Now that virtual learning has brought us from blackboards to Zoom calls, you might be struggling with either learning or teaching from home — especially when the topic is some 400-year-old dude who wrote a bunch of plays.Â
Don’t worry. We’ve got a hub of virtual learning resources about Shakespeare here: background on Shakespeare’s life, breakdowns of his poetic form, theme analysis, modern translations, free film adaptations, and more.
This page holds our virtual learning cornerstones, but if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, take a peek around our site. We have plenty more information on lesser studied Shakespeare plays, tips for how to write or study poetry, facts about Shakespeare’s England, and even information about English literature by authors other than Shakespeare (we know, shocking).Â
So, no matter what you’re looking for, take a browse through our virtual learning catalogue — you’ll learn something whether you’re a teacher or a student!
Our Resources
Virtual learning resources by NoSweatShakespeare. Learn about Shakespeare’s life and the world of Elizabethan England, find out about the themes in the play you’re reading for class, read a modern translation of the scene that doesn’t make sense to you (or your students), and more.
Shakespeare, The Man Himself
Who Was William Shakespeare? Let Us Explain…
William Shakespeare Timeline Of Life & Works
Shakespeare’s Family: Overview Of The Shakespeare Family
Shakespeare’s Writing: The Basics
What Is Iambic Pentameter? An Explanation & Examples
Shakespeare’s Poetic Techniques & Devices
Shakespeare’s Play & The Five Act Structure: An Examination
Shakespeare Play Summaries
Shakespeare Play Summary: Overviews Of Shakespeare’s Plays
Modern-Day Translations
Hamlet Translation
Romeo And Juliet Translation
Much Ado About Nothing Translation
Shakespeare’s Sonnets
Shakespeare Sonnets: All 154 Sonnets With Explanations
Every sonnet translated into modern English: Shakespeare Sonnets: All 154 Sonnets With Explanations
A Comparison Of Petrarchan And Shakespearean Sonnets
How To Write A Sonnet: 3-Step Guide To Writing A Sonnet
What Is A Sonnet? Sonnets & Shakespearen Sonnets Explained
Popular Shakespeare Monologues and Soliloquies: An Analysis
‘Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent’ Soliloquy Analysis
‘To Be Or Not To Be’: Hamlet’s Soliloquy With Analysis
What’s In A Name? Romeo & Juliet Soliloquy Analysis
‘It Is The East And Juliet Is The Sun’: Soliloquy Analysis
‘And What’s He Then That Says I Play The Villain’ Soliloquy Analysis
‘Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow’: Macbeth Soliloquy
‘O, What A Rogue And Peasant Slave Am I!’: Hamlet Soliloquy
Shakespeare Quotes
Shakespeare Quotes: 55 Famous Quotes From The BardÂ
Shakespeare Love Quotes: 55 Romantic Shakespeare Quotes
Shakespeare Insults: 55 Shakespearean Insults & Put Downs
Hamlet Quotes: Read 30 Memorable Quotes From Hamlet
Macbeth Quotes: 60 Significant Quotes From Macbeth
Romeo And Juliet Quotes: 30 Top Quotes From Romeo And Juliet
Shakespeare Themes
Shakespeare Themes: What Are The & How Are They Used?
Analyses of Shakespeare’s Top Characters
Shakespeare Characters: Find All Of Shakespeare’s Characters
Shakespeare’s England
21 Fun Facts About Shakespeare’s London
Shakespeare & The Development Of Early Modern English
Other Resources for Teaching Shakespeare Online
Need some help with the lesson plan? These sites have got your back.
- This article from Medium lays out interactive ways to teach Shakespeare over video calls and shared documents.
- The Seattle Shakespeare Organization lays out more resources for online teaching tools.
- Shakespeare’s Globe in London provides their virtual teaching resources.
- The BBC has a hub for animated summaries and activities based around Shakespeare, specifically designed for kids.
Free or Inexpensive Film Versions of Shakespeare’s Works
Shakespeare’s plays were made to be seen, not read — which actually makes them perfect for virtual learning. If you’re reading a play and you’re finding it a bit confusing, it might help to watch and listen instead! Or, if you’re a teacher who wants to bring Shakespeare to life (or, let’s be real, have a little break from talking), here are some free or inexpensive filmed versions that are great for watching on the couch or sharing over a Zoom call:
This 2019 production is specially made for young people. Available for free on YouTubeÂ
through February 2021.
This 2008 production, directed by magicians Penn & Teller, is free on YouTube. Click on the link above for part one, and then part two will be in the YouTube description.
Ian Merrill Peakes plays Macbeth in the Folger’s 2008 production, available for free on YouTube.
Twelfth Night (1970) (Free!)
This film adaptation stars Sir Alec Guiness (yeah, Obi-Wan Kenobi) and is available for free on YouTube.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) (Free with subscription)
Kenneth Branath’s Much Ado is included with Amazon Prime.
The Taming of the Shrew (1980) and other plays (Free with subscription)Â
This play, along with many other BBC productions, are included with Amazon Prime (or are inexpensive to stream if you don’t have a membership).Â
Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet is available to rent for $2.99.
                Hamlet watches his mother’s wedding in Branagh’s Hamlet (1996)
Every sonnet, spoken by Sir Patrick Stewart
During the COVID-19 quarantine, Sir Patrick Stewart took to Instagram and filmed daily readings of each one of Shakespeare’s sonnets from home. So, to hear a real pro speak some of the sonnets, check out his page!
No matter if you’re 10 or 100, we hope that this page helps you in the transition into virtual learning. Can you think of anything to add? Let us know in the comments below!
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