Something I've come to enjoy very much is Shakespeare: his plays, his sonnets, and even him! (Well I don't know him personally, but I've written several reports on him. That has to count for something.)
That being said, I haven't read nearly enough of his work to satisfy my love for it. (Although I have read all 154 sonnets.) My favorite of his plays is Hamlet. I love picking out certain lines that I enjoy. The language is so beautiful, and in today's culture it's hard to imagine people talking like they used to. Take a few of these lines, for example:
"This above all: To thine own self be true." (From Hamlet) We say: Do what you want.
"Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure." (From, you guessed it... Macbeth!) We say: Is it cool if I stay with you?
"Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes." (From Romeo and Juliet) We say: Her eyes are shiny.
I personally believe that, although Shakespeare is beautiful when read silently, it is best experienced and written to be read aloud. It was made, after all, for the stage. I actually understand Shakespeare more when I hear it read aloud.
So here's a secret: Sometimes, when I'm alone at home, I'll read Shakespeare aloud in different voices for different characters. I'll wave my hands, gesture, fake sword fight. I've dueled with Mercutio and Tybalt and Romeo. I've climbed a balcony and stabbed Julius Caeasar and argued with Beatrice. Shakespeare was written to be performed and I've enjoyed every moment of reading it!
I like your secret - keep reading and dueling! What a great way to understand and appreciate his works. You're right, Shakespeare' lines are so much better than our abbreviated versions.
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