Shows
Shakespeare Closely Read100. Coriolanus begins - even to the altitude of his virtueWe begin Cariolanus, and meet Martius, a proud Roman patrician, who later becomes Cariolanus. He confronts a band of rebellious plebians and expresses his contempt for them. The civil strife is apparently interrupted by pending war with the Volscians, whose leader is a frenemy of Martius. He goes to war, but the new tribunes stay behind and begin a plot against Martius.
2022-08-1526 min
Shakespeare Closely Read99. Measure For Measure concludes - Like doth quit like, and measure still for measureThe Duke reveals his true identity and that he set up the test of Angelo. Mariana enlists Isabel in her cause and the Duke agrees to pardon Angelo. Everyone is sentenced to be married.
What’s mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.
2022-06-3031 minShakespeare Closely Read98. Measure For Measure - Till you have heard me in my true complaint And given me justice, justice, justice, justice.The Duke returns and Isabella cries out for Justice!
2022-06-2729 minShakespeare Closely Read97. Measure For Measure - Craft against vice I must applyThe Duke's plot to substitute Marianna for Isabella seems to work, but will Angelo fulfill his part of the bargain and pardon Claudio?
2022-06-2329 minShakespeare Closely Read96. Measure for Measure - thou dost fear the soft and tender fork Of a poor wormClaudio appears resigned to his death, but then urges Isabella to give in to Angelo to save himself. She refuses. The Duke convinces Isabella to appear to give in but actually substitute Angelo's former finacee.
2022-06-2029 minShakespeare Closely Read95. Measure For Measure - Lawful mercy Is nothing kin to foul redemption.Isabella pleads for her brother's life, but Angelo will only pardon him if Isabella agrees to sleep with him. Isabella has some good speeches on how the law can act like a tyrant, contrasting that with mercy.
2022-06-1636 minShakespeare Closely Read94. Measure for Measure - We must not make a scarecrow of the lawLucio pleads with Isabella, about to become a nun, that she plead with Angelo for her brother Claudio's life.
2022-06-1323 minShakespeare Closely Read93. Measure For Measure begins - Mortality and mercy in Vienna live in thy tongue and heart.The Duke of Vienna appears to depart leaving Angelo with power to enforce law. Claudio is arrested for getting his fiancee with child.
2022-06-0929 minShakespeare Closely Read92. Much Ado About Nothing concludes - Get thee a wife, get thee a wife.Happy ending with Claudio and Hero marrying as well as Benedick and Beatrice.
2022-06-0624 minShakespeare Closely Read91. Much Ado About Nothing - You have among you killed a sweet and innocent lady.Hero's father, uncle, and Benedict challenge Claudio and the Prince for causing Hero's death. Don John flees and his men confess the trick they played on Hero.
2022-06-0225 minShakespeare Closely Read90. Much Ado About Nothing - I do love nothing in the world so well as you.Claudio and his friends, falling for Don John's deception, accuse Hero of infidelity. Hero faints, and supposing her to be dead her accusers depart. The friar advises Hero's family and friends to let out that she is dead. Benedict and Beatrice declare their love for each other, and Beatrice has Benedict challenge Claudio to avenge Hero.
2022-05-3026 minShakespeare Closely Read89. Much Ado About Nothing - Is it possible that any villainy should be so dear?Don John's plot to slander Hero and break up her impending marriage appears successful, but the night Watch overhears a confession by Don John's henchman.
2022-05-2632 minShakespeare Closely Read88. Much Ado About Nothing - Converting all your sounds of woe Into Hey, nonny nonny.Benedict and Beatrice's friends contrive to bring them together by pretending to know that they secretly love each other.
2022-05-2329 minShakespeare Closely Read87. Much Ado About Nothing - I would not marry her though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressedClaudio believes that the Prince has betrayed him by wooing Hero for himself, but it is all straightened out; the marriage of Claudio and Hero is set. The company then determines to have Benedick and Beatrice fall in love with each other - a seemingly impossible task. There is, however, a hint that the two were lovers in the past: "I gave him use for it, a double heart for his single one. Marry, once before he won it of me with false dice."
