What is your favorite Shakespeare play?

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   Old Empresarioposted 14 years ago

   If you don't have a favorite, which is your least favorite? I'm interested to know.

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      tnderhrt23posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      To date, A Midsummer Night's Dream...studied and analyzed it in college, wrote about it, then saw the production, as a class.

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         weseppersposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I think 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a recessional wedding march. Am I right?

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      sincerely25posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      He's my favorite author. My favorite Shakespeare play is Romeo and Juliet.

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         sumitpariharposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         yes,mine is also romeo and juliet....

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         ellahall2011posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I am also a fan of it.

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      JayeWisdomposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      HAMLET is my favorite, and I'm not sure what it says about me that I enjoy  tragedies most. I also like THE MERCHANT OF VENICE and ROMEO AND JULIET. Usually, I do not like Shakespeare's plays performed in modern dress, but I did like the movie of Romeo and Juliet starring Leo DiCaprio because, even though it was modernized, Shakespeare's language was used (though drastically condensed).
      
      By the way, where do you stand on the raging controversy that Shakespeare did not actually write the plays bearing his name because he was too under-educated and under-traveled? That someone else wrote them and had them performed under the name of William Shakespeare?  (I'm not expressing an opinion....just asking....)

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         Old Empresarioposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I think skilled poets were very common in the 16th Century. Shakespeare's poems outside from his plays were very good. A poet does not necessarily require much education. It is probably not unlikely that Shakespeare did not develop the framewok for the plays, but rather took plays already in existence (or in various stages of completion) and applied his own prose to them. So the truth may be somewhere in the middle. But I don't know and have not reviewed any of the evidence. I have read Marlow's play Edward II. It is similar to others and Marlow died in the 1590s. Perhaps he faked his death to avoid creditors and became Shakespeare? Who knows?

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      duffsmomposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I love Hamlet, also Romeo and Juliet..........

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      calebacea097posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      My favorites are Romeo and juliet, macbeth, and the tragedy of julius caesar

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      AlyzaLewisposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I like his comedies the best... like Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing.

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      LuvableSweetheartposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      most likely I have to like hamlet

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      kcreeryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Othello is my favorite.  I saw some Shakespeare plays in Stratford and the Globe theatre in London, England.  Definitely worth a visit.

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   Preethi Anushaposted 14 years ago

   macbeth

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      Old Empresarioposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have always found Macbeth interesting. It is such a complex human story of guilt; manifested through madness and cruelty. I saw an interesting film adaptation of it recently starring Patrick Stewart.

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   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   Hamlet is my favourite, there are so many layers to that play.

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   Windsweptplainsposted 14 years ago

   My favorite comedy is either As You Like It, or Much Ado About Nothing. Kenneth Branagh's masterful film adaptations of those two plays impacted my perception of how delightful a comedy play can be (in a positive way).
   
   My favorite tragedy is Hamlet, one of the best known and best developed plays in history. Mel Gibson's portrayal of Hamlet convinced me that the character was full of depth and conflict.
   
   As you can probably see, I prefer to see Shakespeare performed. I've used film as the medium to interest my siblings and friends in the works of Shakespeare. Just picking up a play and reading it is a daunting task (although I've read all of his plays, and enjoyed them greatly).

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      LaurelBposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      When it comes to levels of characterization and meaning, Hamlet would be my choice.
      
      Often, though, I enjoy watching a really juicy villain whose entire purpose is to mess things up: think Iago in Othello, one of my favorites. A brilliant performance of Richard III can bring out the both humor in the character (there's actually quite a bit of humor there) and the sorrows of his victims at the same time. So in terms of entertainment and use of language, Richard III is, hands-down, my favorite.

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         Old Empresarioposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I have always paired Othello and Richard III together as well. Both villains seem to portray introverted personalities. Richard III is a great story for those with an ambitious nature. He uses intrigue, cruelty, and his intelligence to ascend the path toward kingship that he had cleverly outlined for himself. And like most ambitious climbers, he can be deeply insecure.
         
         And then there is Othello; the story of Iago, who seeks to attain higher office and get revenge for imagined slights. He does this by manipulating others through gossip and two-faced scheming. Iago comes across as shy and he prefers to control the puppet strings from behind the scenes.

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   Mark Knowlesposted 14 years ago

   Midsummer's Night's dream.

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   Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

   The first Star Wars was the best.

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      Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Ahhh.
      
      "Alas poor Vader, I knew him well.".........

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         habeeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         You misquoted, Mark. The actual line is, "Alas, poor Vader! I knew him, Horatio..."
         
         LOL

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         earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Now you have a straight man there will be hell to play... or heaven?

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      Old Empresarioposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      And Sophocles likes sci fi...

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   dianebowlingposted 14 years ago

   I like "Midsummer's Night Dream"
   I also like "Othello"
   Favorite quote:
   But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
   For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.

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   Rafiniposted 14 years ago

   I dislike Othello immensely. 
   
   major headache and flashbacks the entire time while studying it last semester - I know way too many Iago's to comment further.

