How do you learn how to understand Shakespeare?

Question: How do you learn how to understand Shakespeare!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Watching it is usually the best, I perfer Kenneth Brannagan's Hamlet myself!. You really understand the story and even the language if you hear it and see it with the context and power with which it was meant to be spoken!. It is a truly wonderful thing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Watch it, try Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet, watching it will help you get a grasp of the language, so its easier to read!.

Tbh, it isn't that difficult to understand, but it is a bit daunting when you first see it, try reading aloud, and read it following the punctuation rather then line by line, if that makes any sense! Www@QuestionHome@Com

There are books in the library that have annotated copies of Shakespeare's plays!. These have notes along with the text, that explain the meaning of words and phrases as they were used in his time!. Study those references and read lots of Shakespeare and other authors from his time, and the meaning of his words will become clearer!.

I have included a link to the discussion group on PlayShakespeare!.com!. You could post questions there about finding online resources!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Shakespeare plays are not meant to be read, but viewed!. Get some movies, then read the plays or just follow along!. How the actors speak the lines make more sense this way!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Read books which had both versions, Elizabethan English and Modern Day Translation!. Watched modern movie remakes of the plays!.

SPARKNOTES!.COMWww@QuestionHome@Com

I know what you mean! I never understood shakespeare until I watched Henry the fifth (movie)!. Now I understand it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Reading the King James Bible and attending Bible study classes!. It's pretty much the sameWww@QuestionHome@Com