Studying Shakespeare

Worksheet Description

The worksheet is tailored to students studying Shakespeare, focusing on the identification and analysis of double entendres within his plays. At the top, a space is provided for the student to write their name. The worksheet features the heading “Reading Shakespeare” and a silhouette of Shakespeare himself, setting a thematic tone for the assignment. Students are instructed to jot down examples of double entendre as they read, noting the specific act, scene, and line(s) from the text where the double meaning occurs.

The body of the worksheet is structured to foster analytical skills, with sections prompting students to quote the line containing the double entendre, identify the specific word or phrase responsible for the double meaning, and explore the historical meanings of the word during Shakespeare’s era. Students are then asked to explain the double entendre, linking it to the text and its potential significance in the play’s context. This methodical approach encourages a deep dive into the text, enhancing the student’s appreciation for Shakespeare’s linguistic creativity and the subtleties of Elizabethan English. The worksheet is designed to be used multiple times, with two examples provided per page, allowing for repeated practice and exploration of different