Trying to understand shakespeares language ?

Question

Any helpful tips or advice on how to read and anylise King Lear ?

Answer 1

One of the most difficult challenges of studying Shakespeare is breaking the language barrier. There are several factors that often confuse the reader about the language of Shakespeare: the use of obsolete words, the order of sentence wording, and puns that depended on the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of words. For the first time reader of Shakespeare, the text may seem confusing and hard to translate, but it is important to understand that Shakespeare did indeed write in English, just a slightly different version of what we consider to be modern English.

By learning about some of the Early Modern English word meanings, sentence structure, and puns students will be able to understand and enjoy the genius and humor in Shakespeare's work. Students will enjoy trying their hand at creating their own puns and finding puns in modern literature. Being able to use newly learned tools to interpret and understand Early Modern English might even seem like learning a secret language code!

Answer 2

Try to find a copy of King Lear which has a good glossary of words and their meanings.

Shakespearian language is not too difficult for us to understand, because it is a form of Modern English. Despite what the myths say, it is NOT Old English. Old English is a language that was spoken a thousand years earlier. The biggest problem is understanding the vocabulary which he uses, much of which has become obsolete or archaic. Some of his colloquialisms are also difficult to understand.

Answer 3

The best way to understand any Shakespeare play is to go and see a really good performance. Check out the next scheduled performance of Lear by the R.S.C., failing which check your local theatres.

Answer 4

You should check this book out:
Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human by Harold Bloom. It does make you understand a whole lot about the Shakespeare's work. Bloom analyzed the entire work of Shakespeare, and wrote an essay for each play. He presented an in-depth critique of Shakespearian character and controversially ties it to the shaping of modern personality.
My advice: go for it!

Answer 5

I believe that knowing the plot before reading further advances the readability.

You know it's a tragedy. the end is not a happy one. read a summary of the play, even a very detailed one. I find it helps knowing what a scene is about prior to reading the acrual scene, as you know what to expect.

the beauty of shakespeare is in his ideas and language, and not necessarily the advancement of the plot.
that way, IMO, you can concentrate on getting HOW what you read is sayingwhat you know it's supposed to mean, and not WHAT it is actually saying.

Answer 6

You should be able to get a book that basically re-tells the story in modern language. Then, having got a grip of the story, you can use the two side-by-side to compare the language.

Answer 7

Read it aloud, especially in a group (works better). As a last resort use Sparknotes as an aid. http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/lear/

Answer 8

Buy the student copy with the notes in; the left page contains the text and the right contains the notes. Its the easiest way.

Answer 9

there are some brilliant books you can get for this knid of thing called 'no fear shakespeare', which have the original version on one page and the same thing written in modern english on the other. you can get them here:

http://www.carelpress.co.uk/kinglear.htm

and i found them invaluable!

Answer 10

Your local library should have books to assist you with the "Bard of Avon"