Best Shakespeare Plays You Must Read

Introduction

The greatest English poet, dramatist, and actor was none other than William Shakespeare, who lived from 26 April 1564 to 23 April 1616. Frequently referred to as England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon,” he also goes by both names. He produced 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two lengthy narrative poems, and numerous additional jingles in addition to his other well-researched works. His writing influenced John Keats, George Bernard Shaw, and other notable writers. Many writers have adapted his lines as the titles of their books. Among them are Brave New World, The Undiscovered Country, The Dogs of War, and many others. Here providing you with the best Shakespeare plays that are must read for you.

Every year, plays have performed all around the world. It is crucial for an actor to be conversant in them and conversant in their language for this reason. If you haven’t read much Shakespeare, this list should be a terrific place to start—a place to start learning about and admiring one of history’s greatest writers. You will be well on your way to obtaining a thorough comprehension of Shakespeare’s works if you can get through them all. These plays will help you grasp Shakespeare’s work fairly if you enjoy literature.

SHAKESPEARE PLAYS YOU MUST READ

1. Hamlet

One of the greatest plays ever written is Hamlet. Every aspiring actor aspires to portray the titular lead part because it is one of the best of William Shakespeare’s.  The drama, which has been rewritten and revised with each new generation and boasts more than 160 film adaptations, is an epic tragedy. In its uncut form, the play is approximately five hours long (see Shakespeare play lengths), making it essential reading for any performer. 

Its centre is the titular Prince of Denmark, a startlingly deep and rich character whose unusual motivations and inner lives have given numerous performers the most delicious puzzles and mysteries to solve during practise and performance for hundreds of years. Hamlet is one of the best Shakespeare plays that you must read. Shakespeare is one of the best writers the world has ever seen. The depth and thrill offered by his plays cannot be matched. Every reader is bound to fall in love with his writing and story depiction skills.

2. Romeo and Juliet

One of the most well-known plays of all time, this one is the epitome of affection and love. The drama is timeless and tells the tragic end to a charming love story. Juliet had incredible courage when she decided to secretly organise her marriage to Romeo in defiance of society. The protagonist’s position in the novel is heart-warming, and it reflects an affection for truth and daring love. This book should be read immediately and comes highly recommended. 

Romeo and Juliet are in everyone’s collective consciousness as they are born in the west. Even individuals who have never picked up a book are familiar with the story or may recall a few memorable passages. This tale of enduring love, heart-breaking loss, and adolescent folly is one that still captivates us. Though often overdone and over quoted, this play offers us so much as actors.

3. Julius Caesar

One of my favourite Shakespearean plays is Julius Caesar. In fact, we put it No. 3 on our list of the best Shakespeare plays you must read because it is so excellent. It’s a timeless story chock-full of memorable quotes! The other Roman plays, such Antony and Cleopatra, Titus Andronicus, and Coriolanus, are less frequently performed and frequently seem more tedious. It is also shorter and more enjoyable. This narrative focuses on political sceptics, ideologies, and interests. It depicts Roman politics and the assassination of Caesar, a key political figure. The tragedy is an exciting book that you must read. Since there are only four main characters in the play, it is simple to follow and entertaining. Caesar’s fatal assassination is its main tragedy. After that, another character Mark Antony, Caesar’s loyal, comes into the main role and represents himself as a powerful and intelligent character. He ends up turning the mob against the assassins of Caesar.

4. Twelfth Night 

This play is chock-full of humorous stories and love confusion. Sebastian, a brother, and Viola, a sister, are the subjects of the tale. The primary character of this drama is Viola, who searches for his brother who is lost in a shipwreck. Viola keeps up a man’s persona while searching for his brother, and while doing so, Olivia develops feelings for the girl. Then the impersonation comedy begins. It’s a pleasure to read this drama. William Shakespeare’s comedy in five acts, Twelfth Night, in full Twelfth Night; or, What You Will, was written between 1600 and 1602 and printed in the First Folio of 1623 from a transcription of an authorial manuscript or perhaps a playbook. Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, comes before the big tragedies and issue plays in terms of writing. The story of Apollonius and Silla in Barnabe Riche’s Riche His Farewell to Military Profession (1581) appears to have been the original source. It was based on several Continental versions, including an anonymously published Italian comedy called (1531; “The Deceived”) and a tale in Matteo Bandello’s Novelle (1554–73).

5. Othello

There are some great stories and quotations in this book. Desdemona and Brabantio make up two of the book’s most endearing characters. The drama does the best job of portraying a tragedy. The play is outstanding, and an eBook version is also available. The drama centres on a black soldier named the title character from the book, along with his wife, two buddies, and one of the friends’ spouses. This tale is about manipulation and jealousy. There are hints that Othello may have slept with Iago’s wife as well, but Iago doesn’t seem to be really smitten with Emilia, so who knows. Othello doesn’t please Iago. At the very least, one must assume this, as he proceeds to ruin the man’s life, of course, in a delightfully cunning and Shakespearean way. This isn’t Transformers.

6. King Lear 

This novel is one of the most delicate plays ever written. The tragedy shows self-realization, unconditional love, and desertion. In the drama, a king, his daughters, and his empire are central characters. The play depicts certain fundamental features of human nature that are present in today’s world which are merely in observation. The ending is shocking as it filled with real-life emotions and deeds. This is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies and was written between 1605 and 1606. It is one of the best Shakespeare plays you must read.

7. The Taming of the Shrew 

This play is highly well-liked; it’s packed with humour, action, and moves quickly. The narrative is humorous and fascinating. Petruchio, Bianca, and Katharina are the main characters in this play. The two sisters Katharina and Bianca play the key roles in the comedy-filled, erotic story. In the play, Bianca, the younger sister, woos Katharina for marriage by devising a cunning plan with her lover. It is challenging to overlook the overtly misogynistic themes, the obvious domestic violence, and a host of other issues. The play still has a lot to offer performers that are worth investigating. Even though we continue to dispute its relevancy and whether it is perform or not. The fiery relationship between Katharina and Petruchio is one of Shakespeare’s best and leads to some incredible repartee. And across the play, there are some fantastic scenes and monologues to explore. This is one of the best Shakespeare plays you must read.

8. Richard the Third 

Richard III, commonly known as Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester (1461–1483), was the final Plantagenet and Yorkist monarch of England. He was born on October 2, 1452, in Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, and died on August 22, 1485, close to Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. At the Battle of Bosworth Field, where Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) defeated him, he took the throne of his nephew Edward V in 1483. For about 500 years following his passing, he portrays as the worst and most evil of rulers. Some of those accusations are being exaggerate and the product of his adversaries, and his allies have worked to repair his reputation.

Conclusion

Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers in history. His plays have unmatched depth and excitement in them. His storytelling and writing abilities fascinates every reader.