Blue "Student" mode is designed to assist a user who has advanced beyond determining the basic meaning of the words, and is placing them in context. In this mode, some words in the text appear in blue - indicating that they are annotated. Clicking directly on the word(s) will access the note. In general, these are more interpretive in nature. Notes come in three types:
Explanatory Notes - These notes are more informational than instantly practical, meant to bring attention to aspects like interesting interpretive possibilities in the play, topical references and specifics of production history. Where appropriate, illustrations may be provided to make the visual implications more concrete.
Mythological References and Classical Allusions – One of the reasons that Shakespeare often seems difficult for contemporary actors and audiences to understand is the extensive references he makes to classical Greek and Roman literature, including mythology. These notes about classical allusions in the play are intended to elucidate the references, themselves, and the emotional or symbolic significance they might have held for Shakespeare's audience.
Textual Alternatives - The final type of note is the most esoteric – the textual alternative, or variant:
Notes with a title line of "Textual Alternative" indicate that there is a viable alternative reading available–which was not adopted for this edition–but about which the reader/performer may wish to know. The notes elucidate cases where modern editors disagree about what the original wording was, or where authorial revision might have provided another option.
Notes about textual alternative take this form:
wanes] Q2 & F; waves Q1The reading adopted in this edition is indicated in front of the square bracket. Behind the bracket is an indication of the source of this reading. After the semi-colon, the alternative reading follows, along with an indication of the Renaissance edition(s) that include(s) it. The abbreviations used in these notes are: