SRC Features
Original content created for the Shakespeare Resource Center.
Articles
- Biblical Shakespeare
Shakespeare frequently alluded to Biblical stories throughout his works, more than any other Elizabethan playwright. So which Bible would Shakespeare have used? - A Brief History of William Shakespeare's First Folio
In 1621, two longtime colleagues of William Shakespeare decided that their deceased friend should be canonized for his work as a playwright. The resulting First Folio has become one of the most important—and valuable—books in English ever committed to print. - The Evolution of Shakespeare's Fools in Three Plays
While the fool is an archetype nearly as old as the hero, Shakespeare took this standard trope and adapted it to suit a variety of situations. - Favorite Alternate Shakespeare Candidates
Since the 1700s, people have been voicing doubts about whether or not William Shakespeare actually wrote the works attributed to him. Now it's all the rage. - Ghosts of Shakespeare
Shakespeare made sparing use of ghosts in his plays, but when he used them, he made them memorable. But why use them at all? And was Shakespeare evincing a belief in actual ghosts? - Mrs. Shakespeare: Anne Hathaway
What we don't know about Anne Shakespeare could fill a book. Or several, judging from the published speculation focused on her life and marriage. - A Quick Guide to Reading Shakespeare
Shakespeare's works are remarkably accessible once you know what to expect when reading them. This quick guide can help you make a little more sense of what his characters are saying. - Shakespeare's "Lost Years"
William Shakespeare may be the most famous writer in Western literature, but his whereabouts from 1585 to 1592 are a mystery. The ensuing speculation has spawned many interesting theories without producing much hard evidence. - Shakespeare's King Henry V: Drama Versus History
A look at how Shakespeare's play King Henry the Fifth compares with English history. - Shakespeare's King Henry VIII: Drama Versus History
A look at how Shakespeare's play King Henry the Eighth compares with English history. - Shakespeare's King John: Drama Versus History
A look at how Shakespeare's play King John compares with English history. - Shakespeare's King Richard II: Drama Versus History
A look at how Shakespeare's play King Richard the Second compares with English history. - Shakespeare's Peers: English Renaissance Playwrights
Shakespeare was hardly the only working playwright in London back in the day. Here's a quick guide to his competition. - Shakespeare's Richard III: Portrait of a Villain
The real Richard III probably wasn't as wicked, deformed, or witty as the villain we know from Shakespeare. - Shakespeare's Source Material
William Shakespeare was a gifted writer who made a career out of borrowing from a variety of sources. - Shakespeare's Worst Speaking Roles
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. Then there are these roles. - The Simple Case for Shakespeare
The issue is complex, fraught with logic pitfalls even for those who defend the orthodoxy, but Shakespeare remains the easiest of any authorship candidate to defend. - Thou Pesky "Thou"
A brief look at the history of thou and you in Early Modern English. - A Very Shakespeare Christmas
It's another holiday season of eating, gift-giving, and festivity. But how would Shakespeare and everyone else in England have celebrated Christmas back in the day?