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What is William Shakespeare's best play?
Hamlet, or King Lear? Or maybe Romeo and Juliet? A comedy, perhaps? What's your criteria for your answer? Lots of people would pick Lear, but it's pretty hard to say that anybody *enjoys* that play. It is long and violent and depressing. Does that mean that Midsummer Night's Dream is "better"?
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Not to wax philosophical but I think Shakespeare's best play is the one when read that speaks to you personally.
I guess it's possible that one may be better written than another. But I think everybody's answer will be colored by there own experience, and it's a good thing. I've only read a couple myself; however, I would pick Macbeth myself.
I hope lots answer as I think the answers to this question will be interesting.
I guess it's possible that one may be better written than another. But I think everybody's answer will be colored by there own experience, and it's a good thing. I've only read a couple myself; however, I would pick Macbeth myself.
I hope lots answer as I think the answers to this question will be interesting.
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Personal experience.
Personal experience.
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You're right, it's a deliberately open question. Even when I tell people that I'm a Shakespeare geek and they inevitably ask, "What's your favorite play?" I go through a practiced speech about how they're all good, all for different reasons, can't pick a favorite. Macbeth, done right, might well be the *scariest* of the plays. And for my money it's got the best final speech/battle/moment/redemption in the whole canon.
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If you like entertainment. I recommend, "The taming of the Schrew" starting Elizabeth Taylor. I loved. If you want to know why, let me know.
Liz Taylor and Richard Burton in the Zeffirelli version? A classic! Pretty much the defining film adaptation of that play. Although Zeffirelli also did a very well known Romeo and Juliet, I think there have been enough film versions of R&J; that he's got significant competition.
A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's funny and memorable. It's just great. I smile just thinking about it!
I believe Shakespears' best work is Othello. It deals with betrayal, love conflict, race and manipulation. The character portrayal of Othello really takes one into the mind of the individual. The audience sees this strong willed character, who commands armies, doubt himself and even his core beliefs.
I like this answer so far because it addresses "best" as independent from "here's the play I personally love the most." That's why I tried to give the example of how you don't necessarily have to "enjoy" a play in the traditional sense, to appreciate it's greatness.
I personally prefer Hamlet. The monologues in that play are beautifully written and all of the characters are very complex
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