Which Shakespeare?

Veho · 08-13-2009, 10:52 PM

I want to read a Shakespeare play, but I've only ever read 'Macbeth' and 'Romeo and Juliet', when I was in school.

The selection I have to choose from is 'King Lear', 'As You Like It' or 'The Winter's Tale'. Which would be the best to start with, to ease me into his writing style?

mayneverhave · 08-13-2009, 11:01 PM

Selection between the first two is mainly a difference of whether you prefer comedy or tragedy, as the two you have to choose from are basically the greatest of his plays in each respective genre. So much critical ink has been spilled on both of these plays that anything I say here (especially in such a quick summary) would be pretty superfluous.

As for The Winter's Tale - this is one of his later works, one of the 'problem plays', and one of the Romances. I would save this for later, after you're more familiar with his earlier major plays; i.e. the first two you named, Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and 2), and the major tragedies.

Most importantly: enjoy these! After reading Shakespeare, with few exceptions, nothing ever quite lives up to it.

Veho · 08-13-2009, 11:14 PM

Okay, so definitely not 'The Winter's Tale'. I guess my final choice, from the two remaining, will depend on whether I'm feeling tragic or comical tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayneverhave

Most importantly: enjoy these! After reading Shakespeare, with few exceptions, nothing ever quite lives up to it.

I hope I do. That's the reason I asked for advice; I don't want to go in right at the deep end and be put off from reading anymore of his work.

Janine · 08-13-2009, 11:44 PM

I think King Lear is more exciting and interesting, intriguing with diverse characters. Of course, I am more inclined to favor the tragedies to the Bard's comedies; that's just me and my personal preference. If you do pick Lear, you may want to read it and then check out the play with Olivier; it's a masterpiece of theatrical production on film. Be prepared - it's very intense.

Pryderi Agni · 08-14-2009, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janine

I think King Lear is more exciting and interesting, intriguing with diverse characters.

Seconded! King Lear is Billy S at his shiniest!

Mathor · 08-14-2009, 03:28 AM

I would go with As You Like it, but I think Hamlet is the best first play to read.

Fen · 08-14-2009, 03:00 PM

King Lear, I found it easier to understand then As you like it.

Veho · 08-17-2009, 08:19 PM

Thanks for you replies, I decided to read 'As You Like It' first, even though most of you thought 'King Lear' was the best to start with. I felt like reading the comedy, but I will be reading 'King Lear' next.

I am liking 'As You Like It' so far, although it demands a lot more effort than any other book I've read before.

Neely · 08-17-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veho

Thanks for you replies, I decided to read 'As You Like It' first, even though most of you thought 'King Lear' was the best to start with. I felt like reading the comedy, but I will be reading 'King Lear' next.

I am liking 'As You Like It' so far, although it demands a lot more effort than any other book I've read before.

Great. In the long run though you will be paid tenfold for your investment in Shakespeare.

08-13-2009, 10:52 PM	#1
Veho Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK Posts: 79	Which Shakespeare? I want to read a Shakespeare play, but I've only ever read 'Macbeth' and 'Romeo and Juliet', when I was in school. The selection I have to choose from is 'King Lear', 'As You Like It' or 'The Winter's Tale'. Which would be the best to start with, to ease me into his writing style? __________________ "These wounds are all self-imposed, life's no disaster, all roads lead on to death row, who knows what's after."

08-13-2009, 11:01 PM	#2
mayneverhave Asa Nisi Masa Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 610	Selection between the first two is mainly a difference of whether you prefer comedy or tragedy, as the two you have to choose from are basically the greatest of his plays in each respective genre. So much critical ink has been spilled on both of these plays that anything I say here (especially in such a quick summary) would be pretty superfluous. As for The Winter's Tale - this is one of his later works, one of the 'problem plays', and one of the Romances. I would save this for later, after you're more familiar with his earlier major plays; i.e. the first two you named, Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and 2), and the major tragedies. Most importantly: enjoy these! After reading Shakespeare, with few exceptions, nothing ever quite lives up to it. __________________ Full fathom five thy father lies. Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes; Nothing of him doth fade But doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange. The Tempest

08-13-2009, 11:44 PM	#4
Janine ETERNAL SPRINGTIME Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern New Jersey, near Philadelphia Posts: 8,512 Blog Entries: 2	I think King Lear is more exciting and interesting, intriguing with diverse characters. Of course, I am more inclined to favor the tragedies to the Bard's comedies; that's just me and my personal preference. If you do pick Lear, you may want to read it and then check out the play with Olivier; it's a masterpiece of theatrical production on film. Be prepared - it's very intense. __________________ When the bare feet of the baby beat across the grass The little white feet nod like white flowers in the wind......D.H.Lawrence

08-14-2009, 03:28 AM	#6
Mathor Hitchcock Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1,432	I would go with As You Like it, but I think Hamlet is the best first play to read. __________________ I'm losing all those stupid games That I swore I'd never play

08-17-2009, 08:19 PM	#8
Veho Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK Posts: 79	Thanks for you replies, I decided to read 'As You Like It' first, even though most of you thought 'King Lear' was the best to start with. I felt like reading the comedy, but I will be reading 'King Lear' next. I am liking 'As You Like It' so far, although it demands a lot more effort than any other book I've read before. __________________ "These wounds are all self-imposed, life's no disaster, all roads lead on to death row, who knows what's after."

08-14-2009, 03:00 PM	#7
Fen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: England Posts: 119	King Lear, I found it easier to understand then As you like it.

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