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Shakespeare Quarterly (SQ) is a leading journal in Shakespeare studies, publishing highly original, rigorously researched essays, notes, and book reviews. Published for the Folger Shakespeare Library by Oxford University Press, SQ is peer-reviewed and extremely selective.

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Jeffrey R. Wilson

• Shakespeare Research Guide

This guide is designed for Harvard students and faculty doing research on Shakespeare. Because of the vast number and range of Shakespeare studies, this guide is only an introduction to the field, a survey that is nowhere near exhaustive. The principle of selection was that "less is more": What are the essential readings someone needs to know about to begin research on a topic? It's usually not much more than a couple of classic studies and one or two recent entries in the discussion.

This guide includes reliable editions and key scholarship as well as useful databases, reference works, and research tools (Shakespeare studies is such a vast field that you need a research guide to the research guides). Most of the below items are specific to Shakespeare studies, but sometimes resources used for literary studies more generally are included if they frequently arise when researching Shakespeare. Efforts have been made to provide links, including links to full access for Harvard affiliates, whenever possible.

• Gary Taylor, John Jowett, Terri Bourus, and Gabriel Egan (Eds.), The New Oxford Shakespeare (2016)
• Stephen Greenblatt, Walter Cohen, Jean E. Howard, and Katharine Eisaman Maus (Eds.), The Norton Shakespeare (3rd ed., 2015)
• The Arden Shakespeare Series
• The Pelican Shakespeare Series
• The Norton Shakespeare Series
• The Shakespeare in Performance Series
• World Shakespeare Bibliography   [ Harvard Access]
• The MLA International Bibliography   [ Harvard Access]

Dictionaries

• Oxford English Dictionary   [Harvard Access]
• Lexicons of Early Modern Englis h  [Harvard Access]
• Ben and David Crystal,  Shakespeare’s Words  (2002)
• Stanley Wells,  A Dictionary of Shakespeare  (2 nd  ed., 2005)
• Gordon Williams,  A Glossary of Shakespeare’s Sexual Language  (1997)

Concordances

• Marvin Spevack, The Harvard Concordance to Shakespeare (1973)
• Open Source Shakespeare
• Michael Dobson and Stanley Wells, The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare (2001) [  Harvard Access   ]
• David Scott Kastan, A Companion to Shakespeare (1999)
• Andrew Dickson, The Rough Guide to Shakespeare (2005; revised 2009)
• Richard Dutton and Jean E. Howard, A Companion to Shakespeare’s Works (2003)
• Samuel Crowl, Shakespeare and Film: A Brief Norton Guide (2008)
• Arthur F. Kinney (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare (2012)
• The Cambridge Companions
• Margreta De Grazia and Stanley Wells (Eds.), The New Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare (2nd ed., 2011) [  Harvard Access ]
• Claire McEachern (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespearean Tragedy (2nd Ed., 2013) [  Harvard Access ]
• Alexander Leggatt (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespearean Comedy (2001) [  Harvard Access ]
• Michael Hattaway (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare's History Plays (2002) [  Harvard Access ]
• Catherine M. S. Alexander (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare's Last Plays (2009) [  Harvard Access ]
• Patrick Cheney (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare's Poetry (2007) [  Harvard Access ]
• Ton Hoenselaars (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare and Contemporary Dramatists (2012) [  Harvard Access ]
• Stanley Wells and Sarah Stanton (Eds.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare on Stage (2002) [ Harvard Access ]
• Russell Jackson (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare on Film (2nd ed., 2007) [  Harvard Access ]
• Robert Shaughnessy (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare and Popular Culture (2007) [  Harvard Access ]

Annotated Bibliographies

• David Bevington, "William Shakespeare," in  Oxford Bibliographies: Renaissance and Reformation   [ Harvard Access ]
• Andrew Hadfield and Amy Kenny, "William Shakespeare," in  Oxford Bibliographies: British and Irish Literature   [ Harvard Access ]
• Larry S. Champion, The Essential Shakespeare: An Annotated Bibliography of Major Modern Studies (1986; 2nd ed., 1993)
• The Garland Shakespeare Bibliographies
• David Bevington, "English Renaissance Drama," in  Oxford Bibliographies: Renaissance and Reformation   [ Harvard Access ]
• Shakespeare Quarterly  [ Harvard Access  ]
• Shakespeare: Journal of the British Shakespeare Association   [ Harvard Access ]
• Shakespeare Studies  [  Harvard Access ]
• Shakespeare Jahrbuch  [  Harvard Access ]
• Borrowers and Lenders: The Journal of Shakespeare and Appropriation  [  Harvard Access ]
• Shakespeare Bulletin  [  Harvard Access ]
• Shakespeare Survey
• Shakespeare International Yearbook  
• Multicultural Shakespeare

Associations

• Shakespeare Association of America
• British Shakespeare Association
• Folger Shakespeare Library
• Shakespeare's Globe

Life and Times

• S. Schoenbaum, William Shakespeare: A Compact Documentary Life (1977; revised 1987)
• Katherine Duncan-Jones, Ungentle Shakespeare: Scenes from his Life (2001)
• Stephen Greenblatt, Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare (2004)
• James Shapiro, 1599:A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare (2005)
• David Bevington, Shakespeare and Biography (2010)
• E.M.W. Tillyard, The Elizabethan World-Picture (1943)
• J. D. Cox and D. S. Kastan, A New History of Early English Drama (1997)
• John Morrill (Ed.), The Oxford Illustrated History of Tudor & Stuart Britain (1996)
• John Cannon (Ed.),  The Oxford Companion to British History (2009)
• Geoffrey Bullough, Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare (1957–73)
• Kenneth Muir, The Sources of Shakespeare’s Plays (1977)
• Stuart Gillespie (Ed.), Shakespeare’s Books: A Dictionary of Shakespeare's Sources (2001)

Language and Style

• Sister Miriam Joseph, Shakespeare’s Use of the Arts of Language (1947)
• M. M. Mahood, Shakespeare’s Wordplay (1957)
• Richard A. Lanham, The Motives of Eloquence: Literary Rhetoric in the Renaissance (1976)
• Russ McDonald,  Shakespeare and the Arts of Language  (2001)
• David Crystal,  Think on my Words: Exploring Shakespeare's Language (2008)
• Peter Mack, Reading and Rhetoric in Montaigne and Shakespeare (2010)
• Lawrence Danson, Shakespeare’s Dramatic Genres (2000)
• Anthony R. Guneratne (Ed.),  Shakespeare and Genre: From Early Modern Inheritances to Postmodern Legacies (2011)
• C. L. Barber, Shakespeare’s Festive Comedy (1959, revised 1972)
• Northrop Frye, A Natural Perspective: The Development of Shakespearean Comedy and Romance (1965)
• Franquois Laroque, Shakespeare’s Festive World: Elizabethan Seasonal Entertainment and the Professional Stage (1993)
• A. C. Bradley, Shakespearian Tragedy (1904)
• Stanley Cavell, Disowning Knowledge in Seven Plays of Shakespeare (1987)
• Paul Kottman, Disinheriting the Globe: Tragic Conditions in Shakespeare (2009)
• E. M. W. Tillyard, Shakespeare’s History Plays (1944)
• Lily B. Campbell, Shakespeare’s Histories (1947)
• Peter Saccio, Shakespeare’s English Kings (1977, revised 2000)
• Phyllis Rackin, Stages of History: Shakespeare’s English Chronicles (1990)
• Romances/Tragicomedies
• F.S. Boas, “The Problem Plays,” in Shakespeare and His Predecessors (1896)
• Russ McDonald, Shakespeare’s Late Style (2006)
• Joel Fineman, Shakespeare’s Perjured Eye: The Invention of Poetic Subjectivity in the Sonnets (1986)
• Helen Vendler, The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets (1997)

Stephen  Orgel and Sean Keilen (Eds.),  Shakespeare’s Poems (1999)

Textual Issues

• Textual Editing
• Margreta de Grazia,  Shakespeare Verbatim: The Reproduction of Authenticity and the 1790 Apparatus  (1991)
• Leah Marcus, Unediting the Renaissance (1996)

Sonia  Massai,  Shakespeare and the Rise of the Editor (2007)

• David Scott Kastan, Shakespeare and the Book (2001)
• Lucas Erne,  Shakespeare and the Book Trade (2013)
• Ron Rosenbaum, The Shakespeare Wars: Clashing Scholars, Public Fiascoes, Palace Coups (2006)
•  Hugh Craig and Arthur F. Kinney (Eds.),  Shakespeare, Computers, and the Mystery of Authorship (2012)
• The Authorship Question
• Jonathan Hope, The Authorship of Shakespeare’s Plays (1994)
• Brian Vickers, Shakespeare, Co-Author (2002)
• James Shapiro,  Contested Will: Who Wrote Shakespeare?  (2011)
• The Shakespeare Authorship Page

The Critical Tradition

• Brian Vickers, Shakespeare: The Critical Heritage (1974–81)
• Jonathan Bate, The Romantics on Shakespeare (1992)
• Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, Women Reading Shakespeare, 1660-1900 (1997)
• Michael Dobson, The Making of the National Poet (1992)
• Michael Taylor (Ed.), Shakespeare Criticism in the Twentieth Century (2001)
• John Gross, After Shakespeare (2003)

Shakespeare and ...

