Page Contents
3. The Modern Edition (1)
3.1. Formatting (the appearance of the text)
3.1.1. General
Use minimal formatting, as the editions on the Internet are limited to the basic formatting codes understood by all common browsers.
- Use a single space as word separator at all times, even after punctuation.
- For the dash, as in typewriter copy, use two hyphens separated on each side by a single space. Do not use the m-dash.
- You may use italics to make your text easier to read, but must tag italicized words with the appropriate "conceptual" tag (<SD>, <TITLE> etc.).
- Line and paragraph breaks are indicated by a carriage return. See "Prose and verse" below.
3.1.2. The format of the modern text
a) Speech prefixes
Put speech prefixes on a separate line, boldface, and followed by a colon; separate all speeches by a blank line before the speech prefix. For details on the appearance of speech prefixes, see 4.4.7. below.
b) Speeches
All speeches are printed on the line following the speech prefix, even those where the line is divided. They should be contained in the tag <S> </S>. The speech as a whole includes the speech prefix and any included stage directions.
c) Stage directions
All stage directions should be on a separate line, with blank lines before and after. In the HTML version they will be in italic, including the names of characters; you need not, however, put them in italic in your word processor. They should be tagged with the <SD> </SD> container, with an "type" attribute indicating what kind of stage direction it is: <SD t=entrance | exit | setting | sound | delivery | whoto | action | other> </SD> (see 4.4.6, especially [e]). When there are separate kinds of stage directions, they should be recorded separately on separate lines. For details on the appearance of the names of characters, see 4.4.6-7. below.
d) Prose and verse
Verse is indicated simply enough by marking lines with a carriage return at the end of each line. Prose should be entered without breaking the lines, allowing them to wrap in your word processor. You may choose to divide long prose speeches with paragraph breaks, indicated by a carriage return. Think of the paragraph as a further means of modernizing the punctuation. In addition, you will be asked to define sections of the text as verse or prose using the tags <MODE> </MODE> (see Appendix A, section 2.1).
3.2. The components of the modern text: summary
The major constituent parts of a complete edition are listed here; see section 2.11.1 above for a listing of those component parts which can be seen as a minimum for independent publication. The more extensive items are discussed in more detail in the next section.
3.2.1. The Text
The following items may be published as a unit:
- preliminary matter
- list of the characters in the play and notes on this list
- the text
- textual introduction
- textual notes (i.e. collation notes)
3.2.2. A discussion of the date of the play
You may wish to publish this section of the edition at the same time as the text, since your conclusions (if any) may involve some of the same arguments you will be establishing in discussing other textual problems.
3.2.3. The Commentary
Once the text has been published, the commentary can be published separately. It will consist of the following:
- explanatory notes (discussed further below)
- additional notes, appendix or appendices (though in most cases material that would normally be contained in appendices will be independent files, linked as needed to other sections of the edition).
3.2.4. Supporting resources
Each text will be linked to a number of resources for the scholar and student. There is an opportunity for collaboration in the development of these resources. The resources can be added to over time, and will consist of at least the following:
- source materials (Shakespeare's sources; other original materials that assist in an understanding of the text and its context)
- an annotated bibliography
- a glossary
- an anthology of criticism, which will include your own critical discussion of the play
- graphics and multimedia performance materials
3.2.5. Supporting essays
Each text will be linked to essays written by the editor or a collaborator:
- a survey of critical approaches to the play
- a history of staging and performance
- a critical discussion of the play
- a discussion of computer analyses of the play (optional)
3.3. Preliminary matter
Items like tables of contents and title page will be generated by the manager of the site. Traditional preliminary materials to be included may include the following:
- dedication/acknowledgments (optional)
- preface (optional)
- list of abbreviations
- list of illustrations