Do your research

Before diving into reading the play, first look up the plot of the play to gain an understanding of the overall plot. Don’t be intimidated by the language, break it down. ​

 

Watch the play

I would highly recommend watching different versions of the play, this way you visually see the actors performing the text. Try and read along with the play text if you can. The wiliamshakespearethings Tumblr has a great list of filmed plays and movie adaptations. 

 

Read the text aloud

Read the words out loud. Whether you are new to the Shakespearian language or not, this can really help. Not only does it mean you take the words slower but hearing it aloud can help you to understand elements you may have missed just reading it. 

 

Read and Re-read

Don’t just read it once, I highly recommend reading it again and again. The first read through you get the general gist, the second time details start to come through, the third you start understanding the characters. Read it as many times as it takes for you to get a clear understanding. 

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Don't give up! 

Don’t be so hard on yourself! Understanding Shakespeare is difficult and at times it can seem like you are reading a forgein language, keep persevering with it, it does become clearer the more you watch and read.