shakespeare research project ideas

• Utility Menu

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

• Services Paper editing services Paper proofreading Business papers Philosophy papers Write my paper Term papers for sale Term paper help Academic term papers Buy research papers College writing services Paper writing help Student papers Original term papers Research paper help Nursing papers for sale Psychology papers Economics papers Medical papers Blog

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

So, it’s not an easy task to write a paper for a high grade. Sometimes every student need a professional help with research paper writing. Therefore, don’t be afraid to hire a writer to complete your assignment. Just write a message “Please, write custom research paper for me” and get time to relax. Contact us today and get a 100% original paper. 

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Terms & Conditions Loyalty Program Privacy Policy Money-Back Policy

Copyright © 2013-2024 MyPaperDone.com

• Ask LitCharts AI
• Discussion Question Generator
• Essay Prompt Generator
• Quiz Question Generator

• Literature Guides
• Poetry Guides
• Shakespeare Translations
• Literary Terms

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.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1987 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 41,943 quotes across 1987 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play

Need something? Request a new guide .

How can we improve? Share feedback .

LitCharts is hiring!

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

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.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

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.

iResearchNet’s Custom Writing Services

For students and scholars alike, Macbeth stands as one of the towering achievements in literary history, but delving into its intricate layers and themes can be daunting. At iResearchNet, we recognize the challenges that come with crafting a compelling research paper on such a profound work. That’s why we offer specialized services to guide you every step of the way.

Diving into Shakespeare’s Macbeth requires not just passion, but also precision, insight, and a comprehensive understanding of Elizabethan literature. Our expert team at iResearchNet is equipped to deliver all this and more, ensuring that your Macbeth research paper is of the highest standard.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers: Our team consists of seasoned writers with advanced degrees in English literature. Their deep understanding of Shakespeare’s works, particularly Macbeth , ensures a nuanced and sophisticated analysis.
• Custom Written Works: Every research paper is tailored to your unique requirements. We emphasize originality, ensuring that each paper is free from plagiarism and resonates with a fresh perspective on Macbeth .
• 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.
• Custom Formatting: Be it APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard, our team is well-versed in all major formatting styles. We ensure your paper adheres to the requisite guidelines, enhancing its professional appearance.
• Top Quality: Quality is our hallmark. From thorough proofreading to meticulous research, we ensure every aspect of your paper is impeccable.
• Customized Solutions: Whether you’re focusing on the supernatural elements in Macbeth or the tragic flaws of its characters, our writers craft papers that align with your chosen topic and approach.
• Flexible Pricing: We understand the financial constraints of students. Hence, our pricing models are designed to be student-friendly without compromising on quality.
• Short Deadlines up to 3 Hours: Pressed for time? Our writers can deliver top-notch research papers within tight deadlines, ensuring you never miss a submission date.
• Timely Delivery: We pride ourselves on punctuality. Your Macbeth research paper will be in your inbox by the promised deadline, if not earlier.
• 24/7 Support: Our support team is always on standby. Whether you have a query, need an update, or wish to provide additional inputs, we’re here for you around the clock.
• Absolute Privacy: We value your privacy. All personal and transactional information is kept secure, and we assure you of complete confidentiality.
• Easy Order Tracking: With our intuitive dashboard, you can track the progress of your paper, communicate with the writer, and provide real-time feedback.
• Money-Back Guarantee: Your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason the paper doesn’t meet your expectations, we offer a comprehensive money-back guarantee.

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.

Buy Your Custom Macbeth Research Paper Today!

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.

But what if you had a companion on this journey? An expert guide who shares your passion for Shakespeare, understands the intricacies of Macbeth , and is equipped with the tools to translate that understanding into a masterpiece of academic writing?

Enter iResearchNet. We are not just a writing service; we are a literary companion.

Why Choose iResearchNet?

• A Legacy of Excellence: Just as Macbeth has left an indelible mark on literature, iResearchNet has established a legacy of academic excellence. Our track record speaks volumes of our commitment to fostering scholarly pursuits.
• Tailored to Your Needs: Every student has a unique voice, a distinct perspective. We don’t just write papers; we craft tailored narratives that resonate with your academic goals and literary insights.
• Unparalleled Expertise: Our team, with its vast experience and specialized knowledge in Shakespearean literature, is poised to offer insights and analyses that elevate your research paper.

Now, the stage is set. The characters, themes, and motifs of Macbeth await your exploration. With iResearchNet by your side, you’re not just submitting a paper; you’re contributing to the rich tapestry of literary discourse.

So, don’t wait. Let’s embark on this journey together. Dive deep into the world of Macbeth , with iResearchNet as your trusted guide. Step forward, claim your narrative, and let us illuminate the path to academic brilliance. Join us, and let’s craft literary magic together!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