• Shakespeare and English Literature
• Lukas Erne, Shakespeare as Literary Dramatist (2003)
• Shakespeare and Drama
• Anne Righter, Shakespeare and the Idea of the Play (1962)
• Shakespeare and Literary Theory
• Patricia Parker and Geoffrey Hartman (eds.), Shakespeare and the Question of Theory (1985)
• Alternative Shakespeares (3 vols.: 1985, 1996, and 2007)
• Jonathan Gil Harris, Shakespeare and Literary Theory (2010)
• Shakespeare and the Classics
• Jonathan Bate, Shakespeare and Ovid (1994)
• Heather James, Shakespeare’s Troy: Drama, Politics, and the Translation of Empire (1997)
• Charles Martindale and A. B. Taylor (Eds.),  Shakespeare and the Classics (2004)
• Shakespeare and Philosophy
• Arthur F. Kinney, Shakespeare and Cognition: Aristotle’s Legacy and Shakespearean Drama (2006)
• A. D. Nuttall, Shakespeare the Thinker (2007)
• Jennifer Bates and Richard Wilson (Eds), Shakespeare and Continental Philosophy (2014)
• Shakespeare and Politics
• Jonathan Dollimore and Alan Sinfield (Eds.), Political Shakespeare: Essays in Cultural Materialism (1994)
• Louis Montrose, The Purpose of Playing: Shakespeare and the Cultural Politics of the Elizabethan Theatre (1996)
• Andrew Hadfield, Shakespeare and Republicanism (2005)
• Shakespeare and Law
• Bradin Cormack, Martha C. Nussbaum, Richard Strier (Eds.),  Shakespeare and the Law: A Conversation among Disciplines and Professions (2013)
• Andrew Zurcher,  Shakespeare and Law (2014)
• Shakespeare and Religion
• Jonathan Dollimore, Radical Tragedy: Religion, Ideology, and Power in the Drama of Shakespeare and His Contemporaries (1984)
• Allison Shell, Shakespeare and Religion (2010)
• Shakespeare and Psychology
• Ernest Jones, Hamlet and Oedipus (1949)
• Norman Holland, Psychoanalysis in Shakespeare (1966)
• Julia Reinhard Lupton and Kenneth Reinhard, After Oedipus: Shakespeare in Psychoanalysis (1992)
• Harold Bloom, Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human (1998)
• Shakespeare and Race
• James Shapiro, Shakespeare and the Jews (1996)
• Peter Hulme and William H. Sherman,  ‘The Tempest’ and its Travels (2000)
• Ania Loomba, Shakespeare, Race and Colonialism (2002)
• Shakespeare and Gender
• Juliet Dusinberre, Shakespeare and the Nature of Women (1975)
• Patricia Parker, Literary Fat Ladies: Rhetoric, Gender, Property (1987)
• Janet Adelman, Suffocating Mothers: Fantasies of Maternal Origin in Shakespeare’s Plays, Hamlet to the Tempest (1992)
• Stephen Orgel, Impersonations: The Performance of Gender in Shakespeare’s England (1996)
• Bruce Smith, Shakespeare and Masculinity (2000)
• Shakespeare and Sexuality
• Jonathan Goldberg, Queering the Renaissance (1994)
• Bruce R. Smith, Homosexual Desire in Shakespeare’s England: A Cultural Poetics (1994)
• Madhavi Menon (Ed.),  Shakesqueer:  A Queer Companion to the Complete Works of Shakespeare (2001)
• Shakespeare and the Arts
• W. Moelwyn Merchant, Shakespeare and the Artist (1959)
• Jane Martineau (Ed.), Shakespeare in Art (2003)
• Tarnya Cooper, Searching for Shakespeare (2006)
• Shakespeare and Music
• David Lindley, Shakespeare and Music (2006)
• Julie Sanders, Shakespeare and Music: Afterlives and Borrowings (2007)
• Shakespeare and Dance
• Alan Brissenden,  Shakespeare and the Dance  (1981)
• Shakespeare and Modernity
• Jan Kott, Shakespeare Our Contemporary (1964)
• Richard Halpern, Shakespeare Among the Moderns (1997)
• Marjorie Garber,  Shakespeare and Modern Culture (2008)

Performance

• Early Modern Performance
• E. K. Chambers, The Elizabethan Stage (1923)
• Andrew Gurr, The Shakespearean Stage, 1574–1642 (Fourth Edition, 2009)
• Andrew Gurr, Playgoing in Shakespeare’s London (Third Edition, 2004)
• Modern Performance
• J. R. Mulryne , ‎ Margaret Shewring , ‎and  Andrew Gurr (Eds.),  Shakespeare's Globe Rebuilt  (1997)
• Jonathan Bate and Russell Jackson (eds.), The Oxford Illustrated History of Shakespeare on Stage (revised 2001)
• The Actors on Shakespeare Series
• Film and Television Performance
• Lynda E. Boose and Richard Burt, Shakespeare, The Movie: Popularizing the Plays on Film, TV and Video (1997)
• Kenneth S. Rothwell, A History of Shakespeare on Screen (1999, revised 2004)
• Mark Thornton Burnett and Ramona Wray, Screening Shakespeare in the Twenty-First Century (2006)
• Barbara Hodgdon, The Shakespeare Trade: Performances and Appropriations (1998)
• Ton Hoenselaars (Ed.), Shakespeare and the Language of Translation (2004)

Internet Resources

• Shakespeare Magazine
• The Shakespeare Standard
• Shakespeare Post
• Folger Online Resources
• Mr William Shakespeare and the Internet
• Internet Shakespeare Editions
• Royal Shakespeare Company’s Online Resources
• Shake Sphere
• Play Shakespeare
• Encyclopedia Britannica’s Guide to Shakespeare
• The British Library, Shakespeare in Quarto
• The Furness Collection
• JSTOR, Understanding Shakespeare
• Hamlet Works
• Shakespeare’s Globe, The Globe Player
• The English Short-Title Catalogue
• Early English Books Online
• Records of Early English Drama
• The British Universities Film and Video Council, The International Database of Shakespeare on Film, Television and Radio
• Shakespeare Documented
• Shakespeare Unlimited
• LUNA: Folger Digital Image Collection
• Furness Theatrical Image Collection
• Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive
• Royal Shakespeare Company YouTube Channel
• Globe Theatre YouTube Channel
• Shakespeare in Performance
• Kanopy Shakespeare Series
• MIT Global Shakespeares
• Theatre in Video
• Shakespeare Across the Disciplines
• Shakespeareana
• Public Shakespeare

Shakespeare Research Resources

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Shakespeare’s Life

Shakespeare’s world and historical context, shakespeare’s plays, shakespeare’s poems, shakespeare’s writing style, shakespeare’s most common themes, shakespeare’s most famous quotations, the shakespeare authorship question, shakespeare teacher resources.

Four hundred years after Shakespeare's death, millions of people continue to read his poems, repeat his phrases, watch his plays, and use the words he coined. In addition to being the most celebrated writer in the English language, Shakespeare is also the most studied. Though understanding the breadth of research on Shakespeare would require multiple lifetimes, this guide will give you a comprehensive introduction to his life, work, and place in history. Below, you'll find a curated, annotated, and organized summary of the best available information on Shakespeare.

Even though Shakespeare is one of the most scrutinized authors of all time, there are few historical records regarding his private life. We know the essential facts (baptism date, family information, birthplace), but there are aspects of his life that are subject to speculation or assumption. These include the “lost years” (1578–82 and 1585–92). The resources below will help you piece together the biography of Shakespeare as we know it.

"Shakespeare’s Life" (Wikipedia)  

The Wikipedia entry on Shakespeare’s life discusses most of the public records available, such as lawsuits and accounting records. One helpful feature of the entry is the visual family tree.

"William Shakespeare Biography" (Biography.com)  

This resource from Biography.com outlines the contours of Shakespeare's life in a brief but comprehensive way. It includes sections on his childhood, education, and family.

Video summary of Shakespeare’s life (Biography.com)  

In less than five minutes, this Biography.com video summarizes Shakespeare’s life, work, and legacy. The video includes commentary from Shakespeare scholars and authorities.

William Shakespeare: A Study Of Facts And Problems

James Shapiro, an eminent Shakespeare professor at Columbia University, describes E.K. Chambers as "the most scrupulous of scholars and probably the most influential Shakespeare scholar to have ever lived." With accolades like this one, you'll want to check out Chambers's book, a thorough yet accessible treatment of Shakespeare’s life.

"The Seven Ages of Shakespeare’s Life" (Internet Shakespeare Editions)

This webpage, hosted by the University of Victoria, organizes Shakespeare’s life into seven periods and provides an overview and detailed discussion of each age. The pages provide insightful information as well as images of records such as Shakespeare’s marriage license.

"Shakespeare’s Life" (The British Library)  

Andrew Dickson (an author, journalist, and former arts editor for  The Guardian ) offers this short article on the known details of Shakespeare's life. The article is part of the British Library's series on Shakespeare and Renaissance writers.

"William Shakespeare" biography (Poetry Foundation)

The Poetry Foundation's website provides short biographies of major poets. This article on Shakespeare’s life discusses some of the scholarly disputes surrounding Shakespeare’s works, and the continuing impact of his work today.

"The Mystery of Shakespeare's Identity" ( Time Magazine)

The lack of actual historical records about William Shakespeare inhibits research on his life. As a result, some historians question the man’s very identity. This article discusses the broad outlines of this debate.

Timeline of Shakespeare’s life (BBC)

The BBC created a masterful timeline of Shakespeare's life. The page tracks Shakespeare’s life from birth to death, complete with dates, discussion, and images. To gain the deepest understanding of Shakespeare’s life and work in the shortest amount of time, this resource is a must.

"William Shakespeare" ( Encyclopædia Britannica )

This encyclopedia entry on Shakespeare’s life explores aspects of the bard's persona (man, poet, dramatist), his plays and poems, and his work's known sources. Included on the page are additional images, videos, and related articles.

"The Shakespeare Paper Trail" (BBC)

Michael Wood asks some questions regarding the lack of records surrounding Shakespeare’s life, and offers some tentative answers.

"William Shakespeare" biography (The Literature Network)

For a succinct summary of Shakespeare’s life, the Literature Network’s bio is a good place to start. The straightforward organization of Shakespeare’s tragedies, comedies, and histories is a helpful reference point.

"Four Periods of Shakespeare’s Life" (Shakespeare Online)

Many students of Shakespeare organize his life into four periods. Although these periods have been labelled in various ways, they can be described as the early period, the balanced period, the overflowing period, and the final period.

Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare (Amazon)

The well-known early modern literary scholar Stephen Greenblatt published this "attempt" at a Shakespeare biography in 2004. Though he admits the gaps in our knowledge make this biographical project difficult, he successfully fleshes out the details. This book, though intended for a wide readership, is a few steps above "entry-level" treatments of the topic.

Shakespeare's career overlapped with the Elizabethan era, when the eponymous Queen Elizabeth reigned (1558–1603). This period, also known as the “Golden Age” and apex of the English Renaissance, was a time of economic growth, international expansion, and nationalistic fervor. The resources below will help you get to know the world in which Shakespeare lived.

"Shakespeare’s Medieval World" (University of Cambridge)

We tend to think that Shakespeare’s world was thoroughly Elizabethan, characterized by the optimism of the English Renaissance. In reality, as this essay by a prominent early modern scholar asserts, Shakespeare’s “world was largely a medieval one.”

"Shakespeare’s Life and Times" (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Although this article is largely biographical, it provides some insight into drama during Shakespeare's day and the way that Shakespeare himself profited from his plays.

"How the Tudor Dynasty Shaped Modern Britain" (BBC)

To understand Shakespeare in his historical context, it’s important to understand the period of the Tudor Dynasty in English history. This BBC timeline surveys the period from 1485 to 1603, during which Shakespeare lived.

"Theater Experience in Shakespeare's Lifetime" (ThoughtCo)

One of the best ways to understand Shakespeare’s plays is to understand what the theater experience was like in his day. What would it be like to attend a Shakespearean comedy at the Globe? This article discusses 16th century theater etiquette, the absence of female actors, and the business of running a theater.

"Shakespeare's Time and the Renaissance" (ThoughtCo)

Shakespeare lived during the apogee of the English Renaissance. Never before in English history had there been such a proliferation of masterful art, literary interest, and popular appeal in theater. This article discusses the nexus of the English Renaissance with Shakespeare’s life, how the era shaped the man, and how the man shaped the era.

