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Reflections on Reading the Works of Shakespeare (Book Club Check-in) (Patreon)

Published:
2023-11-22 21:17:17
Imported:
2026-06
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Dear Book Club Readers ---

As the season of gratitude is upon us, I would like to take a moment to express my deep love and appreciation for you all.

We have some very exciting news later this month. Because, after our next Pynchon lecture, the reading schedule for 2024 will be revealed. I cannot wait to start talking about all the incredible works of literature we will immerse ourselves in next year.

For today, we have a check-in for our Shakespeare read-through. In the video, I'm sharing my reflections from reading the bard, discussing pacing for the rest of the plays, and ranking the works we've enjoyed so far.

We're talking about falling in love with the English histories, the bard's heterocosm, treating the complete works as a linked saga, peak reading experiences, self-reflection vs otherness, when writers become our friends, reading for healing, Shakespeare's characters, and much more.

Video Timestamps:

  • 0:00 reflections from reading Shakespeare
  • 1:00 deep reading & new literary loves
  • 2:00 from tragedy to comedy to history
  • 4:00 friendship & companionship
  • 6:00 Shakespeare's universality
  • 8:00 the real story lurking in Hamlet
  • 9:00 the utility of reading Shakespeare
  • 11:00 how Shakespeare offers healing
  • 13:00 on apprehending otherness
  • 15:00 appreciating the bard's characters
  • 17:00 great literature is timeless
  • 19:00 how great writers swell in size
  • 21:00 how to live the great books
  • 24:00 discussing pacing for Shakespeare
  • 27:00 next year's reading schedule
  • 29:00 expressing my appreciation for you
  • 32:00 my personal ranking for the works
  • 38:00 let us know your grading & insights

Questions for You:

1) What have you learnt from your reading of Shakespeare?

2) What is your personal ranking for the works thus far?

3) What kind of man do you think Shakespeare was?

It would be wonderful to know your insights and the things you've loved most about journeying through the works of Shakespeare.

Happy reading, everybody!

Files

Previews only

Reflections on Reading the Works of Shakespeare

0:00 reflections from reading Shakespeare 1:00 deep reading & new literary loves 2:00 from tragedy to comedy to history 4:00 friendship & companionship 6:00 Shakespeare's universality 8:00 the real story lurking in Hamlet 9:00 the utility of reading Shakespeare 11:00 how Shakespeare offers healing 13:00 on apprehending otherness 15:00 appreciating the bard's characters 17:00 great literature is timeless 19:00 how great writers swell in size 21:00 how to live the great books 24:00 discussing pacing for Shakespeare 27:00 next year's reading schedule 29:00 expressing my appreciation for you 32:00 my personal ranking for the works 38:00 let us know your grading & insights

Comments

Sarah Steinke

1) I have learned why Shakespeare is still relevant, loved, and celebrated today and that we have so much to thank him for when it comes to language and drama. 2) My personal ranking: Hamlet Julius Caesar The following 3 in tight almost impossible to decide race: A Midsummer Night's Dream Richard III Richard II Romeo & Juliet The Merry Wives of Windsor (because its so fun and funny!! second most enjoyable for me) Henry V The Merchant of Venice (for Shylock) As You Like It King John Venus and Adonis The Rape of Lucrece The Taming of the Shrew Henry IV part 1, 2 Much Ado About Nothing Love's Labour's Lost Henry VI parts 3, 2, 1 The Two Gentlemen of Verona The Comedy of Errors Titus Andronicus 3) I think Shakespeare was incredibly human, down to earth, humble, experienced, clever, witty and highly intelligent and gifted with language. I think he may have been a flirt, but deeply attached to his lover(s), and I think he would have been an unassuming presence in a room (until he was famous), friend to anyone but known personally by the few who were able to connect/communicate on a deeper level. Obviously creative and resourceful. He'd be a tempest on the inside, but cool and reserved on the outside. And finally, jaded and cynical at times, especially with passing time and with each added wound.

ModestLime

Howdy! I’m joining for 2024. I love this project but wondering should I jump in with the current play or go back to the beginning? I don’t have any experience with Shakespeare.

Jessica
>>124228711

Welcome Brandon! I think I would read the current read and then go through the back catalog when you can. I hope this helps!

David Stephens

Ben it is as simple as this: you are a rock star!! Just listening to your voice with vocal inflections etc is therapeutic.I often wonder whether you would have served society better had you become a psychologist/psychiatrist.Your video on Reading in a time of need is an absolute gem.This is not fulsome praise-difficult to imagine a world without the H/C Bookclub.I am a betting man and I would lay good odds that you will reach 200k subscribers by end 2025.