Shakespeare 101: Everything Beginners Need to Know in One Place
- Mora K. Anderson
- Oct 7
- 8 min read
From famous quotes to must-read plays, here’s the ultimate Shakespeare starter kit.
If you’ve ever wanted to get into Shakespeare but didn’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. His plays and sonnets can feel intimidating at first, the old language, the long speeches, the endless footnotes. But Shakespeare isn’t just for scholars. His words are for everyone, and once you have a few basics, you’ll discover just how enjoyable (and surprisingly relatable!) his works really are.
This is Shakespeare 101, a beginner’s guide to help you get started with confidence.
Who Was William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is often called the Bard of Avon, a nickname that reflects both his birthplace—Stratford-upon-Avon—and his role as a national poet. The word bard simply means poet or storyteller, and in Shakespeare’s case, it highlights his unmatched ability to capture the human experience in words that have resonated for centuries.
Born to John Shakespeare, a glove maker, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a local landowner, William was the third of eight children in a busy household. At age 18, he married Anne Hathaway, and together they had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.
By his mid-twenties, Shakespeare had moved to London, where he built his career as an actor, playwright, and poet. His plays were performed at court for Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I, bringing him fame during his lifetime. He became a member of an acting troupe known as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which later received royal patronage from King James I and was renamed The King’s Men. With this company, Shakespeare not only wrote but also performed his plays, which were enjoyed by audiences ranging from commoners to royalty.
In 1599, Shakespeare and his company opened the Globe Theatre, a circular, open-air playhouse on the south bank of the Thames. The Globe quickly became the central stage for his works, but in 1613, disaster struck: during a performance of Henry VIII, a cannon fired as part of the show set the thatched roof ablaze, and the entire theater burned down. It was rebuilt the following year.
Beyond the stage, Shakespeare’s influence lives on in the English language itself. He is credited with inventing or popularizing more than 1,700 words and countless phrases, many of which we still use today, like break the ice, wild-goose chase, in a pickle, and heart of gold.
Over roughly two decades, he wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several narrative poems, securing his place as the most studied and performed playwright in the world. Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52, but his legacy—through words, theater, and storytelling—continues to shape how we read, write, and think today.
Why Shakespeare Matters
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the dates, titles, and facts about Shakespeare’s life. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to remember every detail to enjoy his works. Knowing a little bit about who he was, the small-town boy from Stratford-upon-Avon who grew up to write plays for queens and kings, can make the words on the page feel more human and approachable.
At its heart, Shakespeare’s writing is about people: their hopes, fears, mistakes, and dreams. That’s why his plays still feel alive today. As a beginner, think of this background as a friendly introduction rather than homework. The goal isn’t to memorize, it’s to see Shakespeare not as a distant figure from history, but as a storyteller whose words still speak to us centuries later.
Must-Read Shakespeare Plays for Beginners
Some plays are easier to start with than others, especially if you’re just beginning your journey with Shakespeare. Here are five that offer a mix of comedy, tragedy, and unforgettable characters, perfect entry points into his world:
Romeo and Juliet – Perhaps Shakespeare’s most famous play, this tragic love story is one many people already know from modern adaptations. Because the plot is familiar, it’s easier to follow the language while enjoying the drama, romance, and emotion.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A lighthearted comedy filled with magical fairies, mischievous tricks, and tangled love stories. It’s playful, funny, and full of imagination, making it a wonderful introduction for beginners who want to see Shakespeare’s fun side.
Macbeth – A dark and thrilling tragedy about ambition, fate, and the consequences of choices. It’s shorter than many of Shakespeare’s plays, and its eerie atmosphere, witches, and famous speeches make it an accessible (and unforgettable) starting point.
Much Ado About Nothing – A comedy of witty banter and misunderstandings. The playful dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick shows Shakespeare’s sharp humor, while the happy ending makes it an enjoyable, uplifting read.
Hamlet – One of Shakespeare’s most quoted and studied plays, Hamlet is filled with famous lines (“To be, or not to be”) and a story of grief, revenge, and family conflict. It’s a bit more complex, but so rewarding once you dive in, and a must-read for anyone wanting to experience Shakespeare at his most profound. At over 4,000 lines, it also holds the distinction of being Shakespeare’s longest play, which adds to its depth and richness.
The Comedy of Errors – This is one of Shakespeare’s earliest and funniest plays, built on mistaken identities, slapstick humor, and wild misunderstandings. With fast-paced action and plenty of comedic twists, it’s an easy entry point for beginners who want to enjoy Shakespeare’s lighter side. Fun fact: at under 1,800 lines, The Comedy of Errors is also Shakespeare’s shortest play, making it a quick but entertaining read.
Tip for beginners: Start with a summary or watch a performance before you read. Knowing the storyline ahead of time makes it much easier to enjoy the language and the characters.
