Yes, I have a Shakespeare strategy. I know, I’m a nerd. He’s a writer who gets even better with discussion, and I’ve always wanted to read him with friends. So, I’ve decided to make 2025 the year of the Shakespeare for myself.
To make this work, I found a college course titled “Studies in Shakespeare” which starts in January. Here’s the course description:
This class is intended for English and Theatre Studies majors and minors seeking a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s work. Students can expect to do close readings of at least five plays and to study such secondary materials as performance histories and artifacts, literary criticism, and historical background.
Sounds pretty good, right? I got registered and emailed the professor to figure out which works we will read in detail during the semester. Here’s the list:
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Henry V
- Measure for Measure
- Macbeth
- Cymbeline
Great choices. Next, I’ve always wanted a complete collection of Shakespeare’s works that I’m not too precious about. It seems like every copy sold in bookstores these days is leatherbound with gold-foiled pages. I can’t take notes on that!
I scoured the internet and found this amazing copy. It’s old, perfectly sized (for a book that’s 1,263 pages), and the paper is real paper, not that scriptural stuff that feels like it’s made out of rice water and cotton candy. Anyway, I love this book.
I’m sharing this today hoping that it encourages someone to think about their study goals and commit fully to digging in this year. I’m so excited to read Shakespeare deeply.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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