I got into reading when I was 16 years old, and I jumped head first into reading classics. Naturally, I hated classics because, for someone who is not acquainted with the language, and the style of writing, these books proved to be heavy reads for me. And people around me praised me for reading classics at a young which boosted my ego, and I did not give up reading which, in turn, made me hate them even more. April 23 is observed as English Language Day as it is the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare. But if you are willing to read Shakespeare’s classics but don’t know where to start, here is a beginner’s guide to his books!
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Romeo Juliet
This one had to be the first on the list! This story of star-crossed lovers who only unite in death has been retold several times. A good choice to dive into Shakespeare’s world.
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Macbeth
Shakespeare’s one of the bloodiest plays is Macbeth. It highlights how guilt and greed make a man cross all limits. It is a story is about a Scottish General who gets told by witches that he will become the King of Scotland. But great makes him do the unthinkable, and how his actions come to haunt him.
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Julius Caesar
The line that read “You too, Brutus” really hit me when I read Julius Ceasar first. The story of a king who is assassinated in a conspiracy led by the people to stop him from becoming a tyrant. But Julius did not expect that his best friend would also stab him.
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Hamlet
Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play and tells the story of Hamlet who wants to seek revenge for the murder of his father. This play finds its place as an ‘influential tragedy’ in English.
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Also read: 5 Books On Sibling Relationships You Will Relate To If You Have Brothers Or Sisters!
As You Like It
If you are getting intimidated by tragedies, here’s a comedy for you. This play follows the story of the lead heroine who runs away before getting persecuted in her uncle’s court.
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There are illustrated versions and tone-downed versions of these novels available to read as well! Happy Classics Journey!