Whether it is The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet or any other play by William Shakespeare, considering and comparing the following elements will help develop a successful Shakespeare essay
The Language
It might seem obvious, but language is generally the first thing that stands out in Shakespearean plays. Every essay should discuss the language to some extent, but the key is to make each point about language stand out.
Why does Juliet say “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” instead of “Romeo, Romeo, why are you called Romeo?” or simply “Why are you Romeo”? The actual line is more complex, and can be interpreted in various ways.
By acknowledging that fact in an essay it reveals an understanding of not only the language, but also the fact that a play is there to be interpreted by readers, directors, actors and various audiences.
The Characters
Shakespeare’s characters usually have at least two sides to them in any play. Hamlet is both a dutiful son and a rebellious youth addressing existential ideas; Macbeth is a proud leader but a weak husband; Helena is both scorned lover and loyal friend in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
These characters reveal there is always more than one perspective, and complement the use of two storylines that Shakespeare often employs. Including analysis of characters that are key to an argument or discussion will strengthen the essay while also linking to the plot and specific use of language.
For essays that deal with more than one play by Shakespeare, comparisons can be drawn between characters and plays. For example Edmund, the bastard villainous son in King Lear, could be compared to Caliban who is an orphan creature in The Tempest. Both have mutinous plans in mind, yet their stories make them sympathetic characters at times.
Depending on the type of essay and the level of sophistication needed, making a passing comparison while focusing on one play may highlight a higher level of knowledge that the essay marker could reward.
The Plots
Similar to the A and B plots in many scripts, almost all of Shakespeare’s plays have two complementary plots.
In King Lear the main plot focuses on the eponymous character as he struggles with his family and encroaching age (or madness), while the second plot deals with Edmund’s plan to kill his brother and take the title from his father, the Duke of Gloucester. Both of these storylines address themes of family and leadership in comparative and illuminating ways.
Another good example is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where one plot follows the four lovers – Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena – while the other explores the fairy world and the tempestuous relationship of Oberon and Titania. These two plots interweave to create much of the comedy throughout the play, and both deal with similar themes of love and loyalty.
Considering the language, characters and plot within plays by Shakespeare allows for a greater understanding of these texts, which will result in more comprehensive Shakespeare essays.
While there are only a limited number of Shakespearean plays that are studied, the comparisons and analyses are endless.
Amy Bradney-George - Amy is an Australian actor and writer currently living in Melbourne, Australia. Her published writing work includes articles in several ...
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