• Search Menu
• Sign in through your institution
• Browse content in Arts and Humanities
• Browse content in Archaeology
• Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
• Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
• Archaeology by Region
• Archaeology of Religion
• Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
• Biblical Archaeology
• Contemporary and Public Archaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• History and Theory of Archaeology
• Industrial Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• Mortuary Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Underwater Archaeology
• Zooarchaeology
• Browse content in Architecture
• Architectural Structure and Design
• History of Architecture
• Residential and Domestic Buildings
• Theory of Architecture
• Browse content in Art
• Art Subjects and Themes
• History of Art
• Industrial and Commercial Art
• Theory of Art
• Biographical Studies
• Byzantine Studies
• Browse content in Classical Studies
• Classical History
• Classical Philosophy
• Classical Mythology
• Classical Numismatics
• Classical Literature
• Classical Reception
• Classical Art and Architecture
• Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
• Greek and Roman Epigraphy
• Greek and Roman Law
• Greek and Roman Papyrology
• Greek and Roman Archaeology
• Late Antiquity
• Religion in the Ancient World
• Social History
• Digital Humanities
• Browse content in History
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Diplomatic History
• Environmental History
• Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
• Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
• Historical Geography
• History by Period
• History of Emotions
• History of Agriculture
• History of Education
• History of Gender and Sexuality
• Industrial History
• Intellectual History
• International History
• Labour History
• Legal and Constitutional History
• Local and Family History
• Maritime History
• Military History
• National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
• Oral History
• Political History
• Public History
• Regional and National History
• Revolutions and Rebellions
• Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
• Social and Cultural History
• Theory, Methods, and Historiography
• Urban History
• World History
• Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
• Language Learning (Specific Skills)
• Language Teaching Theory and Methods
• Browse content in Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Forensic Linguistics
• Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
• Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
• History of English
• Language Acquisition
• Language Evolution
• Language Reference
• Language Variation
• Language Families
• Lexicography
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Linguistic Theories
• Linguistic Typology
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Psycholinguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Translation and Interpretation
• Writing Systems
• Browse content in Literature
• Bibliography
• Children's Literature Studies
• Literary Studies (Asian)
• Literary Studies (European)
• Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
• Literary Studies (Romanticism)
• Literary Studies (American)
• Literary Studies (Modernism)
• Literary Studies - World
• Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
• Literary Studies (19th Century)
• Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
• Literary Studies (African American Literature)
• Literary Studies (British and Irish)
• Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
• Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
• Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
• Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
• Literary Studies (History of the Book)
• Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
• Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
• Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
• Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
• Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
• Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
• Literary Studies (War Literature)
• Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Mythology and Folklore
• Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
• Browse content in Media Studies
• Browse content in Music
• Applied Music
• Dance and Music
• Ethics in Music
• Ethnomusicology
• Gender and Sexuality in Music
• Medicine and Music
• Music Cultures
• Music and Religion
• Music and Media
• Music and Culture
• Music Education and Pedagogy
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
• Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
• Musicology and Music History
• Performance Practice and Studies
• Race and Ethnicity in Music
• Sound Studies
• Browse content in Performing Arts
• Browse content in Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
• Epistemology
• Feminist Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Moral Philosophy
• Non-Western Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Perception
• Philosophy of Action
• Philosophy of Law
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Practical Ethics
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Browse content in Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Christianity
• East Asian Religions
• History of Religion
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Qumran Studies
• Religion and Education
• Religion and Health
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Law
• Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
• Religious Studies
• Browse content in Society and Culture
• Cookery, Food, and Drink
• Cultural Studies
• Customs and Traditions
• Ethical Issues and Debates
• Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
• Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
• Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
• Sports and Outdoor Recreation
• Technology and Society
• Travel and Holiday
• Visual Culture
• Browse content in Law
• Arbitration
• Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Browse content in Comparative Law
• Systems of Law
• Competition Law
• Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Government Powers
• Judicial Review
• Local Government Law
• Military and Defence Law
• Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
• Construction Law
• Contract Law
• Browse content in Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Evidence Law
• Sentencing and Punishment
• Employment and Labour Law
• Environment and Energy Law
• Browse content in Financial Law
• Banking Law
• Insolvency Law
• History of Law
• Human Rights and Immigration
• Intellectual Property Law
• Browse content in International Law
• Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
• Public International Law
• IT and Communications Law
• Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
• Law and Politics
• Law and Society
• Browse content in Legal System and Practice
• Courts and Procedure
• Legal Skills and Practice
• Legal System - Costs and Funding
• Primary Sources of Law
• Regulation of Legal Profession
• Medical and Healthcare Law
• Browse content in Policing
• Criminal Investigation and Detection
• Police and Security Services
• Police Procedure and Law
• Police Regional Planning
• Browse content in Property Law
• Personal Property Law
• Restitution
• Study and Revision
• Terrorism and National Security Law
• Browse content in Trusts Law
• Wills and Probate or Succession
• Browse content in Medicine and Health
• Browse content in Allied Health Professions
• Arts Therapies
• Clinical Science
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Operating Department Practice
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Browse content in Anaesthetics
• General Anaesthesia
• Browse content in Clinical Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Genito-urinary Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Toxicology
• Medical Oncology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Community Medical Services
• Critical Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Forensic Medicine
• Haematology
• History of Medicine
• Browse content in Medical Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
• Surgical Dentistry
• Browse content in Medical Skills
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Nursing Skills
• Surgical Skills
• Medical Ethics
• Medical Statistics and Methodology
• Browse content in Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Neuropathology
• Nursing Studies
• Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Gynaecology
• Occupational Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Browse content in Paediatrics
• Neonatology
• Browse content in Pathology
• Chemical Pathology
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
• Histopathology
• Medical Microbiology and Virology
• Patient Education and Information
• Browse content in Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Browse content in Popular Health
• Caring for Others
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Self-help and Personal Development
• Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Primary Care
• Professional Development in Medicine
• Browse content in Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Learning Disabilities
• Old Age Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Browse content in Radiology
• Clinical Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Browse content in Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Peri-operative Care
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Transplant Surgery
• Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Browse content in Science and Mathematics
• Browse content in Biological Sciences
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Natural History
• Plant Sciences and Forestry
• Research Methods in Life Sciences
• Structural Biology
• Systems Biology
• Zoology and Animal Sciences
• Browse content in Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mineralogy and Gems
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Browse content in Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Logic Design
• Game Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematical Theory of Computation
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Virtual Reality
• Browse content in Computing
• Business Applications
• Computer Security
• Computer Games
• Computer Networking and Communications
• Digital Lifestyle
• Graphical and Digital Media Applications
• Operating Systems
• Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Geography
• Geology and the Lithosphere
• Maps and Map-making
• Meteorology and Climatology
• Oceanography and Hydrology
• Palaeontology
• Physical Geography and Topography
• Regional Geography
• Soil Science
• Urban Geography
• Browse content in Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture and Farming
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Energy Technology
• Engineering (General)
• Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
• History of Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering and Materials
• Technology of Industrial Chemistry
• Transport Technology and Trades
• Browse content in Environmental Science
• Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
• Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Environmental Sustainability
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
• Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
• History of Science and Technology
• Browse content in Materials Science
• Ceramics and Glasses
• Composite Materials
• Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
• Nanotechnology
• Browse content in Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomathematics and Statistics
• History of Mathematics
• Mathematical Education
• Mathematical Finance
• Mathematical Analysis
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Pure Mathematics
• Browse content in Neuroscience
• Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Development of the Nervous System
• Disorders of the Nervous System
• History of Neuroscience
• Invertebrate Neurobiology
• Molecular and Cellular Systems
• Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
• Neuroscientific Techniques
• Sensory and Motor Systems
• Browse content in Physics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Biological and Medical Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
• History of Physics
• Mathematical and Statistical Physics
• Measurement Science
• Nuclear Physics
• Particles and Fields
• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Physics
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
• Browse content in Psychology
• Affective Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Health Psychology
• History and Systems in Psychology
• Music Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Assessment and Testing
• Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
• Psychology Professional Development and Training
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Browse content in Social Sciences
• Browse content in Anthropology
• Anthropology of Religion
• Human Evolution
• Medical Anthropology
• Physical Anthropology
• Regional Anthropology
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Theory and Practice of Anthropology
• Browse content in Business and Management
• Business Strategy
• Business Ethics
• Business History
• Business and Government
• Business and Technology
• Business and the Environment
• Comparative Management
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Health Management
• Human Resource Management
• Industrial and Employment Relations
• Industry Studies
• Information and Communication Technologies
• International Business
• Knowledge Management
• Management and Management Techniques
• Operations Management
• Organizational Theory and Behaviour
• Pensions and Pension Management
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Social Issues in Business and Management
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Forms of Crime
• International and Comparative Criminology
• Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
• Development Studies
• Browse content in Economics
• Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
• Asian Economics
• Behavioural Finance
• Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Economic Systems
• Economic History
• Economic Methodology
• Economic Development and Growth
• Financial Markets
• Financial Institutions and Services
• General Economics and Teaching
• Health, Education, and Welfare
• History of Economic Thought
• International Economics
• Labour and Demographic Economics
• Law and Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
• Microeconomics
• Public Economics
• Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
• Welfare Economics
• Browse content in Education
• Adult Education and Continuous Learning
• Care and Counselling of Students
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Educational Equipment and Technology
• Educational Strategies and Policy
• Higher and Further Education
• Organization and Management of Education
• Philosophy and Theory of Education
• Schools Studies
• Secondary Education
• Teaching of a Specific Subject
• Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
• Teaching Skills and Techniques
• Browse content in Environment
• Applied Ecology (Social Science)
• Climate Change
• Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Social Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environment)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Social Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
• Sustainability
• Browse content in Human Geography
• Cultural Geography
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication Studies
• Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
• Browse content in Politics
• African Politics
• Asian Politics
• Chinese Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Conflict Politics
• Elections and Electoral Studies
• Environmental Politics
• Ethnic Politics
• European Union
• Foreign Policy
• Gender and Politics
• Human Rights and Politics
• Indian Politics
• International Relations
• International Organization (Politics)
• Irish Politics
• Latin American Politics
• Middle Eastern Politics
• Political Methodology
• Political Communication
• Political Philosophy
• Political Sociology
• Political Behaviour
• Political Economy
• Political Institutions
• Political Theory
• Politics and Law
• Politics of Development
• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Qualitative Political Methodology
• Quantitative Political Methodology
• Regional Political Studies
• Russian Politics
• Security Studies
• State and Local Government
• UK Politics
• US Politics
• Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Native American Studies
• Scottish Studies
• Browse content in Research and Information
• Research Methods
• Browse content in Social Work
• Addictions and Substance Misuse
• Adoption and Fostering
• Care of the Elderly
• Child and Adolescent Social Work
• Couple and Family Social Work
• Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
• Emergency Services
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• International and Global Issues in Social Work
• Mental and Behavioural Health
• Social Justice and Human Rights
• Social Policy and Advocacy
• Social Work and Crime and Justice
• Social Work Macro Practice
• Social Work Practice Settings
• Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
• Welfare and Benefit Systems
• Browse content in Sociology
• Childhood Studies
• Community Development
• Comparative and Historical Sociology
• Disability Studies
• Economic Sociology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Gerontology and Ageing
• Health, Illness, and Medicine
• Marriage and the Family
• Migration Studies
• Occupations, Professions, and Work
• Organizations
• Population and Demography
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Theory
• Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Research and Statistics
• Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
• Sociology of Religion
• Sociology of Education
• Sport and Leisure
• Urban and Rural Studies
• Browse content in Warfare and Defence
• Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
• Land Forces and Warfare
• Military Administration
• Military Life and Institutions
• Naval Forces and Warfare
• Other Warfare and Defence Issues
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Weapons and Equipment

