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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
As always, the plot was thin but the language was poetic. The tale is of two sets of couples. The first set is a happy couple ready and willing to marry. The second couple is a pair witty and quick to insult each other. In fact, the only reason they become a couple is that they are convinced by their friends that they secretly love each other. The main drama of the tale happens with the vile villain, Don John, spreads the rumor the woman of the happy couple is cheating on her man. Miscommunication ensues. It's a good thing I don't read Shakespeare for the plots.
This play had The Bard's usual way with words, which isn't always the easiest to read. The trickster character. Dogberry, and his cronies were in the habit of throwing around erroneous witty barbs. For example, they would say damnation when it was clear from the context of the sentence that they meant, salvation. It was tough to keep the conversation straight during these exchanges. For some passages, a second read was required. Only then was the humor fully conveyed.
There were also a lot of allusions to events and contemporary culture that is lost on the modern audience. What struck me when reading this play (and has stuck me on other plays) is that a second read of most passages will raise the appreciation for the story. Shakespeare was a man attuned to his time and while the language and even the plots are timeless, so much in his works are not. That doesn't detract from it, far from it. I think it reveals how great a writer he really was. You can read a play and enjoy it for the language and characters (if not the plot) while not getting a lot of the allusions. But if once you get the allusions you find a new appreciation for his skill.
This play had The Bard's usual way with words, which isn't always the easiest to read. The trickster character. Dogberry, and his cronies were in the habit of throwing around erroneous witty barbs. For example, they would say damnation when it was clear from the context of the sentence that they meant, salvation. It was tough to keep the conversation straight during these exchanges. For some passages, a second read was required. Only then was the humor fully conveyed.
There were also a lot of allusions to events and contemporary culture that is lost on the modern audience. What struck me when reading this play (and has stuck me on other plays) is that a second read of most passages will raise the appreciation for the story. Shakespeare was a man attuned to his time and while the language and even the plots are timeless, so much in his works are not. That doesn't detract from it, far from it. I think it reveals how great a writer he really was. You can read a play and enjoy it for the language and characters (if not the plot) while not getting a lot of the allusions. But if once you get the allusions you find a new appreciation for his skill.
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Genuinely laugh out loud funny. Full of classic and archetypal Shakespearian characters that never disappoint.
theyre all so silly like. SPEAK TO EACH OTHER!!! PLEASE!!!
I understand Shakespeare more now than I did in high school, but man it’s still a slog for me. I think I prefer the film adaptations :D # blasphemy
I really appreciate that the summaries of each scene were presented at the beginning of each one in this edition, it definitely helped me as I was reading.
I really appreciate that the summaries of each scene were presented at the beginning of each one in this edition, it definitely helped me as I was reading.
Watch Joss Whedon's version of this. Let Nathan Fillion be your Dogberry.
emotional
funny
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fine Shakespearean play. The Folger Library edition provides useful insight and background. Recommended.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes