In this workshop, you will learn to unlock the deeper meaning of three iconic Shakespeare speeches: Lady Macbeth’s seductive overtures to the spirits of darkness, King Lear’s piercing moment of self-recognition, and Henry V’s rousing speech to his men on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt (1415), a battle in which the French soldiers outnumbered the English by a ratio of 5:1.
You will be introduced to the iambic pentameter and shown how to close read a literary text, especially one which is written in verse form. By paying meticulous attention to poetic form, you will (a) learn how to identify key literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, caesura, and plosives; (b) discover through these devices multiple layers of meaning; and (c) enjoy the inestimable pleasure of fully appreciating Shakespeare’s craft.
*No previous experience with Shakespeare is necessary.
After receiving her PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1994, Francesca has been introducing students all over the world to the transformative power of poetry. Be it the sonnet, the satire, the elegy or the soliloquy, the works of great poets have inspired revolutions, toppled governments, and laid bare the torments of the human heart. Francesca’s most recent publications are articles on Othello and Macbeth. She also has a forthcoming book, her second on Nietzsche’s most inaccessible work, Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
All of our workshops are held over Zoom.
You will receive an email 30 minutes before the workshop begins with the link to join the Zoom meeting. We highly recommend you to create a Zoom account prior to class.
If you do not see the Zoom link in your inbox 30 minutes before the workshop, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM / JUNK MAIL!
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