Shakespeare Studies & Criticism

Explore our collection, latest books & journal articles.

• Shakespeare Blog

Oxford World’s Classics

Oxford handbooks.

• Submit your research

Shakespeare Video Archive

• World Shakespeare Bibliography

Welcome to the home of Shakespeare Studies & Criticism on Oxford Academic. We hope you will enjoy this celebration of Shakespeare, and that this page will act as a springboard to new discoveries on your research journey.

Oxford Academic hosts three million journal articles, 400,000 book chapters, and two million images and multimedia. To find out how you can get access please visit our get help with access page .

Offers & updates

Shakespeare on the oupblog.

Written in the stars: Prince Hal’s almanac

Marissa Nicosia

Saturn and Venus this year in conjunction! What says th’almanac to that?

Marissa Nicosia explores the role of the almanac as a measure of time in Shakespeare’s Henry IV , and the parallels between a past and present-day fascination with astrology.

Sir Stanley Wells and the First Folio

It’s often been difficult to dispel this reverence and distinguish an actual author behind it.

For enabling many readers to accomplish that, we have to thank Sir Stanley Wells, general editor of The Oxford Shakespeare and Emeritus Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Birmingham University. His diligent and common-sense scholarship has done much to de-mystify Shakespeare and reposition the plays as working documents.

OUP Archivist Martin Maw examines one scholar’s immense contribution to Shakespeare Studies.

