Sonnets by William Shakespeare

[PoetReader]

The diction used in Shakespeare's works has changed. How a poem, or in this case sonnet, is read affects its meaning or interpretation. In this regard, PoetRead provides a perspective on Shakespeare's works that can aid in its comprehension.
Visit PoetRead (http://www.youtube.com/PoetRead) to hear Shakespeare's sonnets being read, and follow along with the narration by means of scrolling text.

[DocHeart]

Deleted.

[Charles Darnay]

Please tell me this is a joke! You discovered you do a great Christopher Walken impression, and have no idea how to read meter and decided to make these videos. That's a good joke.

[PoetReader]

It's difficult to land a take 100% on meter, these videos are for education purposes anyway. Something to push people into poetry, comments like yours only push them away, Thanks.

[Delta40]

I'm sorry but you read that without any expression at all, rather like a robot. You said the diction had changed. That may well affect comprehension - more so than the way the sonnet itself is read by the reader. It isn't as if your style of reading will give enlightenment to words which are no longer the height of fashion.

[PoetReader]

Listen to the other recordings, besides the first one. If you can deny passion in most of the videos posted, especially the ones that come after sonnet 7, then I will never post another video.

[Delta40]

I randomly chose sonnet 14 actually. Then I cross checked it with my Shakespeare and read it aloud in the kitchen. Even surrounded by unwashed dishes, I could appreciate the difference. Now to be honest, I'm not a Shakespeare scholar at all. I would expect to be moved by the recital of any of his sonnets - as if the reader stood upon a stage capturing his audience with his emotive performance. But perhaps I expect too much.

Don't say never. This is only my opinion. There's the rest of the world to consider remember!

[PoetReader]

I thank you individuals for your criticism and will strive to improve the quality of my readings.

[Delta40]

best wishes Poetreader. I just read Macbeth for the first time over Easter and was quite impressed that:

a) I read it from start to finish
b) I really adored the poetry of his writing
c) The plot revealed itself to me
d) I will read more of his works!

You're always welcome to post on lit-net and discuss Shakespeare's work or any other topic.

[Charles Darnay]

I do apologize for such harsh criticism (though I do stand by it). What Delta posted I agree with - she has more tact than I. If you wish to progress with this, discover the passion in Shakespeare and let that guide you. The meticulousness to diction is important but must come from within.

The British Library recently released a new CD of Shakespeare "as it would have originally sounded." I recommend you take a listen - while this too is just one interpretation (albeit a very well researched one) it is moving (most of it at least.)

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1152799--shakespeare-in-the-rough-audio-collection-depicts-bard-s-words-as-you-ve-never-heard-them-before