Shakspearian Readings: Selected and Adapted for Young Persons and Others

Excerpt from Shakspearian Readings: Selected and Adapted for Young Persons and Others

In selecting and adapting these Readings, I have been guided by the experience of some five and twenty years. During this time, it has been a part of my occupation, as it still is, to read Shakspeare in public and private circles; and during a still longer time, another, and the more constant, part of my employment has been, to familiarize young persons of both sexes with the beauties of English literature; in the lessons for which purpose, I need not say that Shakspeare has always been a prominent subject of attention. My experience in the former part of my duty made me sensible, that, to fix the attention of an audience to the poetry even of Shakspeare, much must be omitted that is dwelt upon with delight in silent reading; and means must be used to connect the dialogue, and keep the several characters in view, less awkward than reading the stage directions for the entrances and exits, and the names of the speakers, as each comes forward on the scene. The passages selected and adapted with these views for my Readings in public, I found not less useful in my lessons to young persons in private.

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