“A tiger’s heart wrapped in a player’s hide”: Shakespeare under attack

Robert Stagg 

Around three years into his career as a dramatist, Shakespeare’s blank verse, came under attack.  

In 1592, playwright Robert Greene described William Shakespeare’s blank verse—his unrhymed iambic pentameter—as "bombastic".

Robert Stagg explores this criticism and how Shakespeare came to fend it off over the course of his career.

Why “the all-male stage” wasn’t

Pamela Allen Brown 

Why is “the all-male stage” inadequate as shorthand for the early modern stage?

Pamela Allen Brown explores gender roles on stage, and the arrival and impact of the 'innamorata accesa' (woman inflamed with passion), the trademark of the foreign diva.

How did Shakespeare become a London playwright?

Lena Cowen Orlin

Shakespeare’s first biographer, Nicholas Rowe, wrote in 1709 that the author married “while he was yet very young.” He then fell in with a bad crowd that “made a frequent practice of deer-stealing” from Warwickshire magnate Sir Thomas Lucy.

Lena Cowen Orlin traces the key events that took the playwright from Stratford to London.

Shakespeare and the sciences of emotion

Benedict S. Robinson

What role should literature have in the interdisciplinary study of emotion? The dominant answer today seems to be “not much.”

Using Shakespeare's Hamlet , Thomas Wright’s Passions of the Mind and Aristotle's Rhetoric ’ as points of departure, Benedict S. Robinson takes a wide view of emotion and "passion" to think about how passion also shaped the rise of new empirical sciences of the mind between 1600 and 1800.

Adapting Shakespeare: shattering stereotypes of Asian women onstage and onscreen

Alexa Alice Joubin

“I should like to see Miss Wong playing Shakespeare. Why not a Chinese Ophelia?”

Alexa Alice Joubin explores the perceptions and portrayal of Ophelia by Asian actors, arguing that gender roles in Shakespeare’s plays take on new meanings when they are embodied by Asian women.

Cut out characters and cracky plots: Jacob’s Room as Shakespeare play

Emily Kopley

But there is another reason, a reason outside of the novel, that Jacob is unknowable. He is the hero of a Shakespeare play.

Emily Kopley analyses Virginia Woolf's Jacob's Room as a Shakespeare play, using letters between her and her brother Thoby, as an insight into the novel.

Early Modern Literary Geographies

Influenced by the work of cultural and human geographers, literary scholars have started to attend to the ways in which early modern people constructed their senses of the world out of interactions among places, spaces, and embodied practices. Early Modern Literary Geographies features innovative and agenda-setting research monographs that partake of this spatial turn.

Series Editors: Julie Sanders and Garrett Sullivan

Oxford Shakespeare Topics

Oxford Shakespeare Topics provide students and teachers with short books on important aspects of Shakespeare criticism and scholarship. Each book is written by an authority in its field, and combines accessible style with original discussion of its subject.

General Editors: Stanley Wells, Peter Holland, and Lena Cowen Orlin

Oxford Wells Shakespeare Lectures

These Lectures are derived from the series of biennial lectures established in 2008 in honour of Professor Stanley Wells. The inaugural lectures were given by Professor David Scott Kastan and since then a series of highly respected scholars have presented and published in this series.

New Oxford Shakespeare

The New Oxford Shakespeare presents an entirely new consideration of all of Shakespeare's works, edited from first principles from the base-texts themselves, and drawing on the latest textual and theatrical scholarship.

The three interconnected print publications and the online edition have been created by an international, intergenerational team of scholars. The project's scope, depth, and vision provide the perfect platform for the future of Shakespeare studies.

Edited by: Gary Taylor, John Jowett, Terri Bourus, and Gabriel Egan

The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Race

Edited by Patricia Akhimie

Premodern critical race studies, long intertwined with Shakespeare studies, has broadened our understanding of the definitions and discourse of race and racism to include not only phenotype, but also religious and political identity, regional, national, and linguistic difference, and systems of differentiation based upon culture and custom.

Replete with fresh readings of the plays and poems, The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Race brings together some of the most important scholars thinking about the subject today.

The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music

Edited by Christopher R. Wilson and Mervyn Cooke

With global coverage and an extensive survey of genres embracing music for theatre, opera, ballet, musicals, the concert hall, and film, in addition to Shakespeare's ongoing afterlives in folk music, jazz, and popular music.

The Handbook showcases the latest international research into the captivating and vast subject of the many uses of music in relation to Shakespeare's plays and poems, extending from the Bard's own time to the present day.

The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Dance

Edited by Lynsey McCulloch and Brandon Shaw

A concise reference on dance as both an integral feature of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century culture and as a means of translating Shakespearean text into movement - a process that raises questions of authorship and authority, cross-cultural communication, semantics, embodiment, and the relationship between word and image.

From narrative ballet adaptations to dance in musicals, physical theatre adaptations, and interpretations using non-Western dance forms this Handbook explores the relationship between William Shakespeare - his life, works, and afterlife - and dance.

The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Embodiment

Edited by Valerie Traub

Extending the purview of feminist criticism, over 40 chapters offer an intersectional paradigm for considering representations of gender in the context of race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and religion.

Theoretically sophisticated and elegantly written this Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of current debates.

Shakespeare Quarterly | Submit your research  

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.

Read our Author Guidelines to find out how to submit your work

Shakespeare’s Reading

Sir Stanley Wells, CBE, describes the many different sources Shakespeare drew upon in his work. Highlighting comparison passages, Wells explores Shakespeare’s relationship with the different texts he read throughout his life.

Shakespeare and Women

Julie Crawford, Mark van Doren Professor of Humanities at Columbia University, discusses Shakespeare’s portrayal of the power balance between the sexes, women’s contribution to the Elizabethan stage, and Renaissance ideas about gender. She also considers key speeches by Desdemona and Emilia in Othello .

Shakespeare and Religion

Rev. Dr Paul Edmondson, Head of Research and Knowledge at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, explores the religious influences in Shakespeare’s work in the context of 16th century England - a time when the Church of England was given an established authority, Pope Pius V had excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, and anti-Catholic laws were introduced.

