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Macbeth

42 replies

enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 13:49

Any English teachers to recommend a book on Macbeth?

I'd like her to read the original version, but I don't want to have to sit the whole time next to her, to explain. That's assuming I can

But I'm loathe to give her a version that isn't in the original style.

Can anyone recommend one that gives notes/explanations by the side?

Thanks

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 13:49

She is year 9

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eatyourveg · 03/02/2014 14:00

Why don't you get her this version. dc use this series at school. the text is set out on one side and notes are on the facing page. Alternatively there are online sites similar to the York notes series. Sparknotes and Cliff Notes both bring sites dc have used.

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Essiebee · 03/02/2014 15:38

Take her to see a live version, or hire a DVD, or even 'Animated Tales from Shakespeare'; these are plays, meant to be watched.

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ExitPursuedTheRoyalPrude · 03/02/2014 15:41

What Essie said. Drives me nuts all the ploughing through Shakespeare in the classroom.

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 15:47

Thanks veg I've ordered it for her kindle.

Essie Exit I always prefer to read a book, and think on the whole that film versions are rubbish in comparison- with exception of the Pride and prejudice series- but I do take your point and will get her a DVD.

Thanks

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josephinebornapart · 03/02/2014 15:54

Watching the film gives them the basic plot.

reading a Shakespeare play on your own is bloody awful. I read 8 in 2 months for an OU course at level 3 and even I was fed up !

Watch on film then read with something like York notes.

Or listen to it on audio and follow with the text.

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maillotjaune · 03/02/2014 17:01

I like reading (some) Shakespeare. But I'm 43. Hated most of it at school and although I agree that many films of books are crap, that's because novels are adapted for the screen.

A play that uses the original script is different, even if the setting / staging is unusual.

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brokenpurpleheart · 03/02/2014 17:08

Just to point out Macbeth is a play. It a book, and as a result is meant to be watched not read. There are some fantastic DVD versions out there that show the dark and evil side of the play. Polanski's version is fabulous.

I,prefer to read a book than watch a film, but watch a play. It read a script.

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brokenpurpleheart · 03/02/2014 17:09

Just to add to that Shakespeare wrote his plays to be watched, especially as vast percentages of the audience would not be able to read ...

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EvilTwins · 03/02/2014 17:43

"I always prefer to read a book"

Angry drama teacher. It's not a book, it's a play FFS. Performed by skilled actors, Shakespeare will always make more sense when watched than when read.

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 18:50

Oh dear, I've said some confrontational things on here, but I didn't think that 'I always prefer to read a book' would be one of them.

I did say I see the point.

I always prefer books, because I love books.

So shoot me.

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 18:51

Thank you Broken i will look for Polanski's version

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EvilTwins · 03/02/2014 18:53

It's not a book! Shakespeare didn't write it as a book. He wrote it as a play! Stop calling it a book. Don't refer to it as a book to your DD. Don't imply that she has to read it.

No bloody wonder teachers (like me) have such issues teaching Shakespeare.

I love Shakespeare and yes, have read most of the plays, but I always always get more from watching them.

If your DD's teacher has anything about him/her, they'll be performing it in English lessons, not reading it. Particularly not reading it to themselves.

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EvilTwins · 03/02/2014 18:56
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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 18:57

It will come in a book form, I meant. I am aware it is a play, performed in the Globe Theatre, with men having to play the part of women characters.

Funnily enough, I did English at school, and history.

Some people have too little to worry about...........

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 18:58

But thank you for the links. i do appreciate that. Grin

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WidowWadman · 03/02/2014 19:00

By watching it performed as a play or film however you will always get the director's (and actors') interpretation of the play. I don't think it's useful to only look at it performed and not look at the actual text. And spark notes aren't a replacement for reading the actual text either.

At uni we usually used the Arden Shakespeare which normally includes some helpful introductory essay and footnotes.

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Loveleopardprint · 03/02/2014 19:05

Blimey! Bet you thought you were just asking for some straightforward advice. Usborne books do great versions of the plays in story form as she is only nine and might understand that better.

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Loveleopardprint · 03/02/2014 19:05

Ducking now as will probably get told off for something.

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EvilTwins · 03/02/2014 19:06

Year 9, Loveleopard - so 13/14

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 19:09

love I know!

I think some people just have pet things they hate, like misspellings, punctuation, and pronunciation. and I'm shit at all three Smile

Sorry love you missed read me, she's in year 9, which makes her 13, but thank you for replying.

I definitely want her to read and understand the original version, so I want something with both the original text and footnotes to explain.

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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 19:10

see- misread not missed read. Doh!

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EvilTwins · 03/02/2014 19:13
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enlightenmequick · 03/02/2014 19:16

Thank you Evil

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Loveleopardprint · 03/02/2014 19:16

Aah ok! Thought she was very advanced for her age. Good luck with it. My 13 yr old had to read Jane Eyre last term. She moaned as she loves sci fi and horror but I think she secretly liked it by the end. School took them to see it on stage and showed them a film version. Think it's great for them to read other genres.

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