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?
"...You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?..." E. A. Poe
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.
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.
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.Originally Posted by mayneverhave
"...You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?..." E. A. Poe
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.
"It's so mysterious, the land of tears."
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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
King Lear, I found it easier to understand then As you like it.
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.
"...You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?..." E. A. Poe
Great. In the long run though you will be paid tenfold for your investment in Shakespeare.
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