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Abstract

This article describes a multi-part approach to Shakespeare's playwriting, including his conception of comedy, his method of characterisation, aspects of staging, and the relative status of male and female characters. It can accommodate all types of Shakespearean play. A Midsummer Night's Dream is treated as seminal. Other plays discussed include Much Ado About Nothing, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Othello and Twelfth Night. The approach is cumulative in effect and derives from teaching English 17–18 year olds working on the coursework unit of their Advanced Level English Literature certificate. Its unitised structure suits college and classroom workshops. It can be modified for younger students.

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References

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Shakespeare for the Gifted

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