"History and Politics" (Internet Shakespeare Editions)

To understand an era, it’s important to examine it from many angles—cultural, political, legal, and religious. This resource from Internet Shakespeare Editions provides some background on the many streams of influence in Shakespeare’s lifetime.

"Elizabethan Era" (Wikipedia)

The Wikipedia entry on Elizabethan England provides a helpful overview of the period, and includes sections on "government," "social history," "religion," and more.

"English Renaissance Timeline: Some Historical and Cultural Dates" (Univ. of Oxford)

For an at-a-glance-reference to major dates during the English Renaissance, check out this page from an English literature graduate student at the University of Oxford.

"Shakespeare’s London" (British Library)

Shakespeare was a Londoner, and his identity and daily activities were shaped by the city’s expansion, politics, and turmoil. This article provides a compelling description of London city life.

There are 37 extant plays attributed to Shakespeare, each of which is categorized below under tragedies, comedies, or histories. Clicking on the title of the play provides you with the full text alongside a modern English translation.

• Antony and Cleopatra
• Julius Caesar  
• King Lear  
• Romeo and Juliet
• Timon of Athens  
• Titus Andronicus
• Troilus and Cressida
• All's Well That Ends Well
• As You Like It  
• The Comedy of Errors  
• Love's Labor's Lost  
• Measure for Measure
• Merchant of Venice
• Merry Wives of Windsor  
• A Midsummer Night's Dream  
• Much Ado about Nothing  
• The Taming of the Shrew  
• The Tempest  
• Twelfth Night
• The Two Gentlemen of Verona
• The Winter's Tale
• Henry IV, Part I  
• Henry IV, Part II
• Henry VI, Part I
• Henry VI, Part II  
• Henry VI, Part III  
• Richard III

Most of us know Shakespeare as a playwright, but he first gained fame as a poet. Shakespeare’s poetry is no less masterful than his plays—some would even argue that Shakespeare was a better poet than playwright. Shakespeare’s poems contain some of the best-loved lines and popular expressions in the English language. The resources below will introduce you to this body of work.

The Sonnets

"Shakescleare: Shakespeare’s Sonnets" (LitCharts)

Our Shakescleare series provides the full text of all 154 Shakespearean sonnets, along with a line-by-line modern English translation and a one-line summary of each poem.

Sir John Gielgud’s Reading of Shakespeare’s Sonnets (YouTube)

One of the best ways to understand and even interpret poems is to hear them read aloud. Sir John Gielgud performs each of Shakespeare’s sonnets in this YouTube collection.

"Shakespeare’s Sonnets" (Shakespeare Online)

Shakespeare Online has the complete text of each sonnet with accompanying interpretive notes. The introduction to the resource discusses the dates of composition for the sonnets and their narrative objects.

Sonnet Facsimiles (Internet Shakespeare Editions)

The form in which we read Shakespeare’s sonnets today are not the form in which they were originally written. These images from the UCLA Library and hosted by a University of Victoria site offer facsimiles (exact copies of printed material) of the early editions of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

"Shakespeare’s Sonnets by Don Paterson" ( The Guardian )

One arena of scholarly dispute is the interpretation of Shakespeare’s sonnets. For those who are interested in surveying the scholarly melee (and better understanding the sonnets), this essay from The Guardian should help.

"Understanding Shakespeare's Sonnets" (YouTube)

This video is a Q&A discussion between three Shakespeare authors and educators discussing the context and interpretation of Shakespeare’s sonnets. It is hosted by the University of Warwick.

CrashCourse Video: "Shakespeare’s Sonnets" (YouTube)

For an entertaining and humorous survey of Shakespeare’s sonnets, look no further than this 12-minute video from Crash Course Literature.

Other Poems

Aside from the famous sonnets, Shakespeare also published a handful of other, longer poems. The LitCharts Shakescleare series provides access to the text, alongside a modern English translation.

• The Rape of Lucrece
• Venus and Adonis  
• A Lover's Complaint
• The Phoenix and Turtle

Although Shakespeare sometimes followed dramatic conventions of the Renaissance, he also forged his own path. The Tempest  follows Aristotle's classical unities of time, space, and action (for example, that the play's action should occur during 24 hours or less), while The Winter's Tale traverses 16 years and two diverse kingdoms. The resources below survey Shakespeare's stylistic approaches and lasting influence on literature.  

"Shakespeare’s Writing Style" (Wikipedia)  

This entry gives an overview of Shakespeare’s style in both his plays and poems. One helpful aspect of the entry is the discussion on similarities to and differences from contemporaries.

"The Writing Style of William Shakespeare" (Freelancewriting.com)  

For a simple discussion of Shakespeare’s writing style, this article is a helpful place to start. The article surveys Shakespeare’s use of iambic pentameter and explores the depth of character development in his work.

"Why Shakespeare Loved Iambic Pentameter" (TED-Ed)  

This TED-Ed original introduces students to Shakespeare’s use of iambic pentameter and explains why "Shakespeare's words have such staying power."

"Shakespeare’s Reputation" (YouTube)

Gordon McMullan, a literature professor at King’s College, suggests that Shakespeare’s writing style was a result both of his inherent genius and the extrinsic forces of market and popular appeal.

Many of the themes in Shakespeare's work are easy to spot—for example, love in Romeo and Juliet . Other themes may be less obvious, but are no less significant. Had you noticed that  Romeo and Juliet also has a recurring theme of servants and masters? These figures' presence conveys a subtle message that the disadvantaged possess identity and worth apart from their menial duties. The resources below will help you get to know these common threads.

"'Romeo and Juliet' Themes" (LitCharts)

Each LitChart for Shakespeare's plays contains a guide to its major themes. Linked above is the "themes" section for  Romeo and Juliet , which features colors and icons you can use to track each theme across the play.

"What are the typical recurring themes in Shakespeare's plays?" (Mytutor)

When introducing students to the subject of themes in Shakespeare’s plays, it may be helpful to start at a basic level. Each Shakespeare play may have multiple themes, but the elemental ones are power, nature, love, and conflict.

"Themes in Shakespeare’s Plays" (Abilene Christian Univ.)

This resource by Shakespeare professor Tracey Sanders explains how Shakespeare communicates his themes, and discusses the four recurring themes found throughout Shakespeare’s plays and poetry.

"Teachers' Notes: Plays, Themes and Characters" (BBC)

This BBC archived page provides a list of Shakespeare's plays followed by the key themes of that play. For example, the listed themes for  Twelfth Night  are love and disguise.

"Shakespeare Tragedies" (ThoughtCo)

Shakespeare’s tragedies share several common features, as explained in this brief summary of tragic themes. It was written by a former university lecturer of Theater Studies.

"Thinking in Shakespeare" (Oxford Univ. Press via Vimeo)

This short animation from Oxford University Press discusses the theme of thinking in Shakespeare, and provides helpful examples from several of his plays.

According to some analyses, Shakespeare is the most quoted writer in the English language, not counting quotations from the Bible. Shakespeare quotations are so common, in fact, that many people quote him without realizing it. Phrases like “Greek to me,” “fair play,” and “into thin air” come directly from Shakespeare plays ( Julius Caesar , King John , and  The Tempest , respectively). Each of the resources below deals with Shakespeare's contributions to the English language.

"Here Are Shakespeare's 15 Most Beloved Quotes" (TIME)

Rather than choosing quotations at random, TIME counted the Kindle highlights across three editions of Shakespeare’s works. Their quasi-scientific approach brought up 15 well-loved quotes.

"34 Of The Most Brilliant Shakespeare Quotes" (Buzzfeed)  

This admittedly arbitrarily-chosen Buzzfeed list will introduce you to many of the most quoted Shakespearean lines, including a few by Polonius ( Hamlet ), Jacques ( As You Like It ), and Cordelia ( King Lear ).

"Top Shakespeare Quotes" (ThoughtCo)

ThoughtCo, which publishes a wide variety of Shakespeare resources, offers this article on ten Shakespeare quotes. It was written by a former English teacher and believer in the persuasive power of quotations.

"William Shakespeare Quotes" (BrainyQuote)

If visual quotations are more to your liking, BrainyQuote provides quotations overlaid on scenic landscapes. Each quotation is tagged with its corresponding themes.

"William Shakespeare Quotes and Quotations" (William Shakespeare Info)

Although this website is dated and a bit clunky, it helpfully nests famous quotations under headings for the play in which the line is found.

Did Shakespeare actually write the plays attributed to him? The relative lack of records for Shakespeare's life has led to rampant speculation. The resources below will introduce you to the "Stratfordian position" (that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon authored the plays), along with the “anti-Stratfordian” position that he did not. Alongside these questions, it is important to note that recent scholarship has named a number of collaborators on plays we usually think of Shakespeare's alone.

"Shakespeare Authorship Question" (Wikipedia)

The Wikipedia treatment of the authorship question is thorough and well-organized. It is the perfect place to begin attempting to understand the main arguments for and against Shakespeare’s authorship.

AKA Shakespeare: A Scientific Approach to the Authorship Question (Amazon)

Peter A. Sturrock, an astrophysicist, uses Bayesian statistics to tackle the authorship question. Sturrock invites readers to answer the question themselves, but furnishes all the information needed to make up your mind.  

"The Simple Case for Shakespeare" (Shakespeare Resource Center)

This author makes a case for Shakespeare’s authorship by setting the stage with the four most likely authors, a discussion of motive and plausibility, and a conclusion—“the plausibility of Shakespeare.”

"Did Shakespeare Really Write His Plays? A Few Theories Examined" (BBC America)

Wade gently into the controversy by understanding the theories, the purported evidence, and who else might conceivably have written the plays if not William Shakespeare himself.

"Did Shakespeare Really Write His Own Plays?" (The History Channel)  

Another entry-level treatment of the question comes from History.com. In the end, the author takes the traditional position that Shakespeare authored the works attributed to him, but provides an informative sketch of the issue.

"Why the Shakespeare Authorship Question Matters to Teenagers" ( The Guardian )

For high school literature teachers wondering if this question matters, The Guardian says “yes.” They tend to side with the Stratfordians, and suggest that “if Shakespeare did write those works (and all the evidence makes that more likely than not) it reminds us that genius is not delimited by our start in life."

"Who Really Wrote Shakespeare?" ( The Guardian )

Robert McCrum of The Guardian uses James Shapiro’s book  A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare (1599)  as a springboard for his own editorializing on the authorship question. McCrum’s article buzzes with the energy of the debate, while also naming names and pointing fingers at various characters.

"Who Were Shakespeare's Collaborators?" ( Oxford University Press Blog)

This piece from Oxford University Press's blog, an excerpt from the  New Oxford Shakespeare, will introduce you to the actors, poets and playwrights who scholars have identified as Shakespeare's collaborators.

"Who Was Shakespeare?" (WhoWasShakespeare.org)

Using primary source documents and visuals from as far back as 1597, Kennedy Center award-winning Shakespeare producer Ron Song Destro examines the case for the most popular candidate of the last hundred years, Edward de Vere, 17th earl of Oxford, referencing such famous doubters as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman and Mark Twain.

