncertainty are all important themes in 'Hamlet'.
Shakespeare Lesson Plans
Free Shakespeare lesson plans. Our free collection of Shakespeare lesson plans and workshop ideas has been designed for teachers looking to breathe new life into Shakespeare’s plays. Our Shakespeare lesson plans are written by our resident expert.
Free Shakespeare lesson plans. Our free collection of Shakespeare lesson plans and workshop ideas has been designed for teachers looking to breathe new life into Shakespeare’s plays. Our Shakespeare lesson plans are written by our resident expert.
Shakespeare Death
Discover the facts surrounding Shakespeare's death in 1616. Where did Shakespeare die and what could have caused Shakespeare’s death?
Discover the facts surrounding Shakespeare's death in 1616. Where did Shakespeare die and what could have caused Shakespeare’s death?
Female Characters
This guide looks at the most common types of female characters in Shakespeare's plays from the "bawdy woman" to the "scheming femme fatal"
This guide looks at the most common types of female characters in Shakespeare's plays from the "bawdy woman" to the "scheming femme fatal"
Love in 'Romeo and Juliet'
'Romeo and Juliet' has become forever associated with love. But Shakespeare's treatment of this theme is complex and multifaceted.
'Romeo and Juliet' has become forever associated with love. But Shakespeare's treatment of this theme is complex and multifaceted.
Sonnet
The sonnet is a poem written in a strict poetic form that was very popular during Shakespeare’s lifetime. Here we identify the characteristics of a sonnet.
The sonnet is a poem written in a strict poetic form that was very popular during Shakespeare’s lifetime. Here we identify the characteristics of a sonnet.
'Hamlet' Study Guide
Your ultimate study guide to Shakespeare's longest play. Find out why 'Hamlet' has stood the test of time and is considered to be one of the best plays ever written.
Your ultimate study guide to Shakespeare's longest play. Find out why 'Hamlet' has stood the test of time and is considered to be one of the best plays ever written.
Shakespearean Sonnet
The Shakespearian Sonnet has had a long and confusing history. We ask to whom they were dedicated, how they have been misprinted over the years, and question whether Shakespeare even want them published in the first place?
The Shakespearian Sonnet has had a long and confusing history. We ask to whom they were dedicated, how they have been misprinted over the years, and question whether Shakespeare even want them published in the first place?
Shakespeare Women
Discover how Shakespeare presented women in his plays and what this says about the Bard's view of women and their status in Elizabethan and Jacobean society.
Discover how Shakespeare presented women in his plays and what this says about the Bard's view of women and their status in Elizabethan and Jacobean society.
Shakespeare Plays
Shakespeare Plays - Our collection of study guides to Shakespeare Plays are designed to accompany your own reading. They are an ideal way to introduce newcomers and immerse more experienced readers deeper into Shakespeare Plays.
Shakespeare Plays - Our collection of study guides to Shakespeare Plays are designed to accompany your own reading. They are an ideal way to introduce newcomers and immerse more experienced readers deeper into Shakespeare Plays.
Death in 'Hamlet'
Discover how the theme of death permeates ‘Hamlet’ from the very start.
Discover how the theme of death permeates ‘Hamlet’ from the very start.
Sonnet Summary
Shakespeare's sequence of 154 sonnets revolves around the poet's relationship with his two muses - a young man with whom he is infatuated, and then later, a "dark" woman. This sonnet summary reveals how the poems interlink.
Shakespeare's sequence of 154 sonnets revolves around the poet's relationship with his two muses - a young man with whom he is infatuated, and then later, a "dark" woman. This sonnet summary reveals how the poems interlink.
Shakespeare Authorship
Shakespeare Authorship - Shakespeare's true identity is in dispute. Explore the main theories surrounding the Shakespeare authorship debate and reach your own conclusion on who wrote Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Authorship - Shakespeare's true identity is in dispute. Explore the main theories surrounding the Shakespeare authorship debate and reach your own conclusion on who wrote Shakespeare.
Where was Shakespeare Born?
Find out when and where Shakespeare was born – and what happened to the house in which he was born.
Find out when and where Shakespeare was born – and what happened to the house in which he was born.
prose
Shakespeare moved between verse and prose in his writing to give his characters more depth and vary the overall rhythmic structure of his plays. His treatment of prose is as skillful as his verse.
Shakespeare moved between verse and prose in his writing to give his characters more depth and vary the overall rhythmic structure of his plays. His treatment of prose is as skillful as his verse.
'Hamlet' Summary
This condensed version of 'Hamlet' captures the essence of Shakespeare’s longest play.
