Chop Bard

264 Caesar, Now Be Still

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act V scene 2-5 On the fields of Philippi the final battle rages, and Caesar is revenged.

263 Forever and Forever Farewell

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act V scene 1 The apposing armies meet at Philippi, but before the fight there must be words.

262 The Deep of Night

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act IV scene 3 Tension between Brutus and Cassius erupts, there's news of Portia, and Caesar makes an appearance.

261 Hollow Men

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act IV scene 1, 2 Both sides begin to shape and gather their forces in a divided Rome.

260 Honorable Men

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act III scene 2, 3 Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

259 The Ides of March

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act III scene 1 Caesar, escorted by his friends, arrives at his destiny.

258 Beast without a Heart

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 2, 3, 4 Calphurnia’s dreams add to Caesar’s Delma, as friends and foes hang in the balance.

258 Beast without a Heart

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 2, 3, 4 Calphurnia’s dreams add to Caesar’s Delma, as friends and foes hang in the balance.

257 O Conspiracy

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 1  Brutus comes to a bloody conclusion, the faction against Caesar is set in motion, and Portia demands answers.

257 O Conspiracy

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 1  Brutus comes to a bloody conclusion, the faction against Caesar is set in motion, and Portia demands answers.

256 Fear and Warning

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act I scene 3 Cassius finds inspiration in a violent storm, and another ally in the night.

255 Beware

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act I scene 2 Caesar is given a warning, Brutus has private thoughts, Cassius airs some grievances, and Casca tells us what happened...

254 Cruel Men of Rome

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Act I scene 1  A group of citizens are scolded for celebrating Caesar’s triumph.

253 Lend Me Your Ears

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julius Caesar – Introduction Brief history of Julius Caesar, events leading up to the beginning of the play, our ways and means of analyzing, and so...

252 Much Ado About Conclusions

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act V scene 2, 3, 4 Benedick is boastful, Beatrice too witty, Hero too innocent, Claudio’s a fool, yet love finds a way t...

251 Much Ado About Conviction

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act V scene 1 Claudio and the Prince are confronted with opposition and catastrophe.

250 Much Ado About Interrogation

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act IV scene 2 Dogberry goes about to examine the malefactors in the eftest way.

249 Much Ado About Revenge

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act IV scene 1 The worst wedding, two confessions of love, and a promise of death.

248 Much Ado About Anticipation

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 4, 5 Hero prepares for her wedding, Beatrice isn’t feeling so hot, Dogberry and Verges have it handled.

247 Much Ado About Vigitance

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 3  It’s the night before the wedding as the watch receive their instructions and try to keep the peace.

246 Much Ado About Perception

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 2  Benedick undergoes a transformation, and Don John sows doubt.

245 Much Ado About Noting

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 1 Beatrice hears some unexpected gossip.

244 Much Ado About Deception

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act II, scene 2, 3 Don John finds another way, while Benedick is made sport of.

243 Much Ado About Masks

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act II, scene 1 In the midst of a clever dance we encounter witty word play, misconceptions, and a new challenge.

242 Much Ado About Plots

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act I, scene 2, 3  Leonato is misinformed by his brother, and Don John wants to bite.

241 Much Ado About Arrivals

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Act I, scene 1 Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon, has come to visit the house of Leonato, governor of Messina. A cast of colo...

240 Much Ado

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Much Ado About Nothing – Into An introduction to our series on Much Ado About Nothing where we talk history, structure, and the building blocks of c...

239 Four Weddings and A Miracle

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act V, scene 3 and 4 Exiles and rustics gather to witness some magic and promised marriages.

238 The Magician

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act V, scene 1 and 2 Touchstone confronts a rival lover, and Rosalind promises a miracle.

237 The Lioness

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act IV, scene 2 and 3 Silvius delivers Phoebe’s letter, and Oliver finds Ganymede and Aliena.

236 Wicked Son of Venus

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act IV, scene 1 Ganymede attempts to cure Orlando, which sinks Rosalind deeper in love.

235 Know Yourself

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act III, scene 5 Rosalind inserts herself into a pageant of disharmony, and only makes things worse.

234 Among the Goats

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act III, scene 3 & 4 – Even a goat knows that love can turn a person into a fool but won’t make a fool personable.

233 The Trees Say Rosalind

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act III scene 1 & 2 Oliver is uprooted from his comfy life, as words abound in the forest.

232 All the World’s a Stage

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act II, scene 6 & 7 Unexpected encounters in the forest, as if life were a play.

231 The Forest of Arden

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act II, scene 4 & 5 Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone arrive in the forest. Jaques offers a dissenting note.

230 The Uses of Adversity

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act II, scene 1, 2, 3 While Duke Senior and his followers thrive in exile, Orlando is introduced to the perils of excellence.

229 Aliena and Ganymede

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act I, scene 3 – Rosalind and Celia’s world undergoes a sudden transformation.