Teaching students about Shakespeare is no easy task, but it can be immensely rewarding. The resources below offer starting points for preparing lessons geared toward any grade level. You'll find classroom activities, distinct resources to create units on the Bard's life and work, and entire websites devoted to teaching Shakespeare.

Classroom Activities on Shakespeare 

Online Shakespeare Games

The Shakespeare’s Globe website has a full selection of online games for kids on Shakespearean topics. The "Shakespeare Word Games" page provides a scrambled word game of Shakespearean terms and characters, as well as a Weird Words Quiz.

"Who Am I" Shakespearean Character Game (Folger Shakespeare Library)

The Folger Shakespeare Library has a list of eight "Who Am I" questions to help students learn about several important Shakespearean female characters.

"Life in Shakespeare’s Time" (Shakespeare Globe)

This page offers ten bits of trivia about life in Shakespeare’s era, and will help students to visualize the world in which Shakespeare lived.

Tales from Shakespeare (Amazon)

The classic children’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s plays comes from Charles and Mary Lamb. Although the style is very much that of the 18th century, it remains a popular choice for young readers.

"Top 10 Shakespeare Books for Children" ( The Guardian )

The Guardian provides a list of ten excellent Shakespeare books for kids, from Leon Garfield's  Shakespeare Stories  to Bloomsbury's  Shakespeare Today.

Websites Devoted to Teaching Shakespeare

Teaching Shakespeare Blog (Folger Shakespeare Library)

This Folger education blog highlights individual lessons on Shakespeare and other resources. Under the "resources" tab, you'll find Shakespeare lesson plans, a digital image collection, and more.

Teaching Shakespeare website

This website, a collaboration between some of the U.K.'s major cultural institutions, aims to "provide creative routes into the world of Shakespeare."

"Teacher Resources" (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Britain's Royal Shakespeare Company offers a number of resources for teaching Shakespeare on its website. Simply choose a play, type of resource, and age range. (Note: KS1 corresponds to ages six and seven, while KS5 corresponds to ages 16 through 18).

"Teaching Shakespeare with 'The New York Times'"

The New York Times 's Learning Network has compiled a list of articles that will help your students connect Shakespeare's work to our contemporary world. (Note: Though access to The New York Times requires a subscription, you can access a few free articles a month).

Units on Shakespeare Plays

Though all of Shakespeare's plays are worthy of study, some of them are particularly suited for use in the middle school and high school classroom, or in undergraduate surveys. These links contain practical suggestions for selecting appropriate plays and advice for designing lesson plans.

"Best First Shakespeare Plays for High School Students" (Kenludwig.com)

Playwright Ken Ludwig suggests that educators start with A Midsummer Night’s Dream , since its themes and humor are accessible to both younger and older age groups. Among the tragedies, Ludwig singles out Macbeth  and  Romeo and Juliet .

Commonly Taught Shakespeare Plays (Folger Shakespeare Library)  

According to research from the Folger Shakespeare Library, the most common plays to teach in the high school English classroom are:  Romeo and Juliet , Hamlet , Macbeth , A Midsummer Night’s Dream , Othello , and  Julius Caesar .

"Best Works of Shakespeare to Use in High School Classes" (ThoughtCo)

ThoughtCo writer Melissa Kelly, a veteran high school English teacher, lists eight Shakespeare plays to use in the classroom. She starts with Romeo and Juliet  and concludes with T he Merchant of Venice .

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Unit (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This top-rated TPT unit on  Twelfth Night , designed for middle school and high school students, includes student handouts, a quiz and test, a character information sheet, and more.

Macbeth and Shakespeare Unit (Teachers Pay Teachers)

Another top-rated TPT Shakespeare unit, this resource includes an internet scavenger hunt, graphic organizers, group project, power writing prompt, and unit test.

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Thank you for visiting the Shakespeare Resource Center. You'll find here collected links from all over the World Wide Web to help you discover William Shakespeare. There are millions of pages that reference Shakespeare on the Internet. This site aims to make it a little easier to find the most useful ones.

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Once you've narrowed your topic and thought about keywords, try searching the databases below for potential sources you can use for your paper.  Try to find sources that provide evidence to support your thesis.  If your keywords aren't working, ask a librarian for help!

Literature Databases / Articles

The following databases are the best place to start. 

• Gender Identity in Shakespeare's Works This topic overview from Gale Literature will provide an overview and other reference and literary criticism articles about the theme of Gender Identity in different Shakespeare's plays.
• Violence in Shakespeare's Works This topic overview from Gale Literature will provide an overview and other reference and literary criticism articles of Violence in Shakespeare's plays.

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We have listed several good print and electronic books that would be good sources for finding information on Shakespearean plays and Elizabethan England. These are not the only options. Search the library catalog and our eBook collections for even more books. Access to these resources are included below. The eBooks are great options because you can access them from any device and you can search the book for specific themes and keywords. If you are off-campus you will need to enter your user name and password (same as for portal) to access an eBook collection.

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Shakespeare's life.

19th-century portrait of Shakespeare with his family at home in Stratford

William Shakespeare: A biography

Since William Shakespeare lived more than 400 years ago, and many records from that time are lost or never existed in the first place, we don’t know everything about Shakespeare’s life. For example, we know that he was baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, 100 miles northwest of London, on April 26, 1564. But we don’t know his exact birthdate, which must have been a few days earlier.

We do know that Shakespeare’s life revolved around two locations: Stratford and London. He grew up, had a family, and bought property in Stratford, but he worked in London, the center of English theater. As an actor, a playwright, and a partner in a leading acting company, he became both prosperous and well-known. Even without knowing everything about his life, fans of Shakespeare have imagined and reimagined him according to their own tastes.

Looking for more in-depth information? Need something you can cite? Read an essay about Shakespeare’s life from the Folger Shakespeare Editions. Read essay

Primary sources

Visit Shakespeare Documented to see primary-source materials documenting Shakespeare’s life. This online resource of items from the Folger and other institutions brings together all known manuscript and print references to Shakespeare and his works, as well as additional references to his family, in his lifetime and shortly thereafter.

Early life: Birth and childhood

William Shakespeare was probably born on about April 23, 1564, the date that is traditionally given for his birth. He was John and Mary Shakespeare’s oldest surviving child; their first two children, both girls, did not live beyond infancy. Growing up as the big brother of the family, William had three younger brothers, Gilbert, Richard, and Edmund, and two younger sisters: Anne, who died at seven, and Joan.

Their father, John Shakespeare, was a leatherworker who specialized in the soft white leather used for gloves and similar items. A prosperous businessman, he married Mary Arden, of the prominent Arden family. John rose through local offices in Stratford, becoming an alderman and eventually, when William was five, the town bailiff—much like a mayor. Not long after that, however, John Shakespeare stepped back from public life; we don’t know why.

Shakespeare, as the son of a leading Stratford citizen, almost certainly attended Stratford’s grammar school. Like all such schools, its curriculum consisted of an intense emphasis on the Latin classics, including memorization, writing, and acting classic Latin plays. Shakespeare most likely attended until about age 15.

A horn book in the Folger collection, similar to one that Shakespeare might have learned to read from

Marriage (to Anne Hathaway) and children

A few years after he left school, in late 1582, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. She was already expecting their first-born child, Susanna, which was a fairly common situation at the time. When they married, Anne was 26 and William was 18. Anne grew up just outside Stratford in the village of Shottery. After marrying, she spent the rest of her life in Stratford.

In early 1585, the couple had twins, Judith and Hamnet, completing the family. In the years ahead, Anne and the children lived in Stratford while Shakespeare worked in London, although we don’t know when he moved there. Some later observers have suggested that this separation, and the couple’s relatively few children, were signs of a strained marriage, but we do not know that, either. Someone pursuing a theater career had no choice but to work in London, and many branches of the Shakespeares had small families.

Shakespeare’s only son, Hamnet, died in 1596 at the age of 11. His older daughter Susanna later married a well-to-do Stratford doctor, John Hall. Their daughter Elizabeth, Shakespeare’s first grandchild, was born in 1608. In 1616, just months before his death, Shakespeare’s daughter Judith married Thomas Quiney, a Stratford vintner. The family subsequently died out, leaving no direct descendants of Shakespeare.

London theater

For several years after the birth of Judith and Hamnet in 1585, nothing is known for certain of Shakespeare’s activities: how he earned a living, when he moved from Stratford, or how he got his start in the theater.

Following this gap in the record, the first definite mention of Shakespeare is in 1592 as an established London actor and playwright, mocked by a contemporary as a “Shake-scene.” The same writer alludes to one of Shakespeare’s earliest history plays, Henry VI, Part 3 , which must already have been performed. The next year, in 1593, Shakespeare published a long poem, Venus and Adonis . The first quarto editions of his early plays appeared in 1594.

For more than two decades, Shakespeare had multiple roles in the London theater as an actor, playwright, and, in time, a business partner in a major acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (renamed the King’s Men in 1603). Over the years, he became steadily more famous in the London theater world; his name, which was not even listed on the first quartos of his plays, became a regular feature—clearly a selling point—on later title pages.

Final years and death

Shakespeare prospered financially from his partnership in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later the King’s Men), as well as from his writing and acting. He invested much of his wealth in real-estate purchases in Stratford and bought the second-largest house in town, New Place, in 1597.

Among the last plays that Shakespeare worked on was The Two Noble Kinsmen , which he wrote with a frequent collaborator, John Fletcher, most likely in 1613. He died on April 23, 1616—the traditional date of his birthday, though his precise birthdate is unknown. We also do not know the cause of his death. His brother-in-law had died a week earlier, which could imply infectious disease, but Shakespeare’s health may have had a longer decline.

The memorial bust of Shakespeare at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford is considered one of two authentic likenesses, because it was approved by people who knew him. The other such likeness is the engraving by Martin Droeshout in the 1623 First Folio edition of Shakespeare’s plays, produced seven years after his death by his friends and colleagues from the King’s Men.

View a timeline of Shakespeare’s life with links to key supporting documents on Shakespeare Documented .

View timeline

The bust of Shakespeare in the Folger Reading Room is a copy of the statue at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.

Frequently asked questions

Why did shakespeare leave his wife his “second best bed”.

William Shakespeare wrote in his last will and testament, dated March 25, 1616, “Item I gyve unto my wife my second best bed with the furniture” (furniture is used to refer to the curtains and bedcover which formed part of the complete bed).

This was not an unusual bequest, nor was it likely to have been intended as a snub. The best bed was usually regarded as an heirloom piece, to be passed to the heir rather than the spouse. It is also probable that the best bed would have been reserved for guests, meaning the “second best” was the bed that William and Anne shared.

What did Shakespeare’s son die of?