2022-05-1924 minShakespeare Closely Read86. Much Ado About Nothing Begins - What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?We start the delightful Much Ado About Nothing. While the Kenneth Branagh version is highly recommended, a free production (by a Texas Shakespeare company) can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgTsb2GGtjA
2022-05-1628 minShakespeare Closely Read85. Macbeth concludes - Lay on, Macduff, And damned be him that first cries “Hold! Enough!”Burnam Wood came to Dunsinane, but Macbeth still holds hope of prevailing since he cannot be killed by anyone of woman born. Until he meets Macduff, from his mother's womb untimely ripped. The end. Of Macbeth.
2022-05-1215 minShakespeare Closely Read84. Macbeth - Out, out, brief candle!The Macbeth's descend into madness. Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, delivers her "Out damn spot" speech, and commits suicide. Macbeth depends wholly on the witches' prophecies. Learning of Lady Macbeth's death, he gives the "out brief candle" speech on the shortness and futility of life.
"It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."
Macbeth is now the epitome of nihilism.
2022-05-0922 minShakespeare Closely Read83. Macbeth - Double, double toil and trouble;Some memorable lines from the Weird Sisters: "Eye of newt and toe of frog,"
"Something wicked this way comes."
"for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth."
"Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
Shall come against him."
2022-05-0534 minShakespeare Closely Read82. Macbeth - It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood.Macbeth has Banquo murdered, but Banquo's son, Fleance, escapes. Banquo's ghost appears! Hecate chides the Weird Sisters.
2022-05-0230 minShakespeare Closely Read81. Macbeth - A little water clears us of this deedWith Lady Macbeth urging him on, Macbeth kills King Duncan and they frame two servants. When the king's body is discovered, Macbeth kills the two servants, supposedly in a rage at what they had done. Duncan's sons flee, rightly suspecting Macbeth. Macbeth turns his attention to Banquo.
2022-04-2829 minShakespeare Closely Read80. Macbeth - screw your courage to the sticking place And we’ll not fail.We meet Lady Macbeth, one of literature's greatest villainesses. This selection has several notables lines and speeches. Lady Macbeth's "unsex me now speech, inviting demons to possess her. And she bends all her power urging a reluctant appearing Macbeth to murder.
2022-04-2529 minShakespeare Closely Read79. Macbeth Begins - Fair is foul, and foul is fair;Scottish King Duncan, with the aid of loyal Macbeth and Banquo, defeats the rebel army. Macbeth is rewarded with the title Thane of Cawdor. The three witches greet Macbeth with that title and prophesy he will be king and that Banquo will be the father of kings. Macbeth starts to plot to murder Duncan.
Royal Shakespeare with Ian McKellen version is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgEshHhnLqU . There is also the Orson Welles version on Youtube, but I can't really recommend that.
2022-04-2136 minShakespeare Closely Read78. Richard III Concludes - A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!Richard loses to Richmond who is crowned Henry VII
2022-04-1820 minShakespeare Closely Read77. Richard III - My conscience hath a thousand several tonguesRichmond lands, gathers strength and prepares for battle against Richard. Both commanders are visited in the night by the ghosts of Richard's victims.
2022-04-1429 min2022-04-1336 minShakespeare Closely Read75. Richard III - Windy attorneys to their clients’ woesRichard delights to hear of the princes' murder, but rebellion is growing. Queen Margaret confronts Richard's mother and Queen Elizabeth and reminds them of her curses. Richard (unbelievably) seems to win Queen Elizabeth's consent to his marrying her daughter.
2022-04-1143 minShakespeare Closely Read74. Richard III - hie thee from this slaughterhouseRichard is crowned. Nobles flee and a rebellion is in the offing. Richard arranges for the princes in the Tower to be murdered.
2022-04-0729 minShakespeare Closely Read73. Lenten Bonus - Psalms 103 - 119We continue reading the Coverdale Psalter.
2022-04-0652 minShakespeare Closely Read72. Richard III - Bad is the world, and all will come to naughtRichard has Hastings executed and moves to seize the crown.
2022-04-0429 minShakespeare Closely Read71. Richard III - For we tomorrow hold divided councilsRichard arranges for the Prince to stay at the Tower and plots to have all his potential rivals killed.
2022-03-3128 minShakespeare Closely Read70. Lenten Bonus - Psalms 79 - 102Reading of the Coverdale Psalter continues.
2022-03-3040 minShakespeare Closely Read69. Richard III - When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaksKing Edward dies, thinking that all the rival factions around the throne have reconciled. Richard goes to escort the king's son, confusingly also an "Edward" back to London.
