Comprehending Shakespeare: Shakespeare and the 21st Century

Click here for a printable version of this lesson plan.

Object: Overcome the difficulties of Shakespearean language by looking at modern
adaptations of Shakespeare's work. Help students to create their own original Shakespeare
adaptation in a format more familiar to their generation.

Grade level: 9th-12th

Subject:  English / Drama

Timeframe: 1-2 hours

Materials: Video: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged
                   Worksheet: "Shakespeare's Soliloquies - Apapted"

Introductory Hook: Begin the class by watching the Othello Rap from The Complete
            Works of William Shakespeare Abridged.

Introduction:  Begin the class with a discussion session. Why are people typically scared by
            the language of Shakespeare? Why does it seem uncomfortable or thick? The students
            should have several opinions about the topic. Take several answers and gently steer them
            toward a conclusion that Shakespeare's language is difficult to us because it is unfamiliar.

Part I: Making Shakespeare Your Homey

            Begin by brainstorming language styles that are familiar to today's kids. These can include
            many different types, but the basic styles should include rap, text messaging, poetry, heavy
            metal, ebonics, etc. Make a list that can be viewed by the whole class.

            Hand out the worksheet: "Shakespeare's Soliloquies - Adapted." You may allow the students to
            talk in groups, but each student should hand in his own original adaptations. Encourage them
            to try two different styles from the list that they created.

Part II : Voluntary Sharing

            After they have completed the assignment, encourage 3-5 kids to perform one of their
            adapted soliloquies for the class. If a music style is chosen, you may choose to have other
            students help create a rhythm under the performance.

Assessment:

            Collect the worksheet. Assessment is based upon two criteria: (1) How well did they seem
            to comprehend the language (2) How well did they follow the spirit of the assignment.

Follow Up Activity:

            Have your students do an art project based around one of their adaptations. Have them
            write the adaptation in the middle of the paper, then create original artwork framing the text.
            The artwork should incorporate themes from the soliloquy and from modern life.

Click here to go to the home page for Shake the Bard Theatre Company
Click here to go to the Lesson Plans for Teachers Page.