We don’t really know how Shakespeare’s young son Hamnet died. He had a twin sister named Judith, who lived to adulthood and married, but Hamnet died at the age of 11 and a half. Child mortality was high in the 16th century; there were no antibiotics and many childhood diseases might therefore prove fatal, such as scarlet fever, whooping cough, diphtheria, and even measles. He was buried on August 11, 1596.

What is the inscription on Shakespeare’s grave?

GOOD FREND FOR JESUS SAKE FORBEARE, TO DIGG THE DUST ENCLOASED HEARE: BLESTE BE Ye [the] MAN Yt [that] SPARES THES STONES, AND CURST BE HE Yt [that] MOVES MY BONES.

Did Shakespeare have a coat of arms?

Yes, William’s father, John Shakespeare, was granted a coat of arms in 1596. It was disputed in 1602 by York Herald, Ralph Brooke, saying that the arms were too similar to existing coats of arms, and that the family was unworthy. However, the challenge was unsuccessful, as the Shakespeare coat of arms appears in later heraldic collections and on William Shakespeare’s funeral monument in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Does Shakespeare have descendants?

William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway had three children. The eldest, Susanna, was baptized on May 26, 1583, and married John Hall in 1607. They had one child, Elizabeth, in 1608. Elizabeth was married twice, to Thomas Nash in 1626, and to John Bernard in 1649. However, she had no children by either husband.

William and Anne also had twins, Judith and Hamnet, who were baptized on February 2, 1585. Hamnet died at age 11 and a half. Judith married Thomas Quiney in 1616, and the couple had three sons: Shakespeare Quiney, who died in infancy, and Richard and Thomas, who both died in 1639 within a month of each other. Since neither of the boys married, there is no possibility of any legitimate descendants from Shakespeare’s line.

It is possible, however, to claim a relationship to Shakespeare through his sister, Joan. She married William Hart some time before 1600, and there are many descendants of this marriage alive today, in both the male and female lines.

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Hamlet Research Paper & Essay Examples

When you have to write an essay on Hamlet by Shakespeare, you may need an example to follow. In this article, our team collected numerous samples for this exact purpose. Here you’ll see Hamlet essay and research paper examples that can inspire you and show how to structure your writing.

✍ Hamlet: Essay Samples

• What Makes Hamlet such a Complex Character? Genre: Essay Words: 560 Focused on: Hamlet’s insanity and changes in the character Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia
• Shakespeare versus Olivier: A Depiction of ‘Hamlet’ Genre: Essay Words: 2683 Focused on: Comparison of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Laurence Olivier’s adaptation Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Ophelia, Gertrude
• Drama Analysis of Hamlet by Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 1635 Focused on: Literary devices used in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia
• Hamlet’s Renaissance Culture Conflict Genre: Critical Essay Words: 1459 Focused on: Hamlet’s and Renaissance perspective on death Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Horatio
• Father-Son Relationships in Hamlet – Hamlet’s Loyalty to His Father Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 1137 Focused on: Obedience in the relationship between fathers and sons in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius, Fortinbras, Polonius, the Ghost, Claudius
• A Play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 1026 Focused on: Hamlet’s personality and themes of the play Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Gertrude, Polonius
• Characterization of Hamlet Genre: Analytical Essay Words: 876 Focused on: Hamlet’s indecision and other faults Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, the Ghost, Gertrude
• Hamlet’s Relationship with His Mother Gertrude Genre: Research Paper Words: 1383 Focused on: Hamlet’s relationship with Gertrude and Ophelia Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Gertrude, Ophelia, Claudius, Polonius
• The Theme of Revenge in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Genre: Research Paper Words: 1081 Focused on: Revenge in Hamlet and how it affects characters Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, the Ghost
• Canonical Status of Hamlet by William Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 1972 Focused on: Literary Canon and interpretations of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Horatio, Claudius
• A Critical Analysis of Hamlet’s Constant Procrastination in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1141 Focused on: Reasons for Hamlet’s procrastination and its consequences Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius
• Role of Women in Twelfth Night and Hamlet by Shakespeare Genre: Research Paper Words: 2527 Focused on: Women in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Hamlet Characters mentioned: Ophelia, Gertrude, Hamlet, Claudius, Laertes, Polonius
• William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Genre: Essay Words: 849 Focused on: Key ideas and themes of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Laertes
• Shakespeare: Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1446 Focused on: The graveyard scene analysis Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Laertes, Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius
• Oedipus Rex and Hamlet Compare and Contrast Genre: Term Paper Words: 998 Focused on: Comparison of King Oedipus and Hamlet from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet . Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• The Play “Hamlet Prince of Denmark” by W.Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 824 Focused on: How Hamlet treats Ophelia and the consequences of his behavior Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, Laertes
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 635 Focused on: Key themes of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Fortinbras
• Hamlet’s Choice of Fortinbras as His Successor Genre: Essay Words: 948 Focused on: Why Hamlet chose Fortinbras as his successor Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Fortinbras, Claudius
• Hamlet, Laertes, Fortinbras: Avenging the Death of their Father Compare and Contrast Genre: Compare and Contrast Essay Words: 759 Focused on: Paths and revenge of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Fortinbras, Claudius
• Oedipus the King and Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 920 Focused on: Comparison of Oedipus and King Claudius Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude
• Hamlet Genre: Term Paper Words: 1905 Focused on: Character of Gertrude and her transformation Characters mentioned: Gertrude, Hamlet, Claudius, the Ghost, Polonius
• Compare Laertes and Hamlet: Both React to their Fathers’ Killing/Murder Compare and Contrast Genre: Compare and Contrast Essay Words: 1188 Focused on: Tension between Hamlet and Laertes and their revenge Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude
• Recurring Theme of Revenge in Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1123 Focused on: The theme of revenge in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Ophelia
• The Function of the Soliloquies in Hamlet Genre: Research Paper Words: 2055 Focused on: Why Shakespeare incorporated soliloquies in the play Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude
• The Hamlet’s Emotional Feelings in the Shakespearean Tragedy Genre: Essay Words: 813 Focused on: What Hamlet feels and why Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius
• Blindness in Oedipus Rex & Hamlet Genre: Research Paper Words: 2476 Focused on: How blindness reveals itself in Oedipus Rex and Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, the Ghost
• “Hamlet” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” Genre: Essay Words: 550 Focused on: Comparison of Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern
• The Role of Queen Gertrude in Play “Hamlet” Genre: Essay Words: 886 Focused on: Gertrude’s role in Hamlet and her involvement in King Hamlet’s murder Characters mentioned: Gertrude, Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Polonius
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 276 Focused on: The role and destiny of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Hamlet, Claudius
• Passing through nature into eternity Genre: Term Paper Words: 2900 Focused on: Comparison of Because I Could Not Stop for Death, and I Died for Beauty, but was Scarce by Emily Dickinson with Shakespeare’s Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Gertrude
• When the Truth Comes into the Open: Claudius’s Revelation Genre: Essay Words: 801 Focused on: Claudius’ confession and secret Characters mentioned: Claudius, Hamlet
• Shakespeare Authorship Question: Thorough Analysis of Style, Context, and Violence in the Plays Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night Genre: Term Paper Words: 1326 Focused on: Whether Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• Measuring the Depth of Despair: When There Is no Point in Living Genre: Essay Words: 1165 Focused on: Despair in Hamlet and Macbeth Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• Violence of Shakespeare Genre: Term Paper Words: 1701 Focused on: Violence in different Shakespeare’s plays Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Horatio, Claudius, Gertrude, Palonius, Laertes,
• Act II of Hamlet by William Shakespeare Genre: Report Words: 1129 Focused on: Analysis of Act 2 of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Polonius, Ronaldo, Laertes, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, First Player, Claudius
• The Value of Source Study of Hamlet by Shakespeare Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 4187 Focused on: How Shakespeare adapted Saxo Grammaticus’s Danish legend on Amleth and altered the key characters Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius, the Ghost, Fortinbras, Horatio, Laertes, Polonius
• Ophelia and Hamlet’s Dialogue in Shakespeare’s Play Genre: Essay Words: 210 Focused on: What the dialogue in Act 3 Scene 1 reveals about Hamlet and Ophelia Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia
• Lying, Acting, Hypocrisy in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Genre: Essay Words: 1313 Focused on: The theme of deception in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia
• Shakespeare’s Hamlet’s Behavior in Act III Genre: Report Words: 1554 Focused on: Behavior of different characters in Act 3 of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Polonius
• The Masks of William Shakespeare’s Play “Hamlet” Genre: Research Paper Words: 1827 Focused on: Hamlet’s attitude towards death and revenge Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost
• Ghosts and Revenge in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 895 Focused on: The figure of the Ghost and his relationship with Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Gertrude, Claudius
• Macbeth and Hamlet Characters Comparison Genre: Essay Words: 1791 Focused on: Comparison of Gertrude in Hamlet and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth Characters mentioned: Gertrude, Claudius, Hamlet
• Depression and Melancholia Expressed by Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 3319 Focused on: Hamlet’s mental issues and his symptoms Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Laertes, the Ghost, Polonius
• Meditative and Passionate Responses in the Play “Hamlet” Genre: Essay Words: 1377 Focused on: Character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play and Zaffirelli’s adaptation Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius
• Portrayal of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Play and Zaffirelli’s Film Genre: Essay Words: 554 Focused on: Character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play and Zaffirelli’s adaptation Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia
• Hamlet in the Film and the Play: Comparing and Contrasting Genre: Essay Words: 562 Focused on: Comparison of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Zeffirelli’s version of the character Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• Literary Analysis of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 837 Focused on: Symbols, images, and characters of the play Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia
• Psychiatric Analysis of Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1899 Focused on: Hamlet’s mental state and sanity in particular Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Laertes, Polonius
• Hamlet and King Oedipus Literature Comparison Genre: Essay Words: 587 Focused on: Comparison of Hamlet and Oedipus Characters mentioned: Hamlet

Thanks for checking the samples! Don’t forget to open the pages with Hamlet essays that you’ve found interesting. For more information about the play, consider the articles below.

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Macbeth Research Paper Topics

Exploring Macbeth research paper topics is an insightful journey into one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies. This guide delves into the complexities of ambition, power, and moral decay, providing students and researchers a foundational understanding to embark on deeper academic investigations. Whether one aims to dissect character dynamics, themes, or the play’s historical context, Macbeth  continues to offer a wealth of material for scholarly exploration.

100 Macbeth Research Paper Topics

Shakespeare’s Macbeth has long been a cornerstone of English literature, captivating readers and audiences for centuries with its intricate web of ambition, power, and destiny. A rich canvas of characters, themes, and motifs makes it a perfect subject for academic exploration, resulting in an abundance of Macbeth research paper topics. The play’s depth, ranging from its multifaceted characters to its profound thematic concerns, offers students a unique opportunity to delve into various areas of study, each brimming with potential insights and revelations.

