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Shakespeare - William Shakespeare Videos


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A Midsummer Night's Dream
32902 Views

Aren't midsummer night dreams the worst? You wake up all sweaty and gross, and for a minute there, you can't even remember where you are. And also,...

Macbeth
133702 Views

This video summarizes the Shakespearean play Macbeth. Two major forces are at play in the story: witches’ prophecies and Macbeth’s demanding wi...

Macbeth Summary
89862 Views

Prepare for total tragedy.

As You Like It
10350 Views

We're not sure if good ol' Shakespeare would endorse The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but that's not going to stop us from hosting themed viewing...

Julius Caesar
50441 Views

How's Julius Caesar doing after that whole "assassination" thing? Well, he's taking it one day at a time.

The Winter's Tale
8705 Views

The Winter's Tale is like the Disney movie of Shakespeare plays—if you ignore all the murders, mauling, and love-children, anyway.

Twelfth Night
42479 Views

We bet you didn't realize Shakespeare was such a rebel. Seriously. If he were around today, he'd be riding a motorcycle, TIVOing Sons of Anarchy, a...

Shakespeare and Prospero
11701 Views

Is Prospero just Big Willy Shakes in disguise? Shmoop amongst yourselves.

Shakespeare and Revenge
598 Views

Welcome to the dark side of Shakespeare. You didn't think he was all sonnets, roses, and romantic Romeos, did you?

Shakespeare's Stage
4616 Views

Imagine yourself going to see a show. The cushy red seats. The talented orchestra. The body odor and animal abuse. Not what you pictured? Be thankf...

Features of a Shakespearean Tragedy
3222 Views

What are the features that make a Shakespearean tragedy? Where do they show up in plays like Othello, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet? This video help...

Hamlet
104312 Views

In the world of Shakespeare, pretty much everyone either dies or gets married. Hamlet and co. got the short end of that stick.

Hamlet Ghost Dad
47886 Views

Talk about an absent parent.

King Lear
22570 Views

Good thing this guy never wrote a parenting book.

Othello
94912 Views

Why did Iago want to destroy Othello? Shmoop amongst yourselves.

Othello Summary
69615 Views

A word to the wise: secret marriages don't work out well in Shakespeare plays. Just ask Othello and Desdemona.

Romeo and Juliet
81565 Views

But soft! What Shmoop through yonder window breaks?

Romeo and Juliet Summary
65759 Views

Boy and girl meet, fall in love, and commit suicide in a tomb. You know, your average love story.

The Merchant of Venice
879 Views

Take a stroll with us through the shady back alleys of Venice. If you were looking for a relaxing ride through the gondola canals...well, wrong tra...

Twelfth Night: Viola
16881 Views

Shakespeare and drag? We knew he could think outside of the box, but who could have guessed he had such a unique sense of humor? Casts the ending t...

Shakespeare on Love
17381 Views

We may all be fools when it comes to love, but thankfully none of us will accidentally switch places with our twin brother and fall in love with our sister-in-law. Probably, anyway.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Summary
67438 Views

Love potions are tricky business (not that we've ever tried using one, of course). They can make you fall in love with the wrong person…or, in the case of the lovestruck queen in this story, not even a person at all. Was it a cat? A dog, perhaps? Guess you'll have to watch the video to find out.

The Merchant of Venice Summary
49665 Views

We tend to think of Shakespeare as the timeless author who did nothing but craft beautiful, hilarious plays for our enjoyment. However, the fact is that he was a human being affected by the attitudes and beliefs of his time, just like the rest of us. Sorry to burst your Shakespearean bubble of bliss!

Julius Caesar Summary
57019 Views

We totally understand loving your country, but don't murder your best friend over it. That's a bit over the top. Stick to flying flags and singing national anthems, please.

Hamlet Summary
126807 Views

Hamlet is Shakespeare’s 1603 soap opera of unfortunate circumstances. Hamlet’s ghost dad tells him that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius, who is now Hamlet’s step dad. That’s family for you. Hamlet then vows to kill Claudius. Time to bring on the drama. Hamlet can’t just kill his uncle/step-dad. Nope. First he has to pretend to be insane, set up a dummy play, kill his girlfriend's dad, drive said girlfriend crazy, have a duel, be poisoned, then take his revenge. Yup, lots to do, and only five acts to do it.