The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 14.1126  Monday, 9 June 2003

From:           John McLaughlin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Friday, 6 Jun 2003 11:32:14 -0400
Subject: 14.1117 Re: MND for the Summer Solstice
Comment:        Re: SHK 14.1117 Re: MND for the Summer Solstice

Thank you for your courteous response, Paul. Three responses to keep the
ball bouncing:

1. I still like the idea of "A" Midsummer Night's Dream - I knew that
the Eizabethans were quite specific in their calendar, but I also liked
the idea that it would be acceptable to put on this lovely play on more
than one night of the year. I know - Shakespeare could have written
"Dream of A Midsummer Night," with what effect upon stylometric studies
I'm not sure.

2. It's a question of degree, how fast or slow one should read
Shakespeare, isn't it? I recognize that an audience could lose its place
in ponderously delivered, lengthy, allusion-filled speeches; but if it
can't understand a word of the poetry for the gabbling, I'm not sure
what the gain is.  Somewhere in the middle might be helpful. The sound's
too lovely and mouth-filling to lose it so fast. Slashing the text is of
course one Derridean answer.

3. Thank you for the reference to First Folio texts in modern type. That
would certainly be interesting and perhaps somewhat helpful for my
septugenerian students, as long as the texts were not too expensive.
It's been years since I held a copy of the First Folio in my hands. Am I
correct in remembering two first pages for Richard II, and which one
should an actor choose, if my memory isn't playing me tricks?

I hesitate in adding to the incredible flood of email on SHAKSPER, but
did want to thank you and keep the discussion going - John
(www.thedigitalfolklife.net)

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