On a Lighter Note - Shakespeare, 9-12-2010

 I can now say I have read all the works of William Shakespeare. It took fifteen years and going to prison, but it is done.

1. My favorite tragedy: Hamlet and King Lear. The first is the only tragedy I have seen onstage. These I read early on, Hamlet when I was around 15 and Lear when I was in my twenties.
2. Favorite Comedies: I have always been partial to Taming of the Shrew, thanks to Cole Porter. I saw the play onstage at Ball State with TJ. The other comedy is Measure for Measure, which I have just finished reading.
3. History play: Richard II
4. Misc: Coriolanus. I read it since my incarceration and wish I had seen it onstage.

Of the Sonnets, this one has me right now:

When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state,

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,

And look upon myself and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,

Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,

Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,

With what I most enjoy contented least;

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

(Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;

       For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

       That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

She knows who she is.

sch