Inside Shakespeare's plays
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The power of three in As You Like It
We all know that Shakespeare loved twins, but less talked about is how much he adored triplets. Shakespeare understood the power of three and deployed it, perhaps most unexpectedly, says Austin Tichenor, in the comedy As You Like It.
Five questions | As You Like It
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s festive comedies, but there are also heavier themes in the play. We asked Folger Director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper for her take on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy.
As You Like It as an early Shakespeare talkie
In 1936, Britain’s first feature-length Shakespeare “talkie” premiered: As You Like It featuring Elisabeth Bergner and Laurence Olivier in his first Shakespeare role on screen. Explore the film’s press kits and study guides.
Shakespearean Numbers
Shakespeare’s era was abuzz with mathematical progress. Rob Eastaway uncovers the many surprising ways math shaped Shakespeare’s plays―and his world―in an excerpt from his book, Much Ado About Numbers.
Quiz: Food, drink, and Shakespeare
From sweet potatoes to ale, try our quiz on eating and drinking in Shakespere’s plays.
Saint Crispin's Day Speech from Henry V
We may recognize Saint Crispin’s Day from its famous mention in Shakespeare’s Henry V. But who is Saint Crispin and why is he celebrated on October 25?
Quiz: Ghosts in Shakespeare's plays
Challenge yourself with our haunting quiz about the phantoms and apparitions in Shakespeare’s plays and how they are portrayed, from Banquo’s ghost in Macbeth to Hamlet’s father’s Ghost, and many more.
Shakespeare in the news
A round-up of stories about Shakespeare in the news this month—a September issue of our own—with discoveries about miniature portraits, Emma Smith’s webinar series, reading recs for kids, and ad parodies from Improvised Shakespeare.
Twelfth Night indoors and out
Scholar Simon Smith explores Twelfth Night’s rich history on indoor and outdoor stages, asking how different spaces shape the play’s performance possibilities.
Quiz: How well do you know Twelfth Night?
It’s full of joy, love, music, and mistaken identities. Challenge yourself with our quiz about Twelfth Night!
Shakespeare quotes about fools
Shakespeare mentions the word “fool” more than 300 times. Here are seven quotes, often spoken by one of his wise—and witty—fools.
Quiz: The women in Hamlet
Try our quiz about the women in Hamlet, from Gertrude to Ophelia… and more.