Working with Shakespeare’s Language The Shakespearean Scenario

When Shakespeare wrote his sonnets and plays… …the language he used was popular and would have been easily recognized by 17th century audiences. However, today we have a more difficult time comprehending the words Shakespeare used. What we must remember is that Shakespeare’s words can be easily “translated” into modern English, and once we become familiar with these words, it becomes easier to read and understand the language. It is then that we are able to appreciate the story Shakespeare is trying to tell.

Directions Working with a partner, choose from the following three scenarios to write a scene between two people using modern-day English. Each character must have at least 10 lines (at least 3 words per line).

Scenario #1 Write a scene where two people have a crush on the same person, but don’t know it. In the scene, either have the admirers discover their problem, or have them talk about the same person and never realize they have a crush on the same person.

Scenario #2 Write a scene in which a teenager wants to go out with someone his or her parents do not like. Have the teen explain why he or she should be allowed to go out with this person, and the parents have to explain their points of view.

Scenario #3 Write a scene in which a teenager persuades their significant other to do something they shouldn’t do – whether it is illegal or immoral. The significant other can either support or oppose the idea.

Directions Continued After you’ve written your scene in modern English, translate your scene into Shakespearean Style Language. Use the resources Mrs. Devinson provides for you to do this. **We will be performing these in a later class. Make sure your work is school appropriate!