Macbeth

[enlightenmequick]

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

She is year 9

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

"I always prefer to read a book"

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.

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.

Thank you Broken i will look for Polanski's version

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.

lots on YouTube

Useful stuff on RSC website

Contextual stuff on Globe website

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...........

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

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.

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.

Ducking now as will probably get told off for something.

Year 9, Loveleopard - so 13/14

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

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.

see- misread not missed read. Doh!

Oxford School Shakespeare

Thank you Evil

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.