2022-03-2833 minShakespeare Closely Read68. Richard III - Fool, fool, thou whet’st a knife to kill thyself.Queen Margaret concludes her curses. Richard arranges for his brother, Clarence' murder.
2022-03-2436 min2022-03-2355 minShakespeare Closely Read66. Richard III - On me, that halts and am misshapen thus?Richard wins for himself Anne, widow of Prince Edward. The king is dying; family and faction members are confronted by Richard. The old (deposed) Queen Margaret begins her curses.
2022-03-2129 minShakespeare Closely Read65. Richard III begins - Now is the winter of our discontentConcluding thoughts on Henry V.
Introduction to Richard III, one of the great stage villains of all times. I discuss whether Richard was in fact a such a villain. For further reading, I suggest "To Prove a Villain," by Dr LIttleton and Dr Rea: https://www.amazon.com/Prove-Villain-Case-King-Richard/dp/B0010VUIYQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=128NL4OMYSIES&keywords=To+prove+a+villain%3A+the+case+of+King+Richard+III&qid=1646423913&sprefix=to+prove+a+villain+the+case+of+king+richard+iii%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-2
Video production of the play can be currently found at ht...
2022-03-1729 min2022-03-1639 minShakespeare Closely Read63. Henry V Concludes - I love France so well that I will not part with a village of itHenry V ends with a marriage alliance between Henry and the French princess. Their son, Henry VI, is destined to be king of England and France, but holds neither.
2022-03-1429 minShakespeare Closely Read62. Henry V - Where ne’er from France arrived more happy menThe battle over, King Henry engages in more disguised trickery, returns to England, and then back to France again to negotiate the peace.
2022-03-1029 minShakespeare Closely Read61. Lenten Bonus - Coverdale Psalter Psalms 18-32Coverdale Psalter continues
2022-03-0928 minShakespeare Closely Read60. Henry V - Praised be God, and not our strength, for it!The English army inflicts a terrible defeat on the arrogant French.
2022-03-0729 minShakespeare Closely Read59. Henry V - warriors for the working dayThe great battle is about to start, with the French supremely confident and the British saying their prayers. King Henry gives the great Band of Brothers speech. When asked to name his ransom by the French herald, the King replies, "The man that once did sell the lion's skin While the beast lived was killed with hunting him."
2022-03-0329 minShakespeare Closely Read58. Bonus - Introduction to Coverdale Psalter; Psalms 1-17As a bonus for the Lenten season, I will read the Book of Psalms, without commentary. The text is from the Coverdale Psalter, used by the Church of England during Shakespeare's life.
2022-03-0229 minShakespeare Closely Read57. Henry V - O God of battles, steel my soldiers’ heartsKing Henry, disguised as an ordinary soldier, goes our among his army. He discusses the responsibility of kings for wars and deaths and afterwards seems to long for a simpler life. The French arrogantly contemplate their forthcoming victory.
2022-02-2829 minShakespeare Closely Read56. Henry V - A little touch of Harry in the nightThe supremely confident French surround the English and prepare for battle. King Henry ponders the coming battle and his likely defeat.
2022-02-2429 minShakespeare Closely Read55. Henry V - Bar Harry England, that sweeps through our land With pennons painted in the blood of Harfleur.Harfleur falls to Henry, but his army is now diminished and in poor condition. The French resolve to counterattack in great numbers. We see French Princess Katherine learning English.
2022-02-2129 minShakespeare Closely Read54. Henry V - Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once moreThe war starts. King Henry delivers the "Once more unto the breach" speech, which is so mis-understood today.
2022-02-1729 minShakespeare Closely Read53. Henry V - No king of England if not king of FranceTraitors taken care of, Henry departs for France. We hear of Falstaff's death. The French court prepares for war.
2022-02-1429 minShakespeare Closely Read52. Henry V - Let us condole the knight, for, lambkins, we will live.The French Prince sends King Henry tennis balls as a joke. Falstaff is dying. A plot against the King is discovered.
2022-02-1029 minShakespeare Closely Read51. Henry V - France being ours, we’ll bend it to our awe Or break it all to piecesHenry is assured that his cause is just and decides to wage war on France.
2022-02-0729 minShakespeare Closely Read50. Henry V begins - O, for a muse of fireShakespeare's great war play, Henry V, begins. The World War II era Laurence Olivier version of this play is available free on line at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BLBQIwZ_h4 . I highly recommend it.