Shakespeare and Sexuality

Sir Stanley Wells, CBE, analyses the references to sexuality in Shakespeare’s plays and poems. From his earlier comedies, such as The Two Gentleman of Verona or Much Ado About Nothing , where he is unafraid to play with this topic, to his middle and last texts where he demonstrates a deeper preoccupation with the destructive potential of sexual desire.

Shakespeare and Death

Laurie Maguire, Emeritus Professor, Magdalen College Oxford discusses the theme of death in Shakespeare's tragedies, histories, and comedies. She considers how Elizabethans encountered death on a daily basis, and how Shakespeare was clearly very familiar with the details of death, and murder.

Shakespeare and Music

Joseph M. Ortiz, Associate Professor of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas, El Paso, explains how music was experienced and understood in Shakespeare’s time, with reference to education, the emerging music publishing industry, conflicting religious views, audiences’ expectations, and music as an instrument of political power.

Shakespeare and Race

Ayanna Thompson considers the theme of race in Shakespeare’s plays, the extent to which he would have been aware of Africans, and how he introduced them into his plays. She discusses the current debate amongst black actors about whether or not to play the part of Othello .

Shakespeare and His Collaborators

• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Institutional account management
• Rights and permissions
• Get help with access
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Current research

As a teaching theatre, the RSC is a national centre for performance, teaching, training, learning and research about Shakespeare and theatre arts.

Research plays a critical role in our work from exploring the role of immersive technologies in performance, to engaging a more diverse talent base and understanding how Shakespeare can improve learning outcomes.

Time to Act

Time to Act is a major research project which is evaluating the impact of rehearsal-room approaches to teaching Shakespeare on language development and academic self-concept in young people.

The project builds on our 2018 Time to Listen study. It is led by RSC Research Fellows Dr Matthew Collins and Dr Lynsey McCulloch and supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

More about Time to Act

AUDIENCE OF THE FUTURE

Part of Government’s Industrial Strategy, Audience of the Future is an R&D programme harnessing the expertise and knowledge of 15 specialist organisations including the RSC, leading British arts companies, global technology giants and top British universities.

Together they explore what it means to perform live using technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality and ensure that the UK is leading the way in how audiences will experience live performance in the future. 

Find out more about Audience of the Future  (goes to separate website).

RSC AND UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM PARTNERSHIP

The RSC and the University of Birmingham have collaborated for many years to provide formal and informal opportunities for knowledge exchange and research about Shakespeare’s work, as well as theatre practice for students, scholars and artists.

Recent research-led collaborations include Signing Shakespeare , an innovative research project and a series of practical resources aimed at supported deaf young people in their study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Find out more about Signing Shakespeare .

• Previous research
• Research blog
• Classroom Case Studies

You may also like

Share this page

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn

Research Conversations

A programme of free online talks with people engaged in shakespeare-related research.

• In this section

About our Research Conversations: Every month we host a live online talk, via Zoom, which provides you with the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of people who are engaged in Shakespeare-related research.

The talks begin with a thirty-minute presentation, followed by an open discussion. They are completely free to attend, and open to all.

2024 programme of Research Conversations:

This year all our Research Conversations are part of our multi-year programme The Women Who Made Shakespeare . Here's a taster of forthcoming talks:

13 March - Women of Will in Stratford-upon-Avon 10 April - Men Writing as Women in Early Modern England 8 May - In Search of Mary Shakespeare 12 June - New Place interiors and Widowhood 10 July - Susanna Hall 4 August - Curating Anne Hathaway's Cottage 11 September - Early Modern Female Travellers 9 October - Women and Theatre Management 13 November - Women and Shakespeare 11 December - Judith Quiney

How to book: Our Research Conversations take place on the second Wednesday of every month, between 5-6pm (UK time). Booking is essential.

Attendance is free though we encourage donations in order to support our work and keep Shakespeare's story. Thank you for your support.

>> See our What's On pages for more information and to book your tickets.

Previous Research Conversations

Listen to audio recordings of our previous events

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Anne hathaway's cottage, shakespeare's new place.

We use essential and non-essential cookies that improve the functionality and experience of the website. For more information, see our Cookies Policy.

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies ensure the smooth running of the website, including core functionality and security. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies are used to determine how visitors are using a website, enabling us to enhance performance and functionality of the website. These are non-essential cookies but are not used for advertising purposes.

Advertising cookies

Advertising cookies help us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment campaigns as well as enabling advertising to be tailored to you through retargeting advertising services. This means there is the possibility of you seeing more adverts from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust on other websites that you visit.

• Save settings Minimise

• Research project outline formatting
• Genericide in the EU
• Technological world
• Market Features
• Biology research project outlines
• Finding term paper writers
• Creating a college research paper
• Writing a perfect research project
• 5 great biology term paper tips
• Writing a research paper conclusion
• Creating a research concept project
• Elements of a research paper intro
• Getting a proofread research paper
• Buying a paper without plagiarism
• Getting a methodology sample
• Formatting a project title page
• Writing a project in 3rd person
• Citations in research projects
• Finding title page samples
• Formatting a paper title
• Cover page formatting in Chicago
• Creating an amazing project intro
• Do my paper for cheap
• Abstract in 20 minutes
• Writing about depression
• What a good writing service looks like
• Getting term paper writing assistance
• Science research paper topics
• Inventing research paper topics
• 17 ideas on tourism
• Sociology term project topics
• A great list of research topics
• Inventing catchy titles
• Term paper ideas in psychology
• Picking an easy project topic
• 20 topics on Shakespeare
• Ideas on nursing
• 23 fantastic topics
• Topics on technology
• Writing on lung cancer
• Biology paper topics
• Medical science topics
• Structure tips
• Order term papers

20 Unique Research Paper Writing Ideas About William Shakespeare

The study of Shakespeare and his works is one a hugely popular part of the English literature curriculum from around the world. There are seemingly endless topics to use for a research paper on anything having to do with Shakespeare. And we’ve set aside 20 unique ideas for you to consider:

