How to Read a Shakespeare Play

by David Bevington

This clear and succinct book is designed for general readers who want to know how to go about reading Shakespeare’s works for pleasure.

Genres: Shakespeare

180 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2006

About the author

David Bevington was an American literary scholar.

Reviews

[Wendelle]

This book suggests that we should approach reading Shakespeare as if we were appointed directors of the play, and about to plot out the decisions for the following questions: Where is the play happening? What is the social rank and status and age of the players? How are they dressed? How do they verbalize their emotions? What are the players' objectives and motives? How are they positioned in the set with respect to each other? He continues that we could be aided in this by reading commentaries, bibliographies, and dictionaries that explain Shakespearean terms. By the end, we should have full command of the production we would theoretically direct.

This is an interesting take because I thought the book would suggest the opposite, and while reading we should figure out what Shakespeare was trying to say that was applicable outside of the play: that is, universal realizations about nature, and human nature.

[Ilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pitched for an high school or undergraduate audience and is therefore a survey of the basics, but there’s still some good insights to be had. The survey of the Tempest in the context of the other late plays and Shakespeare’s retirement was particularly good, and there’s some great suggestions for recordings and films to see.

[Richard Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description pretty much covers it all. Of the "-ly's," the predominate is "questioningly." Bevington's essays are a wonderful combination of plot synopsis and analysis. For example, his summary of Mercutio's "Queen Mab" speech in "Romeo and Juliet" clarifies that which a reader may find quite difficult to interpret. In "Hamlet," he makes a point to indicate that Ophelia's drowning is "ruled a suicide." Many critics simply skip over "ruled." Upon close reading, it appears her death is accidental. As Queen Gertrude relates: "There on the pendant (hanging) boughs her cornet (garland)weeds/Climb'ring to hang, an envious sliver (bough) broke/When down her weedy trophies and herself/Fell in the weeping brook." (4.7.173-6). All in all, this is a marvelous read for those interested in things Shakespearean.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seems to be aimed at first-time readers of Shakespeare but despite this, Bevington does not stint in his sensible, thorough analysis of several representative plays : A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo & Juliet, Henry IV, part 1, Hamlet, King Lear and The Tempest.

As always, Bevington's readings of the play are rich and rewarding.