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1. Character Analysis:

• The transformation of Macbeth: From hero to villain.
• Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness.
• The role of the three witches in shaping Macbeth’s fate.
• Banquo’s inner conflict: Loyalty to friend vs. ambition for his lineage.
• How secondary characters, like Ross and Lennox, reflect the political unrest.
• Duncan’s leadership style vs. Macbeth’s reign of terror.
• The significance of Malcolm and Donalbain’s reactions to their father’s death.
• The silent power: Lady Macduff’s minimal but poignant presence.
• Comparing Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s reactions to guilt.
• The role and significance of the Porter: Comic relief or deeper implications?

2. Themes and Motifs:

• The corrupting influence of unchecked ambition.
• The dichotomy of appearance vs. reality.
• The role of fate and free will in Macbeth’s downfall.
• The recurring motif of blood and its symbolism.
• The theme of masculinity and its distortions in the play.
• Sleep and sleeplessness: A reflection of conscience and guilt.
• The impact of nature and the supernatural.
• The exploration of political legitimacy and usurpation.
• The cycle of violence and its perpetuation.
• The moral implications of ambition and power.

3. Symbolism:

• The haunting significance of the dagger scene.
• Blood as a symbol of guilt and murder.
• The role of darkness and night in the play.
• The symbolic meaning of the three witches.
• The relevance of weather patterns, especially storms.
• The dead children: Macduff’s offspring and Lady Macbeth’s child.
• The significance of sleepwalking in the play.
• Hallucinations and their psychological implications.
• The role of prophecies and their double meanings.
• The crown: A symbol of power or a heavy burden?

4. Historical Context:

• The true history of King Macbeth of Scotland.
• How the Gunpowder Plot influenced the play.
• The role of King James I in the creation of Macbeth.
• The Elizabethan worldview on witchcraft and its representation.
• The political climate of Shakespeare’s England reflected in Macbeth .
• The historical practices of kingship and succession.
• Views on masculinity and leadership in Elizabethan times.
• Superstitions and beliefs about the supernatural in the 17th century.
• The role of women in society and politics during Shakespeare’s time.
• How historical inaccuracies in Macbeth shape its narrative.

5. The Supernatural:

• Analyzing the role of the three witches.
• The importance of prophecies in shaping the play’s trajectory.
• The ghost of Banquo: Guilt or supernatural intervention?
• The cultural beliefs about witchcraft in the Elizabethan era.
• Hecate’s role and her influence on the witches.
• The supernatural vs. psychological interpretations of the play.
• How the supernatural elements intensify the play’s tragic nature.
• Apparitions in the play and their meanings.
• The role of omens and their significance.
• The blurring lines between reality and the supernatural.

6. Literary Devices:

• The use of soliloquies in revealing character depth.
• Dramatic irony in Macbeth .
• The significance of foreshadowing in the narrative.
• The role of metaphors and similes in enhancing the text.
• Symbolism used by Shakespeare to enrich the tragedy.
• The linguistic choices and their effect on the play’s tone.
• Use of paradoxes and their impact.
• The structural significance of the five acts.
• How Macbeth’s character is revealed through dialogue.
• The significance of rhymes and chants.

7. Comparative Analysis:

• Macbeth vs. Othello : A study in tragic flaws.
• Lady Macbeth and Ophelia: Madness in Shakespeare’s plays.
• The supernatural in Macbeth vs. Hamlet .
• Macbeth and King Lear : A study in power dynamics.
• The tragic heroes: Macbeth vs. Romeo.
• Themes of ambition in Macbeth and Julius Caesar .
• Lady Macbeth vs. Desdemona: The strength of female characters.
• The role of prophecies in Macbeth and Oedipus Rex .
• Comparing the downfall of Macbeth and Faustus.
• The moral landscape in Macbeth vs. The Merchant of Venice .

8. Critical Perspectives:

• A feminist reading of Macbeth .
• Macbeth through the lens of psychoanalytic theory.
• A Marxist interpretation of Macbeth’s quest for power.
• New Historicism’s take on Macbeth .
• Postcolonial views on Macbeth’s imperial ambitions.
• The ecological readings of nature in Macbeth .
• Applying structuralism to the play’s narrative.
• Macbeth from a queer theory perspective.
• A postmodernist interpretation of the play.
• Analyzing Macbeth through the lens of disability studies.

9. Performance and Adaptation:

• Macbeth on stage: Evolution over the centuries.
• Film adaptations: From Orson Welles to Justin Kurzel.
• Gender-swapped versions of Macbeth : A new perspective.
• Adapting Macbeth for a contemporary audience.
• The challenges of staging Macbeth ‘s supernatural elements.
• Macbeth in opera and ballet.
• Global adaptations: Macbeth in non-English speaking countries.
• Setting Macbeth in different time periods.
• The influence of Macbeth on modern media.
• The characterization of Macbeth in popular culture.

10. Philosophical Undertones:

• The existential crisis in Macbeth .
• Macbeth and the Nietzschean concept of will to power.
• The Stoic philosophy in the face of Macbeth’s tragedies.
• Macbeth and the debate of determinism vs. free will.
• The play’s exploration of the human psyche.
• Macbeth’s moral relativism.
• The concept of ambition and its philosophical implications.
• The nature of evil in Macbeth .
• The clash of honor and morality in Macbeth’s decisions.
• Shakespeare’s insight into the human soul through Macbeth’s journey.

In choosing Macbeth research paper topics from this expansive list, students embark on a journey into the heart of Shakespearean tragedy, delving into the complex interplay of ambition, morality, and fate. As scholars peel back the layers of this iconic play, new interpretations and perspectives emerge, reaffirming Macbeth as a timeless work that continues to inspire and challenge us.

Macbeth – A Tapestry of Complex Themes and Research Opportunities

Macbeth stands as one of Shakespeare’s most riveting tragedies, an intricate interplay of characters, themes, and motifs that has made it a favorite subject for research and analysis. These complexities have given rise to a plethora of Macbeth research paper topics, inviting scholars and students alike to probe deeper into the psychological, philosophical, and sociopolitical dimensions of the play. But what is it about Macbeth that renders it such a fertile ground for investigation?

A Journey into the Human Psyche

At the heart of Macbeth lies a profound exploration of the human psyche. Shakespeare delves deep into the mind of his titular character, illustrating the transformative power of unchecked ambition. This obsession, once lit, can push an individual to commit acts of unspeakable cruelty. The descent of Macbeth, from a noble and valiant general to a tyrannical murderer, offers a rich terrain for psychological analysis. When diving into Macbeth research paper topics surrounding this theme, one can explore the psychological triggers of Macbeth’s downfall, the role of external influencers, or even draw comparisons with modern understandings of ambition-driven disorders.

The Omnipresence of Supernatural Elements

The world of Macbeth is one shrouded in mysticism and the supernatural. From the eerie prophecies of the three witches to the haunting specter of Banquo’s ghost, these elements underscore the play’s themes and shape its characters’ fates. Scholars exploring Macbeth research paper topics in this domain can consider how the supernatural acts as a catalyst for Macbeth’s actions or as a reflection of his internal guilt and paranoia. The witches, in particular, can be analyzed from multiple angles – as embodiments of fate, as manipulative entities, or as mere figments of Macbeth’s imagination.

The Dynamics of Power and Morality

Macbeth  presents a brutal critique of the corrosive nature of power and the lengths to which individuals might go to obtain it. However, Shakespeare doesn’t stop there. He further delves into the ethical ramifications of such pursuits. The moral quandaries faced by Macbeth and his wife have given rise to numerous Macbeth research paper topics. Discussions can encompass the mutable nature of morality, the conflicts between personal ambition and ethical considerations, and the eventual consequences of moral degradation.

Gender Roles and Ambition

Lady Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most formidable female characters, shatters the contemporary conventions of femininity. Through her, Shakespeare examines the intersection of gender and power, suggesting that ambition is not the sole domain of men. When diving into Macbeth research paper topics that focus on Lady Macbeth, one can explore the subversion of gender norms, the dynamics of power within the Macbeths’ marriage, and the societal expectations of women during Shakespeare’s era.

The Inescapability of Fate

Is Macbeth a puppet of fate, or does he exercise free will? This age-old debate stems from the play’s intricate dance between destiny and agency. Macbeth research paper topics on this theme can traverse the philosophical terrains of determinism, the self-fulfilling nature of prophecies, or the extent to which characters are architects of their doom.

The brilliance of Macbeth lies not just in its masterful storytelling but in its layered thematic richness. Whether dissecting the intricacies of its characters, its thematic tapestry, or its socio-political critiques, Macbeth research paper topics offer a treasure trove of research avenues. It stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s genius that hundreds of years after its first performance, Macbeth continues to captivate, inspire, and provide inexhaustible material for scholarly exploration.

How to Choose Macbeth Research Paper Topics

Delving into Shakespeare’s Macbeth offers an almost endless wealth of themes, motifs, character analyses, and historical contexts to explore. With such an expansive range of potential subjects, choosing the ideal Macbeth research paper topic can be both an exhilarating and daunting task. The vastness of this play’s content provides freedom, but this same vastness requires strategic selection to ensure your research is both original and comprehensive. Here are some guidelines to aid in that decision-making process.

• Passion and Personal Interest: Always choose a topic that you are passionate about. Your interest will not only make the research process more enjoyable but also reflect in the quality of your paper.
• Scope of the Topic: It’s easy to get lost in the wide array of Macbeth research paper topics. When selecting, ensure that your topic is neither too broad that it lacks depth nor too narrow that it lacks sufficient content.
• Academic Relevance: Ensure that the topic aligns with the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. It should challenge you academically and push the boundaries of what is already known.
• Available Resources: Before finalizing a topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure there are enough resources available. These can be literary critiques, academic journals, or reputable online sources.
• Originality: While many topics from Macbeth have been extensively covered, aim for a fresh perspective or a unique angle. This will make your paper stand out and contribute a new voice to the existing discourse.
• Historical and Cultural Context: Consider exploring topics that delve into the historical and cultural background during Shakespeare’s time. This provides a richer understanding of the play’s themes and character motivations.
• Character Analysis: Choose a character that intrigues you. Instead of general traits, dive deep into their psychology, relationships, and evolution throughout the play.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare Macbeth with another of Shakespeare’s plays or even a modern work. Highlight parallels, contrasts, and insights that such a comparison brings.
• Themes and Motifs: Macbeth is rife with intricate themes like power, ambition, supernatural elements, and more. Choose a theme and explore its representation, evolution, and relevance throughout the play.
• Feedback: Before finalizing your choice among the many Macbeth research paper topics, seek feedback. Discussing with peers, instructors, or mentors can provide valuable insights or angles you hadn’t considered.

Choosing the right Macbeth research paper topic is a crucial first step in your academic journey. It sets the tone for the research, analysis, and writing phases that follow. While the plethora of options might seem overwhelming, by following the above guidelines and remaining true to your interests and academic goals, you’re sure to land on a topic that’s both engaging and rewarding. Remember, the essence of Macbeth is its depth and complexity; mirror these traits in your research, and you’re on the path to academic success.

