Making connections for teachers between Shakespeare and his historical context on the one hand and secondary students on the other, this book presents background information, commentary, resources, and classroom ideas to enliven students' encounters with Shakespeare. The book concentrates on "Romeo and Juliet,""Julius Caesar,""Macbeth," and "Hamlet." Each of the book's chapters includes classroom activities that focus students' attention on their own responses to Shakespeare. Following an introductory first chapter, the book presents an overview of ways in which literary scholars and critics have approached Shakespeare and then looks at Shakespeare's language and examines how to help novices understand why it is so different from modern speech. The book situates Shakespeare in his speech and writing community, discussing books and education in late medieval and Tudor times, and explores what is known and can be inferred about Shakespeare's life. The book then focuses on his plots, which can seem preposterous to modern students, and the dramatic conventions and historical realities on which they hinge. Finally, the book takes a close look at today's culturally diverse students, underscoring their easily overlooked resources for understanding the plays, suggesting participatory activities for studying them, and advising teachers to become aware of today's youth culture and to work to connect students' lives with the diverse and vivid life in the dramas. (SR)