2022-02-0329 minShakespeare Closely Read49. Henry IV Part 2 concludes - I know thee not, old man. Fall to thy prayersPrince Hal is coronated as Henry V and banishes Falstaff. We hear rumor of forthcoming war with France.
2022-01-3120 minShakespeare Closely Read48. Henry IV Part 2 - God save thy Grace, King Hal, my royal HalNew King Henry V decides to cast off his old dissolute companions and instead takes the Chief Justice as his closest advisor. Falstaff hurries to London in anticipation of reward and high office.
2022-01-2729 minShakespeare Closely Read47. Henry IV Part 2 - You won it, wore it, kept it, gave it me.Henry IV dies. Long live the King! Falstaff is in great expectation and the Chief Justice in fear as to what Henry V may be and do.
2022-01-2429 minShakespeare Closely Read46. Henry IV Part 2 - ’Tis seldom when the bee doth leave her comb In the dead carrion.Prince John tricks the rebels into dispersing their army and then arrests them. Falstaff looks forward to his advancement. The King hears of the rebels' defeats, but is very ill.
2022-01-2029 minShakespeare Closely Read45. Henry IV Part 2 - He cannot so precisely weed this landFalstaff promises to put Justice Shallow down when he (Falstaff) is promoted at court. The rebels, led by the Archbishop of York, enter into negotiations with Price John.
2022-01-1729 minShakespeare Closely Read44. Henry IV Part 2 - We have heard the chimes at midnightKing Henry cannot sleep due to this worries over the rebellion, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." He remembers that Richard prophesied that Northumberland (Percy) would also revolt against Henry. Falstaff is pressing soldiers and meets two friends from his youth, Justices Shallow and Shadow.
2022-01-1329 minShakespeare Closely Read43. Henry IV Part 2 - but an honester and truer-hearted man—well, fare thee well.The tavern scene. Falstaff fights with Pistol. Prince Hal and Poins disguise themselves as drawers (waiters) and overhear Falstaff insulting them.
2022-01-1026 minShakespeare Closely Read42. Henry IV Part 2 - Let the end try the manFalstaff continues the exchange with Mistress Quickly and the Chief Justice. Prince Hal and Poins return to London. Northumberland decides to flee to Scotland.
2022-01-0629 minShakespeare Closely Read41. Henry IV Part 2 - What trust is in these times?The Chief Justice is introduced as a foil to Falstaff. Falstaff's health appears to be failing. The rebels gather forces.
2022-01-0329 minShakespeare Closely Read40. Henry IV Part 2 begins - Why is rumour here?Rumor tells of a rebels' victory at Shrewsbury; the elder Percy learns otherwise. The rebels are defeated and his son, Hotspur, lies cold in death. We see Falstaff complaining about others making jokes at his expense. " I am not only witty in myself, but the cause that wit is in other men."
Video version of the play is currently at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keJ9vGZ1gL0 . New version from the Royal Sharkespeare Company. Very good.
2021-12-3029 minShakespeare Closely Read39. Henry IV Part 1 concludes - The better part of valor is discretionThe King forces and the rebels fight a long hour by Shrewsbury clock. Prince Hal kills Hotspur but Falstaff take credit. The play ends with rebels still to be dealt with.
2021-12-2727 minShakespeare Closely Read38. Who hath it [honour]? He that died o’ Wednesday.Price Hal challenges Hotspur to single combat. Falstaff's great "Honour" speech.
2021-12-2327 minShakespeare Closely Read37. A Christmas Carol concludes - I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.Scrooge returns, resolves to keep Christmas, and enters fully and joyfully into Christmas merriment and generosity.
2021-12-2221 minShakespeare Closely Read36. Henry IV Part 1 - I have misused the King’s press damnablyThe rebels and King Henry move towards battle. Prince Hal gives Falstaff a commission and he uses it to accept bribes and recruit dregs.
2021-12-2029 minShakespeare Closely Read35. Henry IV Part 1 - like a comet I was wondered atKing Henry upbraids Prince Hal, while admitting he stole the crown. The Prince promises to reform.
2021-12-1629 minShakespeare Closely Read34. A Christmas Carol - I am not the man I was.The Ghost of Christmas yet to come shows Scrooge his apparent death and lack of mourners. Tiny Tim is gone as well!
