University of Chicago Professors Cannot Be Trusted

[Andrea]

I have always liked Shakespeare, but find that my ability to read more of his plays seems to decline with time! Weird, because in general I think I'm a more patient reader than when I was younger. I find that as I've developed an ability to understand his language, I much prefer to watch the plays than to read them. I've enjoyed many productions, but for sheer handsomeness, what about Denzel Washington and co. in Much Ado About Nothing? I read and watched this with a thirteen year old girl I was tutoring once and must say we both blushed a bit. But loved it.

[Andrea]

Oh, my fifteen year old just informed me today that she is auditioning for a part in the h.s. production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I'm wondering how her father, from a very conservative culture and totally unfamiliar with British classics, will take the whole thing if she gets a part. Can be a very racy play if the director chooses to go that way.

[Ellen]

Please, someone, tell me if it has ever been proven that the writings attributed to Shakespeare were actually written by him? I did deplore the two teachers I had that attempted to teach me Shakespeare requiring me to understand some unclear meaning (to me) behind the plays that he wrote.

Dickens is ok I suppose, but I'd rather read Twain. I guess I'm just a Southern country girl even if I was raised in the city.

Ellen, who is not trying to comment on anyone else's submissions

[Sherry, Doyenne]

Oh, I love Twain, too, Ellen.

[Elizabeth]

Ellen wrote: "Please, someone, tell me if it has ever been proven that the writings attributed to Shakespeare were actually written by him? I did deplore the two teachers I had that attempted to teach me Shakes..."

Ellen, I just finished a book in August called The Book of William. It follows the collection of Shakespeare's works from just after his death. It is by Paul Collins (one of my favorite modern authors). I really enjoyed it, and it gave me a new appreciation for antiquarian book collectors. Wish I had the money to be one ;)

[Andrea]

I've never been a big fan of Twain's fiction, but then I discovered his non-fiction and I can't get enough of it. His travel writing is amazing; witty, funny, but with a satiric, anti-imperialist bite.