How to Write a Macbeth Research Paper

Writing a research paper on Shakespeare’s Macbeth is an exercise in exploring deep human emotions, intricate relationships, and the nuances of ambition, power, and morality. Tackling such a multifaceted work requires an organized approach, a keen analytical eye, and the ability to weave your observations into a compelling narrative. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a masterful Macbeth research paper.

Begin with a solid understanding of Macbeth . Before even commencing the writing process, immerse yourself in the play. Read it multiple times, and perhaps watch different theatrical renditions to grasp the emotional undertones and character dynamics.

• Thesis Statement: The foundation of your research paper. Based on your readings, determine what angle or aspect of Macbeth you wish to explore. Your thesis should be clear, arguable, and specific.
• Outline Your Paper: Plan your research paper by breaking it down into sections. Decide on the main points you want to cover, the arguments you wish to make, and the evidence you’ll use to support these arguments.
• Dive Deep into Analysis: Don’t just scratch the surface. Explore the symbols, motifs, character arcs, and historical context. How does the theme of ambition drive Macbeth and Lady Macbeth? How do supernatural elements influence the narrative?
• Use Supporting Evidence: Every assertion you make should be backed by textual evidence. Use quotations from Macbeth judiciously, ensuring they align with your arguments.
• Consider Historical Context: Understanding the sociopolitical climate of Shakespeare’s time can provide deeper insights into the play’s themes and characters. Delve into the beliefs, norms, and values of that era.
• Compare and Contrast: Position Macbeth against other Shakespearean tragedies. How does it stand out? What common themes does it share with works like Hamlet or Othello ?
• Maintain Flow: Ensure that your paper has a logical flow from introduction to conclusion. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, creating a cohesive narrative.
• Seek Feedback: Before finalizing your paper, have peers or mentors review it. Fresh eyes can offer new perspectives, catch inconsistencies, or identify areas needing more depth.
• Proper Formatting and Citation: Whether it’s APA, MLA, or any other format, ensure you adhere to the required citation style. Accurately citing your sources is crucial to avoid plagiarism and to lend credibility to your paper.
• Conclusion and Reflection: Wrap up your paper by revisiting your thesis and summarizing your main points. Offer a reflection on the significance of your findings in relation to broader Shakespearean studies or contemporary interpretations of the play.

A Macbeth research paper is not just an academic exercise; it’s a deep dive into one of literature’s most profound works. By approaching the task with diligence, passion, and an analytical mindset, you can unravel the layers of Shakespeare’s genius, offering readers a fresh perspective on this timeless tragedy. Remember, as with Macbeth’s own journey, the process may be challenging, but the rewards, in terms of personal growth and academic achievement, are immeasurable.

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• In-depth Research: Our writers go beyond the surface. They delve into historical contexts, critical interpretations, and thematic nuances to give your paper depth and relevance.
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Macbeth , with its complex characters and profound themes, deserves a research paper that does it justice. At iResearchNet, we combine expertise, dedication, and a passion for Shakespeare to deliver papers that not only meet academic standards but also offer fresh insights. Trust us to be your academic partners in exploring the depths of this timeless tragedy.

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Navigating the intricate labyrinth of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is an endeavor of both challenge and charm. It beckons scholars and students with its timeless themes and dramatic twists, inviting in-depth analysis and scholarly discourse. Yet, the task is not without its trials. Crafting a research paper worthy of Macbeth ‘s legacy requires finesse, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to literary excellence.

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90 Top Shakespeare Research Topics For Every Student

Looking at Shakespeare’s work, one can only but marvel at his style of writing. How he meticulously blends words into an oasis of refreshing waters is another story to tell. But why do many English literature students fumble when it comes to crafting top-notch topics for such a paper? Let’s explore some expert ideas on how to crack this puzzle of writing Shakespeare research topics:

• Understand the type of work : Shakespeare has written history plays, comedies, poems, and a collection of Sonnets. Knowing the kind of work helps the topic selection work easier.
• Review existing topics on the same: There are two reasons for doing this – to get inspiration and prevent blunt and repeated issues. It will therefore help you to come up with original and creative topics.
• Settle on a specific topic: It is good to have an issue that narrows down to a particular theme or style in the book. Doing this helps you know where to read and what you expect to draw from those parts quick and fast!

Top-rated Shakespeare research paper topics should, therefore, be:

Interesting to you as well as to the reader Matching with the assignment’s requirements Backed up by evidence from the novel

After looking at the essentials, let us now narrow down to the bone marrow:

College Shakespeare Research Paper Topics

• How does Shakespeare treat women in his plays?
• Discuss the impact of William Shakespeare’s works on today’s literature
• Is studying the works of Shakespeare in the 21st century making sense?
• Did Shakespeare’s literary works represent his lifestyle?
• Provide a critical analysis of romanticism as used in Shakespeare’s novels
• Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of Shakespeare’s poetry
• Did his acting career have an impact on how he wrote his plays?
• Do you think the culture then contributed to Shakespeare’s creativity?
• Why do most colleges still insist on reading Shakespeare’s work?
• Examine and evaluate his style of language to that of today

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William Shakespeare Research Paper Topics on Themes

• Forms in which conflict take in Shakespeare’s work
• The impact of the themes of appearance and reality
• How Shakespeare uses confusion as a theme to tell a story
• How violence and tyranny are bin Macbeth’ life
• The dominance of the theme of fate and free will in Romeo and Juliet
• The theme of sin and salvation in Hamlet
• Sight and blindness in King Lear’s life
• the depiction of racism in Othello
• How disruptions mirror characters in nature
• Forgiveness and reconciliation in the Tempest.

Shakespeare Research Topics High School

• The political maneuvering in Julius Caesar
• Dream interpretation in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’
• Expectations of marriage for young women in ‘Taming of the Shrew’
• Discuss the relationship between Jews and Christians in the ‘Merchant of the Venice.’
• Why is Shakespeare’s fame still towering to the skies in this century?
• Why does Shakespeare use murder and scary nights in the Macbeth?
• Discuss some of the famous phrases and sayings invented by Shakespeare
• Why do most high schools prefer comedy rather than tragedy?
• How the young and reckless characters in ‘Hamlet’ relate with high school students
• Dealing with dry and historical plays for high school students

Good Shakespeare Research Paper Topics – Romeo and Juliet

• Discuss the connection between hate, violence, and death in Romeo and Juliet
• Public and social institutional struggles that lovers have to undergo
• Is fate inevitable when it comes to love?
• Barriers and obstacles to love as seen in the love of Romeo and Juliet
• How intrinsic is violence to the play’s environment in the first scene?
• The youth and relationships
• How to survive ill-fated love
• Does love at first sight exist?
• How love can stir up violence
• What is the impact of familial power on love?

Research Topics on Shakespeare Women

• Why Shakespeare allows women from low societies to explore their sexuality
• The distrust accorded to women in leadership by Shakespeare.
• Women become catalysts for the drama that unfolds.
• How women are villains in Shakespeare’s plays
• The plight of women in getting equal rights
• How women are treated as the ‘weaker vessel.’
• Is it right for women to take up men’s roles?
• What was the role of women in the period of Elizabeth?
• Did Shakespeare believe that inequality of gender is inherently wrong?
• Shakespeare’s immense respect for women through his works

Shakespeare Research Paper 8th Grade Topics

• Why does Shakespeare use children in drama?
• Discuss your attitude towards Romeo and Juliet as you read the end of the play
• What does Shakespeare achieve by using the supernatural in the play?
• Analyze the different roles that Macbeth plays
• Do you believe that Romeo and Juliet’s love was genuine?
• What are some of the heroic instances in the Hamlet
• Do you sympathize with Romeo after Juliet’s death?
• Discuss radical feminism in The Merchant of Venice
• What are the causes of racism in The Merchant of Venice?
• Compare and contrast Romeo and Juliet.

Popular Shakespeare Research Topics

• The depiction of corruption by Shakespeare
• The relationship between deception among characters and the plot
• Why is betrayal the most celebrated expression in Julius Caesar?
• How Shakespeare twist revenge around the revenge tragedy in the Hamlet
• Why is hatred a great driver of drama?
• The beliefs of good and evil during Shakespeare’s times and now
• Why does Shakespeare employ the order and stability of disorder and confusion techniques?
• How Shakespeare creates inner lives for his characters
• The use of recurring images in Romeo and Juliet
• The contribution of the European culture to Shakespeare’s plays

William Shakespeare Sonnets Research Paper Topics

• Form and structure of Shakespeare’s sonnets
• Why did Shakespeare choose particular characters for each sonnet?
• How the Renaissance period contributed to the creation of sonnets
• Stylistic forms of Shakespeare’s sonnets
• Why does Shakespeare introduce a young man instead of expressing worshipful love?
• Compare and contrast Shakespeare’s sonnets with typical ones
• Discuss themes explored by Shakespeare in his sonnets
• Elaborate on the rhyme scheme of the sonnets
• Character suitability for the sonnets
• Criticism of Shakespeare’s sonnets

Bonus Shakespeare Paper Topics

• The differentiation of gender roles
• The place of unmarried daughters to the fathers
• How does Shakespeare use comedy to communicate a sensitive message?
• Ways in which Shakespeare uses symbolism in his works
• The contribution of Shakespeare to curriculum development
• How Shakespeare portrays revenge and jealousy in the plays
• Discuss the significance of Romeo and Juliet as star-crossed lovers
• Is Juliet a feminist?
• Conduct a character analysis of your choice
• Role of parents during marriages

If you need professional writing experts to complete your research paper, our gurus are always on standby. You can get tip-top online help for all your questions with our fantastic team of writers. Take a tour and check out our college paper writing services today!

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William Shakespeare, Research Paper Example

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It could easily be argued that, in reference to all the arts, no single person is more esteemed as an artist than William Shakespeare, and most certainly in regard to the written word. Shakespeare’s impact on humanity, beginning with the earliest days of his career as a poet and playwright, has never diminished; rather, successive generations continually seek to reinterpret his work, finding within it strikingly modern aspects. While Shakespeare was very much a creation of his own time as an artist, the enduring quality of his work stamps it as the essence of all great art, in that it lives on as a potent and beautiful reflection of life.

Introduction

Not surprisingly, the most difficult challenge in discussing Shakespeare lies in how extensively the man and his work have been already explored. Entire libraries, and for hundreds of years, have been exclusively devoted to him. To this day, scholars debate the latent intentions and meanings found in all his plays and poetry, as modern audiences never fail to respond to new performances of the plays.

It is, nonetheless, valuable to examine Shakespeare in one particular light: that of how his times and circumstances helped to shape his genius. It is likely that Shakespeare’s brilliance would have found avenues of expression in any age, and employed the world around him at any period to explore the intricate workings of humanity. The Elizabethan Age, however, and the intense national spirit occurring all around him as he embarked on his London life, provided Shakespeare with an extraordinarily rich field in which to work. In capturing the intrigues, excitement, and feeling of the Elizabethan Age, Shakespeare wrote for any age in which change, danger, pride, and passion are evident.