This condensed version of 'Hamlet' captures the essence of Shakespeare’s longest play.
Hamlet Plot
A scene-by-scene breakdown for Shakespeare’s longest play
A scene-by-scene breakdown for Shakespeare’s longest play
Shakespeare Lesson
It’s essential for teachers to make their first Shakespeare lesson practical, accessible and fun. This month our “Teaching Shakespeare Columnist” shows you how to introduce the Bard in your first Shakespeare Lesson.
It’s essential for teachers to make their first Shakespeare lesson practical, accessible and fun. This month our “Teaching Shakespeare Columnist” shows you how to introduce the Bard in your first Shakespeare Lesson.
Performing Shakespeare
Ben Crystal is the author of 'Shakespeare on Toast', a new book that dispels the myth that Shakespeare is difficult. Here, he shares his thoughts about performing Shakespeare and reveals his top tips for first-time actors.
Ben Crystal is the author of 'Shakespeare on Toast', a new book that dispels the myth that Shakespeare is difficult. Here, he shares his thoughts about performing Shakespeare and reveals his top tips for first-time actors.
How to Read Shakespeare Aloud
Shakespeare made reading his plays aloud as easy as possible. Everything an actor needs is right there in the dialogue – you just need to know what you’re looking for
Shakespeare made reading his plays aloud as easy as possible. Everything an actor needs is right there in the dialogue – you just need to know what you’re looking for
Theater Experience
Exploring the context of Shakespeare's theater gives you a fuller understanding of his plays. Shakespeare wasn't writing for today's literary audience; he was writing for the masses, many of whom couldn't read or write.
Exploring the context of Shakespeare's theater gives you a fuller understanding of his plays. Shakespeare wasn't writing for today's literary audience; he was writing for the masses, many of whom couldn't read or write.
Juliet - A Character Profile
Romeo and Juliet are literature's most famous lovers. Read our character profile of Juliet here.
Romeo and Juliet are literature's most famous lovers. Read our character profile of Juliet here.
Hamlet Character Profile
Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare’s most complex character. Explore Hamlet’s emotional turmoil in our Hamlet character profile.
Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare’s most complex character. Explore Hamlet’s emotional turmoil in our Hamlet character profile.
How to Speak Verse
In the first of a regular series, Duncan Fewins shows you how to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom and drama studio. We start with a practical approach to an old question: how do you speak Shakespearian verse?
In the first of a regular series, Duncan Fewins shows you how to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom and drama studio. We start with a practical approach to an old question: how do you speak Shakespearian verse?
Major Themes in Much Ado
An analysis of the major themes in Much Ado About Nothing.
An analysis of the major themes in Much Ado About Nothing.
Romeo - A Character Profile
Romeo and Juliet are literature's most famous lovers. Read our character profile of Romeo here.
Romeo and Juliet are literature's most famous lovers. Read our character profile of Romeo here.
Other Characters
Who's who in Romeo and Juliet? Read our character profiles here.
Who's who in Romeo and Juliet? Read our character profiles here.
Plot Summary for Much Ado
A plot summary and scene-by-scene breakdown of Much Ado About Nothing.
A plot summary and scene-by-scene breakdown of Much Ado About Nothing.
Shakespeare Words
Shakespeare Words - Shakespeare’s words and phrases are easier to understand than one might think. This month our "Teaching Shakespeare" Columnist translates Shakespeare Words for newcomers.
Shakespeare Words - Shakespeare’s words and phrases are easier to understand than one might think. This month our "Teaching Shakespeare" Columnist translates Shakespeare Words for newcomers.
Shakespeare's Stratford
Shakespeare's Stratford - our virtual tour of Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon guides you around the town's major Shakespeare-related landmarks
Shakespeare's Stratford - our virtual tour of Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon guides you around the town's major Shakespeare-related landmarks
'Macbeth' Quiz Results
Thanks for taking our Macbeth quiz.: sans serif font quiz results document url body background macbeth
Thanks for taking our Macbeth quiz.: sans serif font quiz results document url body background macbeth
Audition Etiquette
Auditioning for a Shakespeare play? Read our tips on audition etiquette beforehand and land the part.
Auditioning for a Shakespeare play? Read our tips on audition etiquette beforehand and land the part.
Shakespeare - Articles
An index of articles for the Shakespeare guide site.
An index of articles for the Shakespeare guide site.
Characters in Much Ado
Who's who in Much Ado? Read our character profiles here.
Who's who in Much Ado? Read our character profiles here.
