Approaches to Teaching Shakespeare

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 08.01.05

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Objectives
  3. Strategies
  4. The Shakespeare characters
  5. History of Portraits
  6. Tudor Portraits
  7. Shakespearean Art
  8. Classroom Activities
  9. Bibliography
  10. Notes

To See or Not to See? A Visual Approach to Identity in Shakespeare

Kimberly Kellog Towne

Published September 2008

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Introduction

When I was a child, my mother spent a tremendous amount of time finding educational and fun activities for my brother and me to perform in our free time. One of these activities that made a huge impression was going to the Williamsburg Shakespeare Festival every summer. In addition to seeing the performances, we would attend the "open backstage" events geared for children. I was immediately drawn to the costuming. The clothes were so rich, elegant and sumptuous. The visual splendor had an enormous impact on me. From these events, I was first drawn to Shakespeare, an initial step in coming to adore Shakespeare.

I also have a passion for English history, especially Tudor history, which has been reinforced by several trips to London. I believe that this enthusiasm also stems from my exposure to those Shakespearian performances early in my life. While I did not become an English teacher, I have always loved reading and seeing performances of Shakespeare and I go out of my way to see quality productions. My early experiences have had a life-long influence.

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