Studying Shakespeare in the IB English curriculum is like embarking on a thrilling journey through time, language, and human nature. As C.S. Lewis aptly put it:
An appreciation of literature is incomplete until one learns to appreciate the genius of Shakespeare, the greatest playwright and author in the English language. He is credited with introducing over 1700 words to the language, and to this day, his plays are famous across the world.
Shakespeare's works are more than just old plays – they're a window into the human soul. His exploration of timeless themes like love, power, and ambition continues to resonate with readers today, making his works a crucial part of any comprehensive English literature study.
In the IB curriculum, you'll typically encounter a mix of Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies. Some of the most commonly studied plays include:
One of the biggest challenges in studying Shakespeare is grappling with his language. But don't worry – with a bit of practice, you'll be decoding his beautiful prose and verse like a pro!
Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, which can seem quite different from contemporary English. Here are some key differences:
Shakespeare was a master of figurative language. His metaphors and similes bring vivid imagery to his works, helping to convey complex emotions and ideas.
Much of Shakespeare's dialogue is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that mimics natural speech. Understanding this can help you appreciate the musicality of his language.
Analysing Shakespeare's work requires immersing oneself in his world and finding the common thread with the reality one lives in. It's possible to find a common thread of thoughts and ideas and build upon it.
Look for ideas and emotions that leap from the words used in the texts and build on them for a winning argument. For example, when studying "Romeo and Juliet," instead of just skimming for good quotations, focus on specific themes like the destructive nature of family feuds or the impulsiveness of young love.
When you're attempting an essay or decrypting a passage, choose a quote and find two more that you can tie together with the first quote to put across your point. This method allows you to present a view and counter-view, strengthening your analysis.
Click to explore: "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." (Julius Caesar, I: ii, 141-142)
This quote emphasizes the theme of free will versus fate, a recurring motif in many of Shakespeare's plays. It suggests that individuals have the power to shape their own futures, rather than being at the mercy of predetermined fate.
In your analysis, you could connect this to other instances where characters in Shakespeare's plays take control of their destinies, or contrast it with moments where characters seem bound by fate.
Click to explore: "There is method in the madness." (Hamlet, II, ii, 206)
This quote suggests that what appears to be irrational behavior may actually have a logical purpose or underlying reason. In "Hamlet," it refers to Hamlet's seemingly erratic behavior, which is actually part of his plan to uncover the truth about his father's murder.
You could use this quote to discuss the theme of appearance versus reality in Shakespeare's plays, or to analyse characters whose actions seem illogical at first glance but reveal deeper motivations upon closer inspection.
Pay attention to the drama that underpins the actions of the characters in Shakespeare's work - the wringing of hands, restless pacing, holding of candles, or approaching other characters. These communicate agitation, jubilation, and anticipation, and stoke the suspense and thrill of being on a Shakespearean journey. Understanding these actions will help you grasp the changes in characters' behaviors and how they arrived at their final actions.
Remember Polonius' advice to his son Laertes: "To thine own self be true." While this quote has become a familiar phrase on t-shirts and social media memes, in your studies, it means finding your own voice and perspective when analysing Shakespeare's works.
Try writing Shakespeare's quotes in your own words to give them a precise, contemporary aspect. For example, "To thine own self be true" could be rephrased as "It is important to be honest with yourself." This exercise helps you connect Shakespeare's timeless wisdom to modern contexts.
Decide what type of Shakespeare scholar you want to be. Are you interested in his use of language? His exploration of power dynamics? His portrayal of women? Having a focus will guide your reading and analysis, making your essays more coherent and compelling.
While it's beneficial to have a broad understanding of Shakespeare's works, focusing on one play in depth can provide a strong foundation for your exams. However, be sure to check your specific IB English syllabus requirements.
Shakespeare's exploration of universal themes such as power, love, jealousy, and ambition continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. These themes are part of the human experience and are as relevant now as they were in Shakespeare's time.
There are numerous resources available, including annotated editions of the plays, online lectures, study guides tailored to the IB curriculum, and even performances of the plays available online.
Reading aloud, using modern translations alongside the original text, and discussing the plays with peers can significantly improve comprehension.
The language and historical context can be challenging, but with practice and the right resources, these hurdles can be overcome.
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