2021-12-1529 minShakespeare Closely Read33. Henry IV Part 1 - If sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked.Falstaff and Prince Hal exchange roles of King Henry and the Prince, with Falstaff pleading not to be banished. The rebels divide the kingdom they have yet to win.
2021-12-1329 minShakespeare Closely Read32. Henry IV Part 1 - I have sounded the very bass string of humilityFalstaff tells a tale of how he fought a great number of men who robbed him. When confronted with the truth, Falstaff claims he instintively knew it was actually Price Hal: "The lion will not touch the true prince." The king sends for Hal to help him confront the growing rebellion.
2021-12-0929 minShakespeare Closely Read31. Christmas Carol - I fear you more than any spectre I have seen.The Ghost of Christmas present continues to show Scrooge scenes, including celebrations in mining country, in a lighthouse, and on a ship. Scrooge is delighted with his nephew's party. The clock strikes twelve and he meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
2021-12-0829 minShakespeare Closely Read30. Henry IV Part 1 - Were't not for laughing, I should pity himPrince Hal and Poins rob Falstaff and the other robbers. Hotspur's plot against King Henry proceeds.
2021-12-0629 minShakespeare Closely Read29. Henry IV Part 1 - will I imitate the sunPrince Hal's first great speech. Double robbery at Gadshill planned. A plot against King Henry.
2021-12-0329 minShakespeare Closely Read28. Christmas Carol - God bless us every one!The Ghost of Christmas Present continues through London. We meet the Cratchits. Scrooge responds to Tiny Tim; the Ghost throws Scrooge's words back at him.
Links from Margaret about the Cratchits' ribbons and Christmas pudding:
https://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l244/naztybaby/fashion/lmi/LAMODE-ILL-1872-No-6-PHOTO-.jpg
https://www.inliterature.net/food-in-literature/baked-goods/cakes/2012/12/a-christmas-carol-steamed-christmas-pudding.html#:~:text=What%20is%20Mrs%20Cratchit's%20pudding,for%20washday%2C%20bathes%20and%20cleaning
2021-12-0129 minShakespeare Closely Read27. Henry IV Part 1 begins - See riot and dishonor stain the brow Of my young HarryHenry IV's plan to lead a Crusade is disrupted by internal strife. We meet Prince Hal and Falstaff.
Video of the play can be currently found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hItvO_Tpb4
2021-11-2929 minShakespeare Closely Read26. Richard II concludes - Mount, mount my soul. Thy seat is on highKing Henry pardons Aumerle, but has other rebels beheaded. Richard is murdered by Exton. The play ends and the stage is set for Henry IV Part 1.
2021-11-2521 minShakespeare Closely Read25. Christmas Carol 4 - Come in and know me better, man!Scrooge relives the wonderful Christmas party of Mr. Fezziwig and breaks up with his fiancee. We meet the Ghost of Christmas Present.
2021-11-2429 minShakespeare Closely Read24. Christmas Carol 3 - I should like to have given him somethingMarley's ghost departs promising that Scrooge will be visited by three spirits. We meet the ghost of Christmas past - Scrooge's past.
2021-11-2429 minShakespeare Closely Read23. Richard II - Once more, Adieu! The rest let sorrow say.Richard completes his abdication. Bolingbroke prepares his coronation. Richard is imprisoned and his queen is exiled to France. We hear of Bolingbroke's son, Prince Hal.
2021-11-2229 minShakespeare Closely Read22. Richard II - Bolingbroke hath seized the wasteful kingRichard surrenders to Bolingbroke. He initially states loyalty to Richard, but proceeds immediately to seize the crown.
2021-11-1829 minShakespeare Closely Read21. Bonus Christmas Carol - Marley's GhostScrooge goes home on Christmas Eve night and meets the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley.
2021-11-1729 minShakespeare Closely Read20. Christmas Bonus! - A Christmas Carol beginsWe learn that Marley was dead to begin with and meet Scrooge.
2021-11-1729 minShakespeare Closely Read19. Richard II - For within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death his courtKing Richard returns to England too late. All his followers have deserted him. The Hollow Crown speech.
2021-11-1529 minShakespeare Closely Read18. Richard II - I see thy glory like a shooting star FallBolingroke's rebellion gains ground and he is surrounded by supporters who hope to gain by his success.
