Research
Shakespeare research can come off as overly-officious, too-academic and inaccessible to the lay fan of Shakespeare; which is the opposite of how, and why, Shakespeare wrote – he wrote for everybody and everyday people. It is with this in mind the Project’s write-up style has a very distinct, non-academic vibe to it; the opposite of conventional Shakespearean research. To that end, SDRP research is accessible – written in an easily understandable, straight-forward fashion. The Project did its best to ensure the write-up of its research and style are accessible to all Shakespeare fans; after all, he wrote for the masses.
Shakespearean scholars are known for their deep dives and eager extrapolations. The proper placement of a comma, whether the poor thing should even be there in the first place or lack of one has been known to send Shakespearean researchers and editors into fits and onto stress leave for weeks at a time; editorial duels have been fought at paces over differing opinions on metre, asides and stage directions; a second best bed has given rise to first class debates.
Given the breadth and quantity of sub-disciplines Shakespeare’s life and works have birthed the lack of research surrounding his death is difficult to comprehend. Shakespearean researchers, scholars and editors are an enquiring, enthusiastic bunch but the gap in the historical record surrounding his cause of death has led to a baffling gap in concomitant research. SDRP decided to fill the research gap.
This website includes only a portion – a snapshot – of SDRP’s research. The pages are set-up in somewhat chronological order, i.e., it might be easier to follow the Project’s methodology and narrative if the subpages are read in order; not necessary, but focus groups have found it easier.
Should any reader be interested in the broad-stroke basics – the abridged adaptation – a summary, a very short summary, of the research can be found on the ‘Short Version’ webpage.
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more…