No Fear Shakespeare
Duncan Fewins speaks to About.com about overcoming your fear of Shakespeare.
Duncan Fewins speaks to About.com about overcoming your fear of Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Popular
Why has Shakespeare been popular for over 400 years? We look at the secret to his success.
Why has Shakespeare been popular for over 400 years? We look at the secret to his success.
How to Prepare a Soliloquy
This month our columnist shows you how to develop the perfect Shakespeare soliloquy.
This month our columnist shows you how to develop the perfect Shakespeare soliloquy.
Teaching Shakespeare
Share your top tips for teaching Shakespeare with English and drama educators from around the world.
Share your top tips for teaching Shakespeare with English and drama educators from around the world.
Sonnet 19
Read the complete text to Sonnet 19
Read the complete text to Sonnet 19
Sonnet 20
Sonnet 20 - A Woman's Face with Nature's own Hand Painted. Read the complete text here.
Sonnet 20 - A Woman's Face with Nature's own Hand Painted. Read the complete text here.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon has become a place of pilgrimage for the literary minded since the 18th century. Today, the house in Henley Street has been preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and is open to the public.
Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon has become a place of pilgrimage for the literary minded since the 18th century. Today, the house in Henley Street has been preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and is open to the public.
Much Ado Study Guide
In our Much Ado About Nothing Study Guide, you'll find everything you need to understand this Shakespearean classic.
In our Much Ado About Nothing Study Guide, you'll find everything you need to understand this Shakespearean classic.
Shakespeare Quotations Quiz Results
Thanks for taking our Shakespeare quotations quiz.
Thanks for taking our Shakespeare quotations quiz.
Shakespeare Interpretation
This month our columnist shows you how to develop your Shakespeare Interpretation Skills.
This month our columnist shows you how to develop your Shakespeare Interpretation Skills.
Benedick's Speech
An audition speech from Much Ado About Nothing
An audition speech from Much Ado About Nothing
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church - Shakespeare was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can still visit his grave and read his epitaph.
Holy Trinity Church - Shakespeare was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can still visit his grave and read his epitaph.
Sonnet 21
Sonnet 21 - So Is It Not With Me As With That Muse. Read the complete text to sonnet 21 here.
Sonnet 21 - So Is It Not With Me As With That Muse. Read the complete text to sonnet 21 here.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Anne Hathaway's family home has been described as the UK's most romantic cottage – a well-deserved reputation with its timber beams, thatched roof, sprawling orchards and woodland walks.
Anne Hathaway's family home has been described as the UK's most romantic cottage – a well-deserved reputation with its timber beams, thatched roof, sprawling orchards and woodland walks.
New Place
Shakespeare spent the last few years of his life in New Place – Stratford-upon-Avon's largest house which was pulled down in the 18th century.
Shakespeare spent the last few years of his life in New Place – Stratford-upon-Avon's largest house which was pulled down in the 18th century.
Shakespeare's Heritage
Dr. Diana Owen, director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, speaks to About.com about the importance of preserving Shakespeare’s heritage.
Dr. Diana Owen, director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, speaks to About.com about the importance of preserving Shakespeare’s heritage.
Shakespeare's Birthday
Want to throw your own Shakespeare birthday party? Here’s our top 5 ways to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday.
Want to throw your own Shakespeare birthday party? Here’s our top 5 ways to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday.
The Cobbe Portrait
The Cobbe portrait is considered to be the only authentic image of Shakespeare made during his lifetime, and is considered to be the original painting from which today’s iconic image of the Bard was copied.
The Cobbe portrait is considered to be the only authentic image of Shakespeare made during his lifetime, and is considered to be the original painting from which today’s iconic image of the Bard was copied.
Biography for Duncan Fewins
Biography for our 'Teaching Shakespeare' Columnist, Duncan Fewins
Biography for our 'Teaching Shakespeare' Columnist, Duncan Fewins
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust cares for a total of five Shakespeare-related houses in Stratford-upon-Avon including Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust cares for a total of five Shakespeare-related houses in Stratford-upon-Avon including Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
Mary Arden's House
Mary Arden's House – Our virtual Shakespeare tour takes you to Mary Arden's House, childhood home to Shakespeare’s mother.
Mary Arden's House – Our virtual Shakespeare tour takes you to Mary Arden's House, childhood home to Shakespeare’s mother.
Sonnett
Sonnett is a common misspelling of “sonnet”, a strict poetic form used by William Shakespeare.
Sonnett is a common misspelling of “sonnet”, a strict poetic form used by William Shakespeare.