When it comes to literature, it is almost impossible to talk about anything without mentioning William Shakespeare or one of his works. Not only is he frequently quoted (and misquoted) but his plays still continue to inspire modern-day writers. The Bard’s works have also been translated into hundreds of languages around the world, including Portuguese.

If you are looking to read Shakespeare’s writings in Portuguese, you might find it quite daunting at first, especially due to his use of complex vocabulary. For a beginner, Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet might seem like a collection of the most elaborate, often incomprehensible words. But once you read them and begin to understand, you will appreciate the beauty of his prose and also realize why and how he still holds such immense influence on the world of literature.

So, if you have bought a copy of Romeu e Julieta and are unsure how to read it, here are some tips for you to keep in mind:

1. Don’t be intimidated

Even with translations, Shakespeare’s language can still feel difficult to understand. But you shouldn’t let that intimidate you. Keep in mind that during the time when his plays were written, they were a form of low-level entertainment. They weren’t meant for the cultured elite. So, if peasants during the Elizabethan era can understand them, you can, too.

2. Listen to audio books

Before you attempt to read Shakespeare, it might help to listen to it and know about the plot. Audio books are a great alternative to traditional books because they not only make the books more fun but also allow you to “read” without taking a dedicated time out of your day. Moreover, when you have some inkling of the plot, it becomes much easier to focus on the book without having to piece together who the characters are.

3. Act it out

Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be acted out. So, reading it also requires active participation and engagement. You can bring a couple of friends together and act out a scene or act from the play. This will make the process of reading and learning more fun and also help you understand the context of the expressions.

4. Know and understand the characters

Every Shakespeare play has a long list of characters and sometimes keeping track of them can be quite tricky. This is made even difficult by the fact that Shakespeare often used more than one character with the same name. Also, some characters would appear in the first act and then disappear until the last scene. You can make this easy on yourself by making a list of all the characters and writing a brief description of each.

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