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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
How does one review a Shakespearean classic?
While I have read this before, this comedy was a refreshing way to start a new year. Two summers ago, a local theatre produced the show in a 1960s setting.
One of the main reasons I enjoy Shakespeare's plays are his wit and sarcasm. And how often he presents the wit by breaking social norms. In this instance, the sarcasm is primarily delivered from the story's heroine, Rosalind, which broke societal expectations. As with Twelfth Night, the humor is heightened as a lady takes on the persona of a man and then is entangled in a love triangle, boldly proclaiming that she will love no woman.
The marriage of the fool is a little confusing and feels a bit forced in order to create three couples at the end, but I also appreciate the reconciliation of father to daughter and brother to brother.
While I have read this before, this comedy was a refreshing way to start a new year. Two summers ago, a local theatre produced the show in a 1960s setting.
One of the main reasons I enjoy Shakespeare's plays are his wit and sarcasm. And how often he presents the wit by breaking social norms. In this instance, the sarcasm is primarily delivered from the story's heroine, Rosalind, which broke societal expectations. As with Twelfth Night, the humor is heightened as a lady takes on the persona of a man and then is entangled in a love triangle, boldly proclaiming that she will love no woman.
The marriage of the fool is a little confusing and feels a bit forced in order to create three couples at the end, but I also appreciate the reconciliation of father to daughter and brother to brother.
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Here's the thing - I love Shakespeare's comedies almost no matter how stupid. I love characters in disguise and mistaken identity. I have seen this twice (once on stage and once the 2006 film) but honestly didn't remember much except the main characters' names and that they flee to the forest. I blew through reading this and found it entertaining, and I really would love to see it live again.
Very funny, but it does lack a good overall set connecting tissue, plot wise. Still great
Emma Smith encourages me to compare and contrast the scenes in court vs. the forest (as a "pastorale"), but I want to ponder instead on the character of Rosalind.
I definitely want to reread this one. I think I've read it twice including once in college, and I think I could better appreciate the pastoral aspect of it
I haven't read this play since my freshman year of high school, and I see I rated it a 2. As a 2nd-year MA student, I love the gender fluidity and blatant sexuality of this play! Rosalind and Celia could be lesbian lovers, and melancholy Jacques might be the gay man Shakespeare has ignored. I don't know these answers, but I enjoy the wit of the leading ladies regardless. Very glad I read this play in that honors English high school class and not Romeo and Juliet like the regular class read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I some iconic lines not attributed here in my mind. recognizedThough starting at a breakneck speed, the pace slows considerably later in but there lies still more drama. I can imagine it overall loses luster when read rather than portrayed on stage, but it was overall meh for me.