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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
The first romantic tragedy I read when I was in 7th standard. I have always loved every single verse from this play and I had remembered them by heart as a boy.
O teach me how I should forget to think
I was prepared to be underwhelmed by a jaded near fifty return to this plethora of love-anchored verse. It was quite the opposite, as I found myself steeled with philosophy "adversity's sweet milk" and my appreciation proved ever enhanced by the Bard's appraisal of the human condition. How adroit to have situated such between two warring tribes, under a merciful deity, an all-too-human church and the wayward agency of hormonal teens. Many complain of this being a classic Greek drama adapted to a contemporary milieu. There is also a disproportionate focus on the frantic pacing in the five acts. I can appreciate both concerns but I think such is beyond the point. The chorus frames matters in terms of destiny, a rumination on Aristotelian tragedy yet the drama unfolds with caprice being the coin of the realm. Well, as much agency as smitten couples can manage. Pacing is a recent phenomenon, 50 episodes of The Wire for McNulty to walk away from the force, a few less for Dickens' Little Nell to die.
Shakespeare offers insights on loyalty and human frailty as well as the Edenic cursing of naming in some relative ontology. Would Heidegger smell as sweet? My mind's eye blurs the poise of Juliet with that of Ophelia; though no misdeeds await the Capulet, unless being disinherited by Plath's Daddy is the road's toll to a watery sleep. The black shoe and the attendant violent delights.
I was prepared to be underwhelmed by a jaded near fifty return to this plethora of love-anchored verse. It was quite the opposite, as I found myself steeled with philosophy "adversity's sweet milk" and my appreciation proved ever enhanced by the Bard's appraisal of the human condition. How adroit to have situated such between two warring tribes, under a merciful deity, an all-too-human church and the wayward agency of hormonal teens. Many complain of this being a classic Greek drama adapted to a contemporary milieu. There is also a disproportionate focus on the frantic pacing in the five acts. I can appreciate both concerns but I think such is beyond the point. The chorus frames matters in terms of destiny, a rumination on Aristotelian tragedy yet the drama unfolds with caprice being the coin of the realm. Well, as much agency as smitten couples can manage. Pacing is a recent phenomenon, 50 episodes of The Wire for McNulty to walk away from the force, a few less for Dickens' Little Nell to die.
Shakespeare offers insights on loyalty and human frailty as well as the Edenic cursing of naming in some relative ontology. Would Heidegger smell as sweet? My mind's eye blurs the poise of Juliet with that of Ophelia; though no misdeeds await the Capulet, unless being disinherited by Plath's Daddy is the road's toll to a watery sleep. The black shoe and the attendant violent delights.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh, what a change from the first time I've read this play years ago. From my first read, I thought the plot was lacking but I remember I liked a lot of the quotes. But reading it the second time, it is as if my eyes have been opened for the first time. So quickly have I learned to love these star-crossed lovers and their tragic love story.
The pacing was incredibly fast this time around and I couldn't put it down. That when we didn't read, I was itching to read it again, even if it means going back to past scenes just to be with them again.
Romeo, a completely charismatic and charming young man, has made me blush and giggle so often. He felt his emotions so deeply, and was not afraid to weep. He loved Juliet as if she were the Sun, and oh, how he worshipped her. Their love may have bloomed instantly but there was no doubt that they were destined to be together. Their speeches often paralleled one another, it continues to amaze me time and time again.
Juliet, my pure, sweet Juliet. So young, so precious, so in love. I pitied her most of all. She merely wanted to be loved but the hatred between their families pushed her further and further into Death's way. My heart broke for her when her parents treated her so maliciously. Life was too rough on sweet Juliet.
I was completely in awe of William's writing in this play. If I had a highlighter with me, I would've highlighted nearly every scene. The penmanship was incredible and it has bumped up this play to my second favourite one. The quotes, the plot, the pacing, the characters, the feels. I loved every part of it and I am so happy I gave it another chance. I feel like a changed person as of this moment. Rest in peace, sweet Romeo and Juliet. May you find happiness in the afterlife.
The pacing was incredibly fast this time around and I couldn't put it down. That when we didn't read, I was itching to read it again, even if it means going back to past scenes just to be with them again.
Romeo, a completely charismatic and charming young man, has made me blush and giggle so often. He felt his emotions so deeply, and was not afraid to weep. He loved Juliet as if she were the Sun, and oh, how he worshipped her. Their love may have bloomed instantly but there was no doubt that they were destined to be together. Their speeches often paralleled one another, it continues to amaze me time and time again.
Juliet, my pure, sweet Juliet. So young, so precious, so in love. I pitied her most of all. She merely wanted to be loved but the hatred between their families pushed her further and further into Death's way. My heart broke for her when her parents treated her so maliciously. Life was too rough on sweet Juliet.
I was completely in awe of William's writing in this play. If I had a highlighter with me, I would've highlighted nearly every scene. The penmanship was incredible and it has bumped up this play to my second favourite one. The quotes, the plot, the pacing, the characters, the feels. I loved every part of it and I am so happy I gave it another chance. I feel like a changed person as of this moment. Rest in peace, sweet Romeo and Juliet. May you find happiness in the afterlife.
With more MERCUTIO it woulda earned more stars. sorry Shakes
I actually really enjoyed it. I thought it was very beautiful. The writing was gorgeous and there was something beautiful about being that in love to kill yourself.
dark
tense
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My first ever Shakespeare read as a little high-school freshman. 0/10 would recommend as a romance, but 100/10 as a tragedy.