Where can I find the Modern English translation of Shakespeares “The Merchant of Venice?”
There is no such thing, which helps to explain why many foreigners like Shakespeare better than English speakers–they aren’t tied to what is rapidly becoming a foreign dialect. (A dialect can be defined as “Any language that you can learn in a semester or less because it is so similar to your own language.” Conversely, a language can be defined as “the dialect that controls the army.”) All the arguments against translating Shakespeare were used up and worn out insisting on the King James Version only–which you are welcome to if you want it that way, but since the Bible has been translated into modern English, countless millions have been sold and are being read far more than the King James Version was. Someday, someone who is a great poet, a master of modern English and an Elizabethan specialist is going to translate Shakespearean plays–and when he does, he’s going to get very rich.
This site has some info about Shakespeare plays that will help to make them easier to understand www.william-shakespeare.info The Merchant of Venice is on there with a helpful plot summary which should help you to follow the story. You can also find downloads of the “stories” of Shakespeare plays at www.penguinreaders.com. Its a slow site but this might help you to follow the play if you have trouble with the language. Generally, it really is worth getting used to the way Shakespeare uses language- its difficult because its unfamiliar, but it really is worth appreciating it- his use of verse, his double-entendres, and subtle puns are all part of the joy. There is a particular speech by Shylock in the Merchant of Venice that I feel would be a particular shame if you didn’t experience the original. If you’re having trouble with understanding the twists and turns of the language an excellent range of texts I’d recommend are the New Cambridge editions of Shakespeare’s plays- they have expl