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      dianebowlingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Much better to read for pleasure than for a grade. I have found some classics that I hated in school are much more enjoyable now that I'm not under pressure to take a test or write an essay.
      

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         Old Empresarioposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         That is a very good point on both counts. Othello certainly isn't for everyone. But reading for pleasure is more fulfilling than reading for the stresses of grades in school. It was the setting that interested me most about Othello. The Venetian Republic, which controlled a commercial empire in the Mediterranean, was hiring Moorish mercenaries to fight against the Turks. Here, the Moorish commander secretly marries into one of the powerful families of Venice. One of the commander's conniving subalterns is passed over for promotion...and let the antics begin.
         
         Unfortunately, I don't know if there is much out there in the way of film for those who choose not to read the story. The 1960s film version has not withstood the test of time. Instead of having an actual black actor play Othello, we see Lawrence Olivier in what seems to be deep, dark-blue body paint. He resembles a burn victim. I know there is a version from the 1990s starring  Ken Branagh and Lawrence Fishburne, but it misses the recent trend directorsare in to have Shakespeare adaptations set in more contemporary time periods and costumes.

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         shellyakinsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I agree.  I find that when I'm forced to read something and have to analyze it for a paper/discussion it can sometimes take the fun out of reading. 
         
         I was forced to read Othelo in college and loved it.  I found the characters to be interesting and I loved Iago...one of the best "bad guys" ever created.  I'm also a big fan of dramatic irony which Shakespeare has in almost every play. 
         
         I must admit, I haven't read any of his plays since getting out of school.

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   Maddie Ruudposted 14 years ago

   I am a total Shakespeare geek.  Once upon a time, I shaved my head to play the title role in Hamlet... but on the comedy side, I've also got a soft spot in my heart for Much Ado About Nothing.

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    Onusonusposted 14 years ago

    Titus; "Oft have I dug up dead men from their graves and sat them upright at their dearest friends doors just when their sorrow almost was forgot."

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       Old Empresarioposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Titus Andronicus--probably one of the best stories of trust, revenge, and cruelty. How can anyone go wrong with a play that begins with such a drastic miscalculation by the protagonist? After the victorious general heartlessly slaughters the favorite son of the Goth queen he has captured, he watches in horror as his emperor takes her as his new queen. From there, the queen's family and secret lover humiliate and murder Titus' family. But he "wins" in the end; murdering her remaining sons and baking them into pastries for her to eat unknowingly. It is an amazing story.

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    whatkatiereadposted 14 years ago

    Such a difficult question!  I've always preferred the comedies and tragedies to the histories. But to choose from these is still impossible!  I think I have favourite parts/lines from different plays rather than favourite individual plays.  I also think seeing a good production can really sway your opinion...Shakespeare's plays were never supposed to be read but watched after all!
    I love King Lear and I think Hamlet is a work of genius.  But my favourite lines come from Othello: 'Perdition catch my soul for I do love thee, and when I love thee not, chaos is come again!'  Perfection!
    The best performance I've ever seen was of 'As you like it' in Stratford by the R.S.C.  And though many academics poured scorn, I think Luhrmann's 'Romeo and Juliet' was fantastic.

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    FacetiousRemarkposted 14 years ago

    I see a lot of people mentioning Othello, which is great, because I absolutely adore that play. The character of Iago...gah, brilliant! Such a manipulative, devious, clever character. i also like using lines from that play (who doesn't love the line "I am not what I am"!); I often tell people they are telling "Lies! Damned, odious lies!" Heh.
    
    There's a great production of Othello on DVD that is very Shakespearean -- that is, the set is very sparse, little in the way of props, very little movement to new areas. And it has Ian McKellen -- yes, Ian himself! -- as Iago. Very good.
    
    I also do very much like Hamlet; again, some absolutely brilliant lines in it. When you see these plays performed, you can really appreciate the use of language. I remember watching the David Tennant version of Hamlet (another very good performance) and marveling particularly at a part where Hamlet it talking about a pipe and the playing of it (and the playing of people).
    
    A Shakespeare play that I didn't like, however, is A Winter's Tale. I've only read it once, so I forget the names, but I remember the irrationality of the main guy drove me crazy. I think I was actually shouting out loud at him at some points (mostly calling him an idiot).

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    manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

    My favorite Shakespeare play ever: "Midsummer's Night Dream" watched at an outdoor theater with a cute girl...and a large bottle of wine.

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       Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       You weren't in Virginia at the time were you? Because I did the same thing. There may have been mor ethan one bottle of wine involved though.

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          manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          No...it weren't Virginny, my friend...but, in our case...one bottle of wine was more then just fine (is that TMI? )

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             Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             TMI?
             
             This was at the Barboursville vineyard - in the ruins of the original house (Thomas Jefferson was the architect) - being on a vineyard - there was no shortage of wine.

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                manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                Ahh....sounds like a good time was had by all ...Cheers to ya'!
                
                (The TMI was implied...more or less...to the after effects of said bottle of wine...and delightful display of thea'tur!!!)

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                   Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                   It was a superb afternoon/evening. Great actors, wonderful setting - wine drinkable.
                   
                   Sorry - what does TMI mean? That was the question.

