The Best Order to Read Shakespeare: A Beginner's Guide

William Shakespeare is the most famous playwright in human history, but let’s be honest: diving into his work for the first time can be incredibly intimidating. The archaic language, the complex political plots, and the sheer volume of his writing leave many readers abandoning the Bard before they even finish the first act.

The biggest mistake new readers make? Starting with the wrong play.

If you pick up King Lear or Hamlet on day one, you are playing on hard mode. To truly enjoy Shakespeare, you need to ease into his rhythm, vocabulary, and humor.

Whether you are reading the text or listening to a synchronized audiobook, here is the absolute best order to read Shakespeare to go from a hesitant beginner to a confident fan.

1. The Gateway Comedy: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Always start with a comedy, and there is no better entry point than A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This play has everything that makes Shakespeare fun: magic, mischievous fairies, amateur actors putting on a terrible play, and a chaotic love square. The plot is incredibly easy to follow, the pacing is brisk, and the language is famously lyrical and light. It trains your brain to understand his rhythm without getting bogged down in heavy philosophy.

📖 Read or Listen to A Midsummer Night's Dream on TomeReader

2. The Accessible Tragedy: Macbeth

Once you have conquered a comedy, it is time to try a tragedy. Skip the massive historical epics and go straight to Macbeth.

Also known as "The Scottish Play," Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s shortest and most fast-paced works. It reads like a modern psychological thriller. It features witches, a bloody grab for the throne, paralyzing guilt, and intense action. Because it is so compact, there is very little filler, making it the perfect introduction to Shakespeare's darker themes.

📖 Read or Listen to Macbeth on TomeReader

3. The Familiar Romance: Romeo and Juliet

You already know the story, and that is exactly why it is the perfect third read.

Because you aren't struggling to figure out what happens next, you can actually focus on how Shakespeare is telling the story. You will quickly realize that the play is much funnier, far more rebellious, and way more action-packed than pop culture makes it out to be. It bridges the gap between the witty banter of his comedies and the crushing weight of his tragedies.

📖 Read or Listen to Romeo and Juliet on TomeReader

4. The Masterpiece: Hamlet

Now that you have your sea legs, you are ready for the crown jewel.

Hamlet is arguably the greatest piece of literature in the English language. It is a sprawling, deeply philosophical ghost story about a prince paralyzed by grief and the demand for revenge. It is a heavier, longer read, but because you have spent time with his earlier works, you will be able to fully appreciate the legendary soliloquies and complex character dynamics without getting lost in the prose.

📖 Read or Listen to Hamlet on TomeReader

5. The Swan Song: The Tempest

End your introductory journey with The Tempest.

Believed to be the final play Shakespeare wrote entirely by himself, The Tempest is a beautiful blend of comedy, romance, and magical realism. It follows an exiled sorcerer on a remote island manipulating a shipwreck to orchestrate his revenge and his daughter's marriage. It is widely read as Shakespeare’s heartfelt farewell to the stage, making it a highly rewarding read for those who have come to appreciate his genius.

📖 Read or Listen to The Tempest on TomeReader

Tips for Reading Shakespeare

Listen While You Read: Shakespeare was meant to be heard, not just read silently on a page. Using a platform like TomeReader to play the audiobook while you follow along with the text will instantly clarify the emotion, sarcasm, and intent behind the old English.
Don't Get Stuck on Individual Words: If you don't know a word, keep going. The context of the sentence will usually reveal the meaning.
Read the Summary First: There are no spoilers in 400-year-old plays! Knowing the plot beforehand lets you enjoy the poetry without stressing over who is who.

Ready to dive in? Pick your first play on TomeReader and experience the classics exactly as they were meant to be enjoyed!