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spottedtea's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Angelo:
"O place, O form,
How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit,
Wrench awe from fools and tie the wiser souls
To thy false seeming!"
Full of thematic depth and intrigue. The plot itself is maybe rather predictable, but it's execution is satisfying (except for the very end, I felt it wraps up a little too nicely). A wonderful exploration of the meaning of justice and Christian substitution. And as a cherry on top, there is some legitimately laugh-out-loud lines to lighten the mood. There are also some highly descriptive passages on sexual intercourse, which were both hilarious and shockingly modern.
The Oxford World's Classics edition also has the benefit of a very in-depth introduction and textual notes throughout that make reading in the original parlance much more understandable. I just wish there were asterisks or bolding of the words that had notes written beneath, because as is you have to do a lot of glancing back and forth on the page as a reader (which is very tiring and cumbersome). But as the Duke says:
"Put not yourself into amazement
how these things should be; all difficulties are but easy
when they are known."
"O place, O form,
How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit,
Wrench awe from fools and tie the wiser souls
To thy false seeming!"
Full of thematic depth and intrigue. The plot itself is maybe rather predictable, but it's execution is satisfying (except for the very end, I felt it wraps up a little too nicely). A wonderful exploration of the meaning of justice and Christian substitution. And as a cherry on top, there is some legitimately laugh-out-loud lines to lighten the mood. There are also some highly descriptive passages on sexual intercourse, which were both hilarious and shockingly modern.
The Oxford World's Classics edition also has the benefit of a very in-depth introduction and textual notes throughout that make reading in the original parlance much more understandable. I just wish there were asterisks or bolding of the words that had notes written beneath, because as is you have to do a lot of glancing back and forth on the page as a reader (which is very tiring and cumbersome). But as the Duke says:
"Put not yourself into amazement
how these things should be; all difficulties are but easy
when they are known."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
kibbles15's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This is not one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. The play delves into the complexities of morality, sex, hypocrisy, and the governing of such behaviors. At times the play does get sensual and bawdy. (Which is not really my style of reading.) I will say that while the play is sensual, it is not uncomfortably so. Shakespeare leaves a lot to interpretation. In terms of the cast, none of the characters are particularly likable. However, they do have a realness to them that you don't always see in this kind of play. I give this play 2 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Minor: Sexism
jazrphillips's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Rape, Acephobia/Arophobia, War, Pregnancy, and Death
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