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                      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      I would have thought an internet saavy person like yourself was well acquainted with some of the more common acronyms...Like TMI, ROFLMAO, you know like LOL. They are al kind'a silly...but grow on you when you want to save time typing. TMI is Too Much Info.

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    habeeposted 14 years ago

    Definitely Macbeth, the bard's darkest play. I taught it every year and never got tired of it!

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       Rajab Nsubugaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Was it the only examinable one or you also set the exams?

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    Jane Bovaryposted 14 years ago

    Macbeth for me too. For one thing, its got that powerful  "tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.." soliloquy. I see it as rawer and earthier...even sexier than the rest.

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    arthurchappellposted 14 years ago

    King Lear is amazing - dark, and taking some relish in its violence - the madness in the storm scene with Lear and the Fool is Shakespeare at the height of his writing skills

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    Disturbiaposted 14 years ago

    I've always liked The Taming of the Shrew.

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    FifthEditionposted 14 years ago

    I've loved Hamlet since I read it in High School English

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    Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

    The ONLY Shakespeare play worth anything is King Lear...
    
    and that is only because it serves as a warning not to have any daughter because they will drive you crazy once they hit puberty

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       Rajab Nsubugaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       When will you hit it?

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          Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          i've 'hit it' so many times, my friend

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    ceciliabeltranposted 14 years ago

    tommorow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time.

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    Trish_Mposted 14 years ago

    I studied a few Shakespeare plays at school, including 'Romeo and Juliet' for O' Level ~ many years ago. I then studied 'Hamlet' and 'The Tempest' for A' Level just recently.
    
    I always loved 'Romeo and Juliet' ~ especially the Franco Zeffirelli film version ~ but I must admit, Hamlet really got me hooked. I saw David Tennant playing the lead in Stratford, and it was brilliant.

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    Kangaroo_Jaseposted 14 years ago

    Taming Of The Shrew
    Henry 5th
    Richard 3rd - A horse...a horse.....a kingdom for a horse!
    
    and I have heard a New York City version of Romeo & Juliet very modern and very urbane, loads of politically uncorrect speech in this version!

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    zampanoposted 14 years ago

    I've been very impressed with Polanski's version of McBeth several decades ago.

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    If you're talking tragedy, for me it has to be Romeo and Juliet, a love story gone wrong is so timeless.  As for comedy, Twelfth Night is my favorite.  Yes both of these involves romance and I love it.

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    Purple Perlposted 14 years ago

    Julius Ceaser

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    Rówiel posted 14 years ago

    For me it would be A Midsummer Night's Dream, which I've gotten to see performed live a few times.  It's also the one I'd most like to be in.

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    lozzomsposted 14 years ago

    Got to say it would be Hamlet. Its such a good play that shows the transition from original forms of tragedy to a more modern, moral based society nicely. Shakespeare puts strong moral undertones into the play throughout, and this makes for an interesting read. And for anyone who is interested, I have an article on Hamlet currently up on Hubpages, if anyone would like to read an interesting essay.

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    livingsimplyposted 14 years ago

    Othello because it paints a picture of society that actually hasn't changed much - sadly

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    writinginalaskaposted 14 years ago

    Taming of the Shrew,  followed by Romeo and Juliet

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    feelingfoxyposted 14 years ago

    Taming of the Shrew and As You Like It

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       andycoolposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       The Merchant Of Venice... Shylock, what a negative character! He lends money to his Christian rival Antonio, setting the security at a pound of Antonio's flesh. When a bankrupt Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh, as revenge for Antonio having previously insulted and spat on him. This is just awesome! But there are many Shylocks in real world, born without love!

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    Scosgroveposted 14 years ago

    Macbeth. It's bad luck to say in a theatre and it's completely insane. I love it!

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    Genna Eastposted 14 years ago

    Good question.  I would have to say ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ and ‘Hamlet.’  They are vastly different but Shakespeare always fascinates me…his incredible, amazing grasp and understanding human nature is unsurpassed.  Every time I read one of his plays, I see and learn something new.

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    Melissa.Pposted 14 years ago

    I have to say I love Hamlet. Next would be Romeo and Juliet. I happen to own the dvd of Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio from 1996. I love the humour.

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    Stevennix2001posted 14 years ago

    well considering that I haven't read all his plays, the ones that i have read i would have to say my two favorite ones are "romeo and juliet" and "macbeth."  although i know in another forum, I criticized "romeo and juliet" for it's lack in originality, I do give credit for it considering how Shakespeare took a story that was done before and turned it into a timeless masterpiece; that even to this day is used as a formula for tragic love stories across various mediums. 
    
    Of course, the one shakespeare play I want to read someday would probably be "king lear" though, since I know Akira kurasawa's film, "Ran", was a adaptation of that play.  Therefore, I'd be kind of curious to see what the similarity and differences are between them someday.

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    Tataraposted 14 years ago

    Much Ado About Nothing.It was my Brit.Lit.report:-)

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    Dame Scribeposted 14 years ago

    Titus love reading it and watching the one with Anthony Hopkins.

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    Thatguypkposted 13 years ago

    KING LEAR.... by a long shot!

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