1. Context is King:
* The Play as a Whole:
* What's the play about? Understanding the central themes, conflicts, and characters' motivations will help you see how individual lines fit into the larger picture.
* What's the play's style? Is it a comedy, tragedy, historical drama? The genre informs the tone and meaning of the lines.
* Who's speaking? Consider the character's background, relationships, and personality.
* The Scene:
* What happened before? The preceding dialogue and actions set up the context for the difficult line.
* What happens after? The immediate response of other characters can shed light on the line's significance.
2. Digging Deeper:
* Word Choice: Pay attention to the specific words used.
* Connotations: Do words have double meanings, or hidden implications?
* Figurative Language: Are there metaphors, similes, or symbolism?
* Imagery: What images or sensory details are evoked?
* Structure:
* Sentence Structure: Is the sentence simple or complex? Does the syntax emphasize certain words?
* Repetition: Does a word or phrase repeat? What effect does it have?
3. Tools of the Trade:
* Annotations: Write notes in the margins. Explain the meaning of unfamiliar words, connect lines to themes, and note any interesting literary devices.
* Dictionaries: Use a dictionary to look up the precise meaning of words, particularly if they are archaic or have multiple definitions.
* Literary Criticism: Read what scholars and critics have written about the play. They may offer valuable insights.
* Discussion: Talk about the difficult lines with other readers or classmates. Sharing ideas can often lead to new understandings.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice:
* Read Aloud: Hearing the lines spoken can sometimes help you grasp their meaning more easily.
* Role-Play: Try acting out the scene with a partner. Embodying the characters can lead to deeper understanding.
Example:
Let's say you're struggling with this line from Shakespeare's *Hamlet*:
> "To be, or not to be, that is the question."
Applying the strategies:
* Context: Hamlet is contemplating suicide. The play is a tragedy about revenge, loss, and the nature of life and death.
* Word Choice: "To be" implies existence, while "not to be" signifies non-existence. "Question" suggests a choice.
* Structure: The simple sentence structure emphasizes the stark choice Hamlet faces.
* Imagery: The line evokes a sense of uncertainty and contemplation.
By considering these factors, you can unpack the meaning of the line: Hamlet is wrestling with the fundamental question of whether it's better to endure the pain of life or to escape it by ending his own existence.
Remember: Don't be afraid to ask for help! There are many resources available, and a good teacher or tutor can be invaluable.