Use Summaries to Introduce Shakespeare's Plays
Provide an Introduction to Shakespearean Drama and Tragedy
Apr 5, 2009
Though teens are trepidacious of the unfamiliar language and syntax found in Shakespeare’s plays, they are also intrigued by the intense drama, plot twists and character-driven mayhem. Using plot summaries to draw in new readers of Shakespeare will incite interest and prepare students for the play.
Summarize Plot in Advance
Provide students with a brief summary of the plot before they begin reading the play. The overall plot of a Shakespearean play should come as no surprise to students. In fact, the tragic demise of Romeo and Julietis clearly articulated in the Prologue:
“A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Whole misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife.” (Romeo and Juliet, Prologue)
Students need to understand that reading a Shakespearean drama is different from watching a movie. Let them know there are no surprise endings since the definition of a tragedy involves the protagonist experiencing the result of his tragic flaw, which inevitably means death. What is important is the language, characterization and the way in which the story unfolds. That is, it’s the how and the why – rather than the what – that resonates with the audience.
Preview Each Act
Present students with a summary of each act before they read that act. Again, this may conflict with your initial instructional instincts. However, you may be surprised by how well this method works to entice reluctant readers of Shakespeare. After all, you can point out key scenes in advance and even discuss their greater significance. For instance, telling students that Julius Caesar will be killed in Act Three will certainly maximize attendance for that day. Not only does a preview interest readers, it also allows students to more closely follow the text, ask meaningful questions, and identify with the characters.
Summarize Each Act
You can present the same summary after the act has been completed as a review and springboard for student analysis. You might even want to give students a fill-in-the-blank version to complete with key words to help facilitate active learning. The primary goal during the act summarizes is to help students access the text on a deeper level. Consider constructing more open-ended questions that begin with “why” and “how.” You also have an opportunity to encourage students to make predictions and defend them to classmates.
Reinforce the Drama in Each Act
Another way to enhance student comprehension of plot details is to show a segment of the film version of the play after reading each act. This way, students can reinforce their understanding of the plot, visualize the characters and witness the conflict before continuing on to the next act. Viewing the play will also provide students with a second opportunity to comprehend the plot and ask thoughtful questions they may not have considered when first reading the play. Seeing the characters in action will also heighten their enthusiasm for drama as they can interpret gestures, facial expressions and actions.
Using detailed plot and act summaries are an effective technique to guide new readers of Shakespeare. By previewing and summarizing each act with a clear summary, you can interest even the most reluctant students and send the message that all students can read and understand Shakespeare’s works.
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