What is the best Shakespeare story or play?

1. 74

   nmdondersposted 13 years ago

   What is the best Shakespeare story or play?
   
   I actually don't know much about Shakespeare, I only know the Romeo and Juliette story.  If I were to read or see a play, which one would you suggest?

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2. 52

   bgaydoshposted 13 years ago

   I love Shakespeare. I would go for much ado about nothing.

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3. 61

   teamrnposted 13 years ago

   I'd recommend "Much ado about nothing," alsoI'

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4. 69

   MayGposted 13 years ago

   Yes the movie with Emma Thompson etc is lovely. Probably the best of his comedies. Macbeth is brilliant but bloody. Whatever you choose, I strongly recommend reading it with one of those thin study guides, as because of the language it's easy to miss a lot of metaphors and puns in his work that people of his time would have understood.

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5. 59

   chef-de-jourposted 13 years ago

   Where to start? First thing is- the Bard of Avon wrote comedies, tragedies and histories. Out of these 3 categories I recommend:
   
   1. Comedy - close call between A Midsummer Night's Dream and Much Ado About Nothing (or as we say in Yorkshire Much Fuss Over Nowt!)
   
   2. Tragedy - MacBeth (The Scottish Play) or Hamlet.
   
   3. History - Henry IV or Richard III.
   
   It is best to read a little before seeing a Shakespeare play for the first time - there are many modern books that summarise the plays and books that have created stories out of the plays. Start simple and build up. Or watch a t.v version or dvd then go see the play live because that's where true magic lies.
   May your appetite be whetted. Then come over to Stratford and see the RSC at work.

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6. 98

   donnah75posted 13 years ago

   Well, there are too many good ones to choose.  Right now, I think Othello and Merchant of Venice are my favorites.  That changes over time though.  I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the plays by reading summaries or children's versions first.  Those give you the general story line, then you can decide to see a real production.  If you know the story going in, you will likely get more out of a film or live performance.

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7. 61

   Alaxiaposted 13 years ago

   Hamlet provides a great introduction to Shakespeare.

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8. 60

   tvpuramposted 13 years ago

   People studying literature used to give more importance to Shakespeare that one drama from him has been compulsory in graduation classes earlier.  Not only for literature but Shakespeare dealt with all emotions of human beings also.  Extreme cases of all types of villainy,  jealousy,  cruelty, pity, piety and purity could be observed in his characters.  All his dramas are worth reading.  It is a great privilege one gets during his life time to read these great contributions.  So select any.  All are equally good.

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9. 0

   Old Empresarioposted 13 years ago

   Of the tragedies, I like Coriolanus. It's the tragic story of a Roman hero who values tradition, honesty, and national service over self-serving democracy. His stance costs him his career in politics and he becomes a traitor who eventually leads another nation against his homeland of Rome. Of the histories, I like Richard III. The brother of the king schemes to succeed, eventually overthrowing his nephews after they ascend to nominal power. I don't like many of the comedies as much as an adult. I used to like A Midsummer Night's Dream.

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