Shakespeare’s Most Famous Quotes (and Why They Still Resonate)
Check out the full Shakespeare poster collection here
One of the reasons Shakespeare is still loved today is because his words capture timeless human feelings—love, hope, jealousy, fear, and everything in between. Here are a few of his most famous lines, explained in plain English so they feel less intimidating and more inspiring:
“To be, or not to be: that is the question.” (Hamlet) This line explores life’s big questions about existence and purpose. It’s powerful because it shows how universal feelings of doubt and reflection are, we’ve all wondered about our place in the world at some point.
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” (As You Like It) Shakespeare compares life to a play, reminding us that we each play different roles throughout our lives, child, friend, parent, leader. It’s a beautiful way of seeing how life is always moving and changing.
“A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!” (Richard III) At first this sounds dramatic (and a little funny), but it’s really about desperation, how even the most powerful person can be brought low by something small. It’s a reminder that everyone, no matter how mighty, faces struggles.
“If music be the food of love, play on.” (Twelfth Night) Here, Shakespeare captures how love and music are deeply connected. It’s a sweet and poetic way of saying: when you’re in love, you just want more of what makes your heart full.
“The better part of Valour, is Discretion.” (Henry IV, Part 1) This quote basically says: sometimes, wisdom means knowing when to walk away. It’s a great reminder that bravery isn’t only about fighting, it’s also about making smart choices.
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” (Twelfth Night) These words remind us that greatness looks different for everyone. Some inherit it, some earn it, and some stumble into it. It’s an encouraging way to think about life, your path to success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) A comforting reminder that even in Shakespeare’s time, love was complicated! Relationships take effort, patience, and understanding, this line makes us feel seen, no matter the century.
How to Read Shakespeare Without the Stress
Shakespeare doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some beginner-friendly tips:
Start with summaries. Read a short overview before diving into the full play.
Watch performances. Plays were meant to be seen, not just read. Try film adaptations or stage recordings.
Read aloud. His words make more sense when spoken.
Take it slow. A scene or a few pages at a time is enough, you don’t need to finish a play in one sitting.
Look for modern connections. Ever wonder what Shakespeare sonnets might sound like set to music? Take a listen below.
Why Shakespeare Still Matters Today
At first glance, Shakespeare might seem distant, after all, he lived over 400 years ago. But when you look closer, you start to see that his words, characters, and themes are still woven into our everyday lives.
Think about it: we still ask big questions about life and meaning (just like Hamlet did). We still fall in love, get our hearts broken, laugh at silly misunderstandings, and struggle with jealousy or ambition. Shakespeare simply found beautiful, unforgettable ways to put those human experiences into words.
His influence goes beyond the page, too. Many of our modern movies, TV shows, and books borrow from his stories. Romantic comedies with love triangles? Tragedies about ambition gone too far? Even fantasy adventures with mistaken identities? They all trace back to Shakespeare. His storytelling gave us patterns we still use today.
And perhaps most importantly, Shakespeare reminds us that literature isn’t about memorizing lines, it’s about connection. His plays show us that people in the 1500s and people today aren’t so different after all. We still long for love, friendship, laughter, and meaning. That’s why reading Shakespeare can feel strangely comforting, like listening to an old friend who understands you better than you expected.
To hear more about how Shakespeare's words still resonate with us today, check out our podcast episode “Sonnet 29: Proof Shakespeare Was Just Like Us”. In this episode, we delve into one of his most relatable sonnets, exploring how his feelings of loneliness and longing mirror our own. It's a reminder that even centuries later, Shakespeare's words can still speak to our hearts.
Explore, Learn, and Celebrate Shakespeare
Getting started with Shakespeare is easier, and more fun, when you have a few creative tools to guide you. At Ivy & Jay, we’ve put together resources to help you dive in, enjoy the words, and make them your own:
Shakespeare Trivia Game Cards – Test your knowledge or learn fun facts about the Bard in a playful way. Perfect for family nights, classrooms, or study groups.
Shakespeare Quote Posters – Bring inspiration to your walls with our beautifully designed digital download set of 10 quotes. From “To be, or not to be” to “All the world’s a stage,” these posters are a friendly reminder of Shakespeare’s timeless wisdom. You can find them here.
Podcast Inspiration – Want to hear how Shakespeare’s words are still relatable today? Listen to our episode “Sonnet 29: Proof Shakespeare Was Just Like Us”. We explore one of his most heartfelt sonnets and show how his feelings of longing and hope mirror our own, making Shakespeare feel closer than ever.
These resources are designed to make Shakespeare approachable, inspiring, and enjoyable, so you can read, reflect, and even decorate your space with the Bard’s wisdom!
Discovering the Joy of Shakespeare
Shakespeare doesn’t have to feel like an impossible challenge. With a few plays, a handful of quotes, and a willingness to explore, you’ll find yourself enjoying his words more than you expected. This is the start of a journey into stories that have inspired readers, writers, and dreamers for centuries.
So pour a cup of tea, pick a play that interests you, and let the Bard surprise you.
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