HC - Shakespeare Lesson

Shakespeare

Greek dramatists perfected the art of presenting humor to their audience. Unfortunately, this art was mostly lost in the Dark Ages. The Renaissance brought drama and comedy, among many other arts, back to life. Williams Shakespeare returned to the ancient sources for many of the plots of his comedies. Like his tragedies which are also borrowed from other sources, Shakespeare's comic dramas are exemplars of linguistic genius. The turn of a phrase or the unique diction conjures the timelessness of the human experience. Perhaps his most popular play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, is an example of Shakespeare reaching back to his predecessors.

Reading Assignment: A Midsummer Night's Dream Summary

Please read the following summary in preparation for examining the language. Click here to read "A Midsummer Night's Dream" summary. Links to an external site.

Reading Assignment: Acts II and III of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Now, read Acts II and III and reflect upon Shakespeare's choices in setting, plot, imagery, etc. regarding their impact on the play's comedic elements. Click here to read Acts II and III of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Links to an external site.

A collage of images from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, including images of fairies, a donkey's head on a human-type body, and a layout of the play in publication.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.