228 Sport for Ladies

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act I, scene 2 – Rosalind and Celia encounter a clown, and witness a wrestling match.

227 How to Manage A Brother

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – Act I, scene 1 – Orlando wants what’s rightfully his.

226 As You Like It

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As You Like It – An introduction – A few survival tips before entering the forest of Arden, lest we fall foul a shouting shepherd and shrug his sh...

225 My Kingdom for a Horse

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act V Scene 3, 4, 5 At Bosworth field Richard will defend his crown. But the real battle will be fought within.

224 Richmond

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act IV Scene 4, 5 & Act V scene 1, 2  As Richard is bombarded with bad news, Stanley chooses a side, and another Henry appears. 

223 Let It Go

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act IV Scene 4  Margaret makes her final appearance, and Richard’s expedition to intercept Buckingham is interrupted.

222 Princes in the Tower

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act IV Scene 1, 2, 3  Richard may have the crown, but keeping it will require the blood of innocents.

221 Long Live the King

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act III Scene 5, 6, 7 Richard has operated from the shadows long enough, it’s time to sweep away the last of his obstacles and claim...

220 Divided Council

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act III Scene 2, 3, 4 It’s the day of the coronation council, and heads will roll.

219 The Ape and The Bear

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act III Scene 1 Prince Edward returns to London, accompanied by his Uncle Richard and Buckingham, minus an escort or two.  Kids Lear...

218 Incapable and Shallow Innocents

31 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act II Scene 2-4 The royal family suffers another devastating loss–one that shakes the realm–causing everyone to brace for the com...

217 The Fruits of Rashness

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act II Scene 1  The ailing King Edward tries to make peace among the peers before his time is done. Richard shows up to help.

216 Into the Malmsey Butt

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act I Scene 4  The Duke of Clarence recounts his dream, then receives a couple of unexpected visitors.

215 Live Long and Suffer

31 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act I Scene 3 Richard takes advantage of the family crisis to stir up animosity, and uses the past to slander the present.

214 Gentle Lady Anne

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act I Scene 2  Heaven and hell collide when Richard encounters the Lady Anne as she escorts the corpse of her father-in-law, King Hen...

213 Richard’s Discontent

29 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Act I Scene 1 Richard, having no place in a peaceful world, reveals his deadly intentions.

212 Son of York

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard III – Introduction In preparation for Richard III we talk about resources, quartos, the folio, history, recap what has come before, and begi...

211 Born With Teeth

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act V Scene 5, 6, 7  King Edward gets to work securing his reign. But restoring the peace means dealing with Margaret, the prince...

210 Die We Must

27 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act V Scene 1, 2, 3, 4 As the final battles play out, an end comes early for one of the mightiest, and not even a passionate speec...

209 Two Kings One Throne

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act IV Scene 5, 6  7, 8 Kings rescued, friends gathered, a glimmer of hope for the future, and the scent of battle wafting on the...

208 Warwick’s Revenge

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act IV Scene 1, 2, 3, 4 The crown is once again put in jeopardy, as King Edward refuses to see the error of his actions, and favor...

207 Bona Scorned

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act III Scene 3 Margaret and her Son Prince Edward travel to France seeking aid from King Lewis, just as Warwick arrives with a te...

206 A Dream of Sovereignty

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act III Scene 1, 2  Henry returns in disguise, as Edward abuses his power, and Richard contemplates his future.

205 The Woeful King

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act II Scene 3, 4, 5, 6 A bloody battle is underway, and Henry must bear witness to the cruelties of civil war.  

204 My Three Suns

30 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act II Scene 1, 2 After the brutal execution of York, it’s now up to his sons and Warwick to pick up the pieces and carry on rea...

203 Alas, Poor York

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act I Scene 2, 3, 4 As York’s sons urge him to reconsider his oath, Margaret and Clifford unleash their fury.

202 The Crown Undone

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 3 – Act I Scene 1  To avoid further bloodshed, King Henry makes a desperate proclamation. I’m not not sure the Queen will agree. ...

The Comedy of Errors, Act I

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scene 1 – A hall in Duke Solinus’s Palace.  (Duke of Ephesus, Egeon, Jailer) Scene 2 – The mart.  (Antipholus of Syracuse, First Merchant, Dro...

The Comedy of Errors, Act II

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scene 1 – The house of Antipholus of Ephesus.  (Adriana, Luciana, Dromio of Ephesus) Scene 2 – A public place.  (Antipholus of Syracuse, Dromio ...

The Comedy of Errors, Act III

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scene 1 – Before the house of Antipholus of Ephesus. (Antipholus of Ephesus, Dromio of Ephesus, Angelo, Balthazar, Luce, Adriana, Dromio of Syracuse...

The Comedy of Errors, Act IV

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scene 1 – A public place. (Second Merchant, Angelo, Officer, Antipholus of Ephesus, Dromio of Ephesus, Dromio of Syracuse) Scene 2 – A room in th...