• When it comes to studying his plays, there are some dramas that still hold an air of mystery in discussing authorship. Discuss these plays.
• There have been some arguments about Shakespeare’s true identity. Which are some of the most common beliefs?
• Provide a critical analysis of Shakespeare’s development as a playwright. Chose specific dramas to focus your criticism on.
• Which do you believe is Shakespeare’s greatest strength in genre – histories, tragedies, or comedies and how did he compare to other playwrights of the time?
• How would Shakespeare view his works among the literary canon today? Take note that he was also an actor and therefore wrote for the stage.
• Compare and contrast Shakespeare with his contemporary rivals. Are there specific instances in his works where he may have been critically attacking other playwrights?
• Provide an opinion supported by whatever evidence is available as to what Shakespeare’s lost plays might have been about?
• Do you think that Shakespeare is overrated or underrated? Provide critical evidence in support of your argument?
• Choose one or two major characters from Shakespeare’s tragedies and provide an argument on how it might represent his personal views on a topic.
• Provide a critical analysis for the ways Shakespeare treats women in his plays. Are they major figures or largely used to help the action surrounding male characters progress?
• Explain the ways in which Shakespeare has influence the ways stories are told in today’s literature. Does he have as much influence as once believed?
• Is Shakespeare worthy of study in high school? Or should students at this age be more concerned with learning the novel literary form?
• How does Shakespeare compare with other major literary playwrights through the century? His he truly comparable to others or is he in his own class?
• Evaluate and provide a listing of Shakespeare’s greatest poetic works. Consider his sonnets individually and his four major poetic works.
• How do current film adaptations of Shakespeare bridge the gaps between modern culture and the ideas contemporary to Elizabethan England.
• How does Shakespeare rank in terms of a political mind, who through his works tried to convey messages to the public?
• Compare and contrast Shakespeare’s most popular dramas and find common themes that have made them so successful.
• How do modern actors and actresses capture the nuances in which Shakespeare relied on so heavily?
• How did Shakespeare live and enjoy his daily life? What are the things very few know and understand about the way he carried himself in the community?
• What would Shakespeare have been had he not grown to become a playwright? Did he have other professional skills that would have made him unknown?

Tips To Try

• Do my homework online
• How to buy research papers
• Research methods in term paper writing
• Formatting an economics term paper
• Research paper citations
• Coming up with a research hypothesis
• Affordable term paper writing assistance
• Writing on diabetes mellitus
• Buying custom research papers
• Finding a paper writing company
• Writing a psychobiology paper intro
• Someone to write my paper
• Tips on buying a project
• Writing a paper on diabetes
• Examples of history projects
• Hiring a writing service for the first time
• History paper writing in APA
• High school paper writing
• Who can do my paper
• Writing services
• Psychology paper hypothesis
• Find an experienced paper writer
• Getting research paper topics on 1930s
• Selecting term paper topics
• Getting an APA research paper abstract
• Citation rules in a scientific research paper

Recommended Links

Need help with term papers? Get it here . Online guide: writing my paper easily.

Visit our site to complete all your writing assignments on any topic.

© 2012-2024 ThunderBirdResearch.org. All rights reserved.

Shakespeare Studies

Reference to the rescue, general shakesperean reference titles, historical resources, theatrical resources.

• Finding Books
• Finding Articles
• Shakespeare on Film
• Digital Collections and Archives
• Christopher Marlowe
• Shakespeare and Witchcraft
• Shakespeare and Law
• Citing Sources

Why Reference?

Reference materials are excellent resources for providing an overview of the subject you are researching.  They will provide well-known facts on literary authors and their works; historical and political events that may have impacted their work; the society and culture in which they lived and worked and/or may have based their work upon; and the impact of their work on future generations.  They are trustworthy and reliable, giving you the correct information you will need for your research papers and presentations.

• << Previous: Home
• Next: Finding Books >>
• Last Updated: Jun 25, 2024 12:38 PM
• URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/shakespeare-studies

Website navigation

The shakespeare 2020 project: a plan to read through the complete works in one year.

Ian Doescher

As the author of books that retell Star Wars in the style of Shakespeare , I am often asked, “If you were stranded on a desert island and you could only take the complete works of Shakespeare or the Star Wars movies, which would you want?” The choice has never been difficult: Shakespeare, hands down. There are always new things to discover in Shakespeare, and my experience of his plays changes as I age.

I first read Shakespeare’s complete works in 1999, a year after graduating from college. Having loved Shakespeare since being introduced to Othello (and iambic pentameter) in my freshman year English class in high school, and having read many of Shakespeare’s plays in high school and college, I wanted to complete the cycle.

Since 2012, my writing career has been built on works that borrow Shakespeare’s style—as well as I can—in books like the William Shakespeare’s Star Wars series, the Pop Shakespeare series, and MacTrump . People often ask whether I read Shakespeare frequently to maintain my Shakespearean chops. The honest and embarrassing answer is no, I haven’t read Shakespeare in depth for years, and—other than brief passages or seeing the occasional show—I haven’t revisited most of Shakespeare’s plays or poems since 1999.

But for the past year, I’ve been planning to reread the complete works and to invite anyone who was interested to join along. These were the seeds for what became the Shakespeare 2020 Project .

At the same time, the Shakespeare 2020 Project isn’t about pressure. No one who joins in should feel guilty if they don’t read everything. In fact, people are encouraged to join for just a few plays or poems if they want. This might be an opportunity to read something you haven’t read before, or to revisit an old favorite.

The schedule of plays mixes comedies, histories, tragedies, and poems in rough presumed chronological order of composition within genre. In other words, you’ll encounter the tragedies in roughly the order Shakespeare wrote them, the comedies in roughly the order Shakespeare wrote them, and so on. Along the way, the plays will match the calendar when possible:

• I moved Twelfth Night forward in the schedule to coincide with the feast of Twelfth Night on January 5. (Besides Twelfth Night , the other exception to chronological order was moving The Merry Wives of Windsor to fall between the Henry IV )
• Julius Caesar will be read from March 14-19, to coincide with the ides of March.
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream is scheduled during midsummer.
• Henry V is on the schedule from October 24-31, to coincide with St. Crispin’s Day (October 25).
• The Winter’s Tale is scheduled in December, as winter begins.

The schedule offers at least one day’s break between works and avoids many U.S. holidays.

One note about the act of reading: It is frequently said that Shakespeare is meant to be performed, not read. While I agree Shakespeare is best in performance, it’s not always possible to see his plays—and certainly not his complete works—on stage. Live theater is often expensive, and good luck finding a local production of  King John  in most communities. Reading Shakespeare may not be ideal. But it is  possible , which is an important start.

I will be reading the Folger Shakespeare Library Editions of the plays, which are also available free online . I’m eager to see how the Folger Editions vary from other editions I’ve encountered. In addition to the written word, the Shakespeare 2020 Project will be a multimedia experience. Throughout the year, the project will include videos of actors performing speeches, images from theatrical productions, artwork inspired by Shakespeare, and introductions from Shakespearean scholars.

There are plays I remember not loving the first time. For example, part of the reason behind reading the plays in chronological order is to finish the Henry VI plays early on. Through this year’s exploration, though, I’m hoping to find something new in them that I didn’t appreciate the first time around. Henry VI is a good example; there are people who are very passionate about these plays, comparing them to Game of Thrones . I’m looking forward to hearing what they love about the Henry VI cycle that I didn’t see the first time through.

You are warmly invited and encouraged to join the Shakespeare 2020 Project for the whole year, a play or two, or whatever you want. The details are at shakespeare2020.com . Happy reading!

is the New York Times bestselling author of the William Shakespeare's Star Wars series, the Pop Shakespeare series, MacTrump , and other books. He lives in Portland, Oregon. — View all posts by Ian Doescher

Stay connected

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Hi. I’m not sure my requests to subscribe to the Shakespeare 2020 Project blog and email updates were successful. If not, I would like to participate. Thanks.

Bill Moravec — December 7, 2019

Can’t wait!!

Tara Pitts — December 7, 2019

Will there be a site to share discussion of the plays?

Jenna Gardner — December 7, 2019

Interested.!

Victor H Franco — December 7, 2019

I’m doing this, too!

Jeff Grapevine — December 7, 2019

Retired professor, teaching retirees. They will live this!

Margaret Jean Arnold — December 8, 2019

Please include “Asimov’s Guide to Shakespeare” as an invaluable reading companion (more for the historical context than his interpretations) – though it is more reading, it is almost essential for the history plays, and is filled with highly interesting tidbits throughout!

David D Lerner — December 8, 2019

What’s the best option for purchasing the complete texts?

Ralph Stalter, Jr. — December 10, 2019

This is really great. My 13 yr old son and I are trying to see every Shakespeare play performed live. We also try to at least read No Fear Shakespeare versions. I do like the Folger editions so branching out a bit with your schedule sounds fun! Thank you for the idea.

Lydia Odell — December 11, 2019

Marianna — December 16, 2019

Definitely doing this, though I may move Macbeth to Halloween bc the Shakespearean theater nearby tends to do Macbeth in October. Thanks for sharing the schedule!

Marisa — December 26, 2019

Virginia — January 2, 2020

Would like to participate please. Sounds like fun

Richelle — January 2, 2020

I’m in a group that meets weekly and reads Shakespeare along with other classical literature and poetry. We love the Folger editions with their side by side footnotes. Keeps us all on the same page too when discussing. We have read all but a very few of the plays and many sonnets.

Joni Anderson — January 2, 2020

This will be fun!

Sarah Powley — January 4, 2020

Find out what’s on, read our latest stories, and learn how you can get involved.

Expect Unexpected Engagement When you try Hexagonal Thinking in ELA

Listen to my latest podcast episode:.

32: Shakespeare Activities for ANY Play

• February 28, 2018

Teaching Shakespeare can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s the bard! Whoo hoo! Perhaps the best writer in the history of humanity. On the other hand, the potential is definitely there for confused, disengaged, alienated students.

No one wants students to hate Shakespeare! That’s why I know you are ever on the lookout for creative strategies to help them connect with the great Will Shakespeare (Besides watching Shakespeare in Love , which I love, don’t you?).

Shakespearean Insults

Shakespeare’s use of insults are legendary. Share this TedEd video with them to introduce them to the concept, then give them a couple of minutes to check out the online Shakespeare Insults Generator  with a partner. Have them write down the two they like the best to share with the class. Finally, have them go on a scavenger hunt through what you’ve read in search of great insults.

Acting Scenes with Character Costume Pieces

One of my favorite simple ways to read Shakespeare with my students is to bring in certain key character costume pieces and then do a lot of acting out during class. If I was reading The Tempest , for example, I might bring in a staff for Prospero, a wig for Miranda, a crown of flowers for Ariel, etc. 

Then each day before we start, I do a few fun warm-up theater game s with my students, then choose the cast for the day to stand up and act (wearing the costume pieces). The cast changes every day, and I change out characters with tons of lines even within the class period, but the simple character costume pieces help keep things clear. 

Shakespearean One-Pagers

Try out the popular strategy of having students represent the text visually on one page. Using a template will help them figure out what to put where. Divide up the paper and ask them to represent aspects of the text like symbolism, language, character development, etc. in different areas. Find out more and sign up for a free packet of four one-pager templates with complete instructions (a finished example is pictured above) here. 

9 Unique Writing Activities

Hip hop / shakespeare connections.

I first read about this intriguing Ted Talk over on the Nouvelle ELA website. If your students are interested in hip hop, playing them this Ted Talk by a speaker from the Hip Hop Shakespeare company, and letting them consider the connections between hip hop and iambic pentameter, could be a really great point of connection.

The Game of Shakespeare’s Life and Shakespearean What-Ifs

If you’d like a fun and short activity to help engage students with Shakespeare as you introduce your play, check out Good Tickle Brain’s “ The Game of Shakespeare’s Life .” You can print out the game board and bring in your own dice for a quick little jaunt through Shakespeare’s bio. This could also be a fun springboard for having students make themed game boards of their own later in your unit.

The same website also has a set of funny Shakespearean “What If” comics , exploring what might have happened in various Shakespeare plays if one small thing had gone differently.  You could share them with students and then have them make comics of their own.

Audio Clips: Tales from Shakespeare 

On this website, you’ll find audio clips meant to be used to introduce various Shakespearean plays. If they have the play you are teaching (and the list is pretty long), you could play this audio on the first day as a way of bringing students into the world of the play.

The Lightning Version

This is a fun and EASY way to build a little performance into a study of any play. Ask small groups of students to script, rehearse and perform a lightning version of the scene, act, or entire play that you’ve just finished. You can make this lightning version 60 seconds, three minutes, five minutes, or whatever works for you.

Stress that they should work hard to hit the most important moments of the text in their lightning version. If you give this significant time, consider filming the performances for a fun class youtube channel you can add to year after year, showing examples from previous students when you introduce the project (and probably inspiring other classes in other locations to try it out).

Progressive Performance

My class performed  A Midsummer Night’s Dream . All semester we worked on our costumes, wandered campus in search of the best set for our act, learned lines and practiced cues. We watched tons of video versions, rehearsed late at night, and generally dove as deeply into it as was possible.

Since taking part in this progressive performance in college, I’ve now done it two different years with my students, and it was amazing every time (four different classes X two different plays).

To make it a bit simpler for a smaller project, simply select crucial scenes from the play you are reading instead of having students perform full acts. Give them several rehearsal days throughout your unit, guiding them in choosing locations that they are allowed to use (have them get permission as needed!). They can come up with their own props and costumes, though these do not have to be too over-the-top for a successful performance.

On the final day, I like to give students theater awards sheets they can fill out as they watch the different performances. Filling these out gives them something to do in between performances, as the next group is setting up.

I hope you found something you want to add to your next Shakespeare unit! Please let me know which one you’re going to try in the comments.

Want to try a fresh discussion strategy that engages your students in critical thinking while also improving their group dynamics and creating that focused  buzz of conversation in your classroom that you love? Try using my free digital hexagonal thinking kit. It has everything you need to get started with this popular classroom tool. Click here to sign up for this free resource. 

I’ll help you find the creative ELA strategies that will light up your classroom. Get ready for joyful teaching!

LET’S BE PEN PALS

Browse by category.

SEARCH FOR THE STRATEGY OF YOUR DREAMS, OR DIVE INTO ONE OF THESE POPULAR CREATIVE RABBIT HOLES.

POPULAR POSTS

Got Phone Problems? Help for a Distracted Generation, with Angela Watson

The Back-to-School Independent Reading Kickstart

Don’t Make My First Day of School Mistakes

Need something great for tomorrow? Head on over to the free resources section.

Let’s hang out on

• PRIVACY POLICY
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Privacy Overview

Thanks for sharing this, I actually appreciate you taking the time to share with everybody. Data Science Course In Hyderabad With Placements

This is a really explainable very well and i got more information from your site.Very much useful for me to understand many concepts and helped me a lot. Best data science courses in hyerabad

keep up the good work. this is an Ossam post. This is to helpful, i have read here all post. i am impressed. thank you. this is our site please visit to know more information data science course in Hyderabad

http://www.thestyleref.com/2017/12/sports-fan-style-maxi-skirt-blazer-outfit-inspiration.html?showComment=1607516071893#c7498946393398366815

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ethical AI PBL Unit

3 weeks of attendance questions, better discussion toolkit.

Almost there!

Resources you can trust

Research Shakespeare's life, times and works

A handy one-page task sheet designed to encourage students to research Shakespeare's life and works. A simple mix of research and comprehension questions make this resource a perfect introduction to the playwright for KS3 students.

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

Resources you might like

• International
• Education Jobs
• Schools directory
• Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Shakespeare Research Project

Subject: Plays

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Other

Last updated

16 August 2021

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Great idea that I will adapt for 1:1. Thanks for sharing!

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Looking for a way to set up a project that does not result in plagiarised work being handed in. This has given me a good place to start. Thanks.

ashica_stephen

Such an interesting project! Really looking forward to trying this as something different to interest my year 9s. I'm going to award prizes to the winning team! Thanks for sharing :)

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

• Rating Count
• Price (Ascending)
• Price (Descending)
• Most Recent

Shakespeare project ideas

Resource type.

Shakespeare 's Othello | Newspaper Project Idea (.docx)

10 Ideas for Projects with Shakespeare 's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

20 Project Ideas for Shakespeare 's Plays

Shakespeare 's Romeo and Juliet Final Project Idea

History of Drama Oral Report Project Ideas | History of Theater | Shakespeare

Macbeth by Shakespeare Unit Coloring Pages: Mini Posters Distance Learning

Romeo and Juliet Activity — Unit Study Companion Project — William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare Collaborative Art Poster Coloring Pages, Group Project

A Midsummer Night's Dream Book Menu Project + Exemplar (Using "Marigolds")

Shakespeare 's Life and Times Video Project --FULLY EDITABLE!

Director's Notebook: End of Unit Novel or Play Project Idea

William Shakespeare Report, Famous Writer Research Project , Author Study

Twelve Angry Men Project - Characterization & Theme/Central Idea

William Shakespeare Collaborative Poster Mural Project Bulletin Board

Poetry Month: Shakespeare Collaborative Poster Coloring Craft, Bulletin Board

William Shakespeare Collaborative Coloring Poster: National Poetry Month Craft

Romeo and Juliet Projects

Valentine's Day: Romeo & Juliet Collaborative Poster Coloring Craft, Projects

William Shakespeare Collaborative Coloring Poster, Poetry Month Activty & craft

Shakespeare 's Othello | Unit Resources

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think