2021-11-1129 minShakespeare Closely Read17. Richard II - This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this EnglandJohn of Gaunt dies after delivering the wonderful, patriotic "sceptered isle" speech. King Richard seizes all of John's property for his Irish war, effectively disinheireting Henry Bolingbroke. Henry immediately revolts.
2021-11-0829 minShakespeare Closely Read16. Richard II - our kingdom's earth should not be soiledAll is set for the trial by combat when Richard steps in and decrees banishment on the combatants. Mowbray gets lifetime banishment, and Bolingbroke ten years (reduced to six years for some reason). Richard makes them swear not to conspire together against him but neglects to have them swear loyalty.
2021-11-0428 minShakespeare Closely Read15. Richard II begins - We were not born to sue, but to commandWe start the Hollow Crown series of plays, consisting of Richard II, Henry IV Parts One and Two, and Henry V. This episode begins Richard II; Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray accuse each other of treason. After failing to reconcile them, Richard agrees to have them resolve it through trial by combat.
Video version of the play can be currently found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEaFTcFNSH0
2021-11-0126 minShakespeare Closely Read14. Hamlet concludes - The rest is silence.The end of Hamlet in which everyone dies. Goodnight sweet prince.
One final note, the episode title "The rest is silence", the last line from Hamlet just before he dies, is probably a reference to the silence of death - we don't know what comes after death - that he discussed in the "To be or not to be" speech.
2021-10-2829 minShakespeare Closely Read13. Hamlet - There's a divinity that shapes our endsHamlet tells Horatio how he turned the tables on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Short episode today [exit, pursued by a dog].
2021-10-2814 minShakespeare Closely Read12. Hamlet - Alas, poor Yorick!The famous graveyard scene. Hamlet and Laertes fight in Ophelia's grave.
2021-10-2528 minShakespeare Closely Read11. Hamlet - let the great axe fallLaertes vows revenge for Polonius. Claudius skillfully turns his wrath against Hamlet and plots Hamlet's death. Ophelia is mad.
2021-10-2129 minShakespeare Closely Read10. Hamlet - cruel to be kindHamlet finishes confronting his mother. The king contrives to send Hamlet away to England and there have him murdered. Hamlet encounters Fortinbras' army and contrasts his resolve and purpose with his own lack of action.
2021-10-1829 minShakespeare Closely Read9. Hamlet - Dead for a ducketHaving seen proof of his father's murder, Hamlet still decides not to take his revenge since Claudius is praying. Hamlet mistakes Polonius for a rat (understandably) and kills him. Hamlet confronts his mother and sees the ghost.
2021-10-1429 minShakespeare Closely Read8. Hamlet - The MousetrapThe play within the play whereby Hamlet catches the conscience of the king. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern try to treat Hamlet like a recorder, and although they may fret him, they shall not play upon him.
2021-10-1128 minShakespeare Closely Read7. Hamlet - lose the name of actionTwo great speeches of Hamlet, lamenting his inability to act. To be or not to be!
2021-10-0728 minShakespeare Closely Read6. Hamlet - Who shall scape whipping?Hamlet meets this "old friends" Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and immediately determines they were sent to spy on him. We meet the players, hear a dramatic reading of the Fall of Troy, and see Hamlet admonish Polonius to use men according to his own honour and dignity - not as they deserve.
2021-10-0429 minShakespeare Closely Read5. Hamlet - Words, words, words More bad advice and actions from Polonius. We meet the tools Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
2021-09-2729 minShakespeare Closely Read4. Hamlet - Something is rottenHamlet encounters his father's ghost and learns of his murder by Claudius.
2021-09-2029 minShakespeare Closely Read3. Hamlet - To thine own self be true?Hamlet hears of his father's ghost and the Polonius family gives and receives (bad) advice amongst themselves.
2021-09-1323 minShakespeare Closely Read2. Hamlet continued. I must hold my tongueWe begin Act 1, Scene 2, meeting King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Hamlet's first great speech, showing his grief over his father's death and his mother's marriage to his uncle. Hamlet resolves to hold his tongue.
2021-08-3029 minShakespeare Closely ReadEpisode 1 - Hamlet BeginsWelcome to Shakespeare closely read, a study guide to Shakespeare's great plays and other great works in the public domain. This first episode introduces Hamlet and covers Act 1, Scene 1. The Ghost enters!
The Laurence Olivier version (1948) is currently available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNP_2Omaciw
2021-08-2324 min