The Man and His Life

A genuine benefit of the many years of Shakespearean study is that, finally, the long-running disputes as to his actual identity are fading. It is understandable that people would be suspicious of evidence of so much genius emanating from one pen, and that of a modestly educated country boy. This viewpoint, however, is inherently flawed from the start, as it always has been; genius never relies upon education, and it is both disturbing and somewhat absurd that many scholars have fiercely put forth Shakespearean “candidates” simply because they, like Francis Bacon or Christopher Marlowe, had better schooling. The processes of genius, as mysterious as they are, do not conform to such easy foundations.

Then, and most obviously, there is the matter of the man named William Shakespeare, who most clearly lived in England at this time. For a long time, the inevitably sketchy records of his life fueled theories that he may not have actually lived, but this has been revealed as nonsense. The reality is that there is a substantial amount of documentation regarding the family, life, legal dealings, and career activities of the man. There is also the testimony, not always favorable, of his peers, as when the 1592 pamphlet of Robert Greene famously insulted Shakespeare, referring to him as an “upstart crow”. Essentially, “…It makes one thing clear: Shakespeare was known, and even resented as a rising and successful writer” (Fido, 1978, p. 37). Above all, as has been noted by many historians, no one has ever produced a single, plausible reason why an author of that time would want his highly successful and praised works to be known as the product of a known, popular actor of the period.

Briefly, it is established that Shakespeare was an ambitious, careful, hard-working man of his time. His sonnet dedications to Southampton, Lord Henry Wriothesley, are purely Elizabethan tributes, lavish in praise and designed to secure patronage. Shakespeare sought, after achieving London success, to obtain a coat of arms and be classed a gentleman, and he diligently attended to maintaining his fortunes in his home town of Stratford. “…The records of William Shakespeare’s life show him to have been…a businessman dealing in corn…a land-owner, money-lender, and property-dealer…” (Dawkins, 2004, p. 23).

This has, ironically, caused concern for Shakespearean scholars; they are not happy that such a brilliant poet should have paid so much attention to finances and status. This, however, is as unfounded a criticism as that which claims that a lack of high education could not produce great art. Genius, again, may arise within any sort of man at all, and the art does not bother about what else the artist attends to in his life.

Shakespeare Reflecting His Times

A crucial factor in the subjects and nature of Shakespeare’s art was how it continually represented his age, and in more than one fashion. On one level, the plays are filled with loving references to country life, and in this Shakespeare was reflecting the feelings of the Londoners in his audiences. England was, of course, agriculturally-based, and few city people did not feel that there was something unnatural in being removed from the beauties of nature. It is likely Shakespeare himself always longed to return to the country scenes of his boyhood, particularly as he settled back in Stratford in later years.

Then, as the sonnets have been excruciatingly analyzed, it becomes evident that Shakespeare was deliberately and forcefully trying to ingratiate himself as much as possible with Lord Wriothesley, and this was very much the right path for a young artist of his time to follow. Patronage was crucial if new talent was to survive, and Elizabethan society encouraged what to modern perceptions would appear as groveling. Again, and interestingly, the art of the poems renders the reasons behind their creation of no matter, as Shakespeare’s purchase of the biggest house in his home town had nothing to do with the genius of the plays.

The greatest link between Shakespeare’s work and his age, however, lies in play after play. These works were never randomly written, and the artist Shakespeare fed off of, and enhanced, the spirit and political feelings of the people around him. By the late 1580s, when young Shakespeare was carving out his London career, England was in the grip of a fever of patriotism unlike any other in its history. War with Spain was coming, and this was the perfect time to celebrate in drama the great houses of the Tudors and the Plantagenet monarchs, as in the Henry series, and most specifically in Henry V . The British were eager to celebrate their national greatness, and Shakespeare was more than happy to oblige.

On a more defined level, there was The Merry Wives of Windsor , with the central character of Sir John Falstaff. He had been a comic player in the Henry IV plays, and there is strong evidence that Shakespeare wrote Windsor only because Elizabeth herself wanted to see more of him. Performing at court was a great honor, and it is known that Shakespeare’s histories were well-received by Elizabeth; it stands to reason, then, that the author would be eager to please her further.

Most Significant Work

There are thousands of scholarly articles, stretching back over centuries, all of which insist that one Shakespeare play is “greater” than the others. In a very real sense, this is no argument that can ever be won. The art within the brevity and raw power of Macbeth is more profound than the lyrical beauty of A Midsummer Night’s Dream , or the opposite is true. This is the dilemma when the art is so abundant from one source.

Hamlet, however, always manages to stand alone, both in popular reception and in critical analysis. It is truly extraordinary, and a ghost story that defies all form and brings the audience as deeply into a disturbed mind as any drama ever has. The form was old, by the time Shakespeare approached it, and he took it apart and put it back together. In the process, he created what may be the most unique and universally recognized dramatic figure ever known, and one who exists as a total entity: “Hamlet…is the only literary-dramatic character who can be said to possess and manifest an authorial consciousness all his own, one not to be confused with Shakespeare’s” (Bloom, 2008, xiii). Shakespeare’s art rarely revealed limitations, and he was at his most superb when scenes of living permitted him to explore the channels of human thought and desire, as in Hamlet. The enduring quality of Shakespeare’s work stamps it as the essence of all great art, in that it lives on as a potent and beautiful reflection of life.

Bloom, H. (2008.) Bloom’s Shakespeare Through the Ages: Hamlet. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing.

Dawkins, P. (2004.) The Shakespeare Enigma. London, UK: Polair Publishing.

Fido, M. (1978.) Shakespeare . Maplewood, NJ: Hammond Incorporated.

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A Remarkable Discovery of a Document Shatters One of Shakespeare's Biggest Mysteries

A secret parchment has resurfaced, rewriting the Bard’s sketchy family history.

In the annals of William Shakespeare ’s legacy, a twist has emerged that’s practically as dramatic as any of the Bard’s plays: the real “Shakespeare” behind a centuries-old family document has been revealed ... and it’s not the man we expected.

In 1757, a bricklayer found a religious document hidden in the rafters of the Shakespeare House in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Historians have long attributed the document, which was signed, “ J. Shakespeare ,” to William’s father, John.

But a new study in Shakespeare Quarterly, from scholars at the University of Bristol, claims John wasn’t actually the writer of the scrutinized document. Instead, the researchers say it was William’s relatively unknown younger sister, Joan Shakespeare Hart, who is mentioned by name in only seven surviving documents from her lifetime, study author Matthew Steggle said in a statement :

“Virginia Woolf wrote a famous essay, Shakespeare’s sister , about how a figure like her could never hope to be a writer or have her writing preserved, so she has become something of a symbol for all the lost voices of early modern women. There are hundreds of thousands of works surviving from her brother, and until now, none at all, of any description, from her.”

In the tucked-away document, which heavily cites an obscure 17 th century Italian religious tract called The Last Will and Testament of the Soul, the writer pledges to die a good Catholic death. If the writer was indeed John Shakespeare, who remained a devout Protestant until his death in 1601, it would have indicated a major shift in his beliefs and suggested a clandestine life during an era when secret allegiance to the Catholic Church in Elizabethan England could have been dangerous. For this reason, many experts have suspected the document to be forged.

But in the new study, Steggle used internet archives to track down early editions of The Last Will and Testament of the Soul in Italian and six other languages and concluded the document could have only been written after John Shakespeare’s death. That left Steggle with just one other “J. Shakespeare”: Joan.

Joan, who was five years younger than William, survived for 30 years after her brother’s death, and long resided in the family home where the document was found.

“Even 30 years ago, a researcher approaching a problem like this would have been based in a single big research library, using printed catalogues and even card catalogues to try to find copies of this text,” Steggle said in the statement. “But research libraries have now made many of their resources available digitally, so that it is possible to look across many different libraries in different countries at once, and what’s more, you can look through the whole text, not just at the title and other details.”

Steggle emphasized the importance of this approach in aligning the document’s quotes with the original timing of the composition of The Last Will and Testament of the Soul. Joan, then, who outlived her tradesman husband and had four children in the old Shakespeare family house, had to have been the secret Catholic supporter.

The mystery flourished for centuries, in part, because William Shakespeare himself was a secretive figure, Biography writes .

Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 to 1616, left behind no letters, no handwritten manuscripts, few contemporary accounts, and only six signatures, all spelled differently. It seems almost unbelievable to scholars and critics that the country boy from Stratford-upon-Avon who never attended university wrote 37,000 words for his plays and added roughly 300 words to the English vocabulary.

Yet, the scarcity of Shakespeare’s personal artifacts does little to dim the luster of his legacy, which stands in stark contrast to his modest, mysterious origins.

The early years of Shakespeare’s life are murky. According to Biography , he was born to a father, John, who managed a portfolio as a landowner, moneylender, local official, and glover and leather craftsman. Instead of pursuing higher education, Shakespeare’s knowledge was gleaned from life experiences, absorbing wisdom from his dad’s civic engagements and perhaps gaining insights from his son-in-law, who was a doctor.

The idea that Shakespeare kept his London-based professional life separate from his personal life in Stratford-upon-Avon plays into the recent findings regarding his sister, Joan. “This secretive attitude,” Biography writes, “may have been because much of his family were known Catholic sympathizers and chose to live quietly in Protestant Elizabethan England. In fact, some believe Shakespeare himself received Catholic communion on his death bed.”

Shakespeare wasn’t known to be loud and boisterous; instead, he carried an air of mystery, relishing the relative anonymity provided by Stratford life. Following his marriage to Anne Hathaway and the birth of their children, there’s a seven-year gap in his historical record. These are known as the “lost years.”

Speculation about William Shakespeare’s “lost years” varies widely; some suggest he may have been in hiding due to accusations of poaching, while more substantiated theories propose he was making a living as an actor and playwright in London. But despite this period of obscurity, Shakespeare’s reputation flourished through his poetry, sonnets, and plays.

As a prominent member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a renowned London acting company, Shakespeare invested in his craft, and his financial success allowed him to buy New Place, one of the largest houses in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare’s theatrical endeavors didn’t stop there; in collaboration with fellow actors, he started the iconic Globe Theater, which became synonymous with his celebrated playwriting and solidified his legacy.

As Shakespeare grew his name in London’s theaters, he simultaneously established himself as a prominent figure in his hometown of Stratford. Acquiring the family estate in 1601 and subsequently purchasing 107 acres the following year, he strategically invested in additional properties. Experts suggest that the income from leasing these lands gave him the financial stability to pursue his writing.

Meanwhile, Joan resided in the Shakespeare family home amidst speculation and secrets. And its rafters served as a vault for her Italian-inspired religious writings—a hidden gem that’s still sparking scholarly intrigue, and revealing new layers to the Shakespeare legacy today.

Tim Newcomb is a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. He covers stadiums, sneakers, gear, infrastructure, and more for a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics. His favorite interviews have included sit-downs with Roger Federer in Switzerland, Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and Tinker Hatfield in Portland. 

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