The Comedy of Errors, Act V

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scene 1 – A street before an abbey. (Second Merchant, Angelo, Antipholus of Syracuse, Dromio of Syracuse, Adriana, Luciana, Courtezan, Lady Abbess,...

201 The White Rose Unveiled

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act V Scene 1, 2, 3  As York reaches for the crown, Yorkist and Lancastrian allies gather for the coming conflict.  The Comedy ...

200 Kill All The Lawyers

29 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act IV Scene 1-10 Suffolk, in disguise, sets sail into exile as Jack Cade and his Kentish rebels turn the realm upside down and in...

199 Murder In Bury

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act III Scene 2, 3 As the King is about to try Gloucester’s case, a suspicious death is discovered, and there will be hell to pa...

198 The Laboring Spider

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act III Scene 1  As Gloucester falls, York rises. 

197 Tangled

27 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act II Scene 2, 3, 4 York confides in his friends. Henry delivers his judgment. Peter thumps Horner. Humphrey and Eleanor part for...

196 Report of Naughty Persons

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act II Scene 1  King Henry and Queen Margaret, accompanied by quarreling nobles, are hawking in St. Albans when they encounter a ...

195 Within The Hallowed Verge 

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act I Scene 4 The witch, conjuror, and priest promised by John Hume, gather in Gloucesters garden where they will raise a spirit t...

194 Enter La Queen

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act I Scene 3 Queen Margaret confides in Suffolk. Gloucester is beset with slanders. A mechanical’s petition casts doubt on York...

193 Mrs. Protector

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act I Scene 2 Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester, knows how to overcome a base and humble mind.   Henry VI Relations and Association...

192 Ambition Follows

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 2 – Act I Scene 1 Suffolk returns from France with England’s new Queen, Margaret. Cardinal Beaufort sows discord against Gloucester.

191 Ash and Desire

22 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act V Scene 4, 5  Joan makes her fiery exit as France agrees to peace, and Henry chooses his Queen.

190 The Once and Future Queen

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act V Scene 1, 2, 3 An older King Henry still follows Gloucesters lead, as Winchester becomes a Cardinal, Joan despairs, and Marga...

189 Icarus

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act 4 Scene 2-7 As Talbot and son fight for their lives at Bordeaux, York and Somerset bicker over blame from a distance.

188 Two Crowns One King

31 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act IV Scene 1 In Paris, with his second coronation, Henry is now king of England and France, but the moment is eclipsed by traito...

187 Twit Me Not

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act III Scene 2, 3, 4Taunts are hurled from the walls of Rouen. Joan puts Burgundy’s loyalty to the test as King Henry arrives i...

186 Enter The King

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act III Scene 1 Even though he is only a child, King Henry VI makes his first appearance in order to stop the feuding between Glou...

185 Plucking Roses

30 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act II Scene 4, 5 An argument in the Temple Garden turns the red and white roses there into symbols of enmity. Richard Plantagenet...

184 Bizarre Interlude

29 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act 2 Scene 1, 2, 3 The historic loss of Orléans was too much to bear, therefore we will follow Talbot on a much more satisfying ...

183 None Shall Pass

20 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act I Scenes 3, 4, 5 (6) It’s not looking good. Gloucester is locked out of the tower. Talbot returns from captivity, only to wi...

182 The Maid Of Orléans

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act I Scene 2 Charles the Dauphin and his followers made a strong start, but their momentum falters at Orléans. Perhaps their sie...

181 Too Famous To Live

05 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Act I Scene 1 At the foot of Henry V’s coffin, messengers deliver bad news from France. Winchester goes to the dark side. Scott’...

180 The Road To Richard

07 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry VI part 1 – Intro – Is this Shakespeare? What’s Stylometry? Were there any famous Elizabethan pamphleteers? All of these questions, plus a...

179 All Is Mended

23 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act V scene 1 – To celebrate the triple wedding, and conclude our play, the rude mechanicals take to the stage, and li...

178 Bottom's Dream

31 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act IV scene 1 & 2 – The dream is ending. With the coming of dawn the mortal world takes hold, but some enchantments r...

177 What Fools These Mortals Be!

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act III scene 2 – Mistakes have been made, and hearts broken, setting the scene for one last romp in the faerie wood.

176 The Bottom Bower Hour

23 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act III scene 1 – The Rude Mechanicals meet in the woods to rehearse their play and discover they are not alone.

175 What The Puck

26 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act II scene 2 – Oberon and Robin set mischief in motion while Hermia and Lysander are lost in the woods.

174 Opportunity Of Night

31 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act II scene 1 The faerie king and queen, Oberon and Titania, are quarreling. It is not a good time for Demetrius and He...

173 Most Obscenely Done

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act I scene 2 The "rude mechanicals" gather in preparation for their great endeavor of performing a play for the Duke an...

172 Love Is A Battlefield

31 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Act I scene 1 – Conflicts abound four days before the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta.