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A review by happea
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For a work published in the late 1500's, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a timeless play that captivates themes relatable to contemporary youth. The collectivist expectation versus individual desire to seek out one's own future is expressed through a familial feud and the star-crossed romance that challenges it. There's a sense of escapism as two young lovers immediately fall for one another outside the oppressive confines of their parents view, but the foreshadowing of their inevitable demise only ascertains how omnipotent violence and societal pressures truly are in this world.
My favourite thematic contrast was between free will and fate as Shakespeare utilizes exasperated, and at times, humorously exaggerated circumstances to lead Romeo and Juliet to their foreseen end. Yet, the characters will to fall in love is a testament to how unpredictable human emotion is. Even though its been parodied numerous times, reading the actual play made me feel hope and despair during the lamentable ending of such a young vibrant couple.
Language and humour were definitely obstacles in this reading. Outside of the sexist punny humour, the iambic pentameter of Shakespeare's writing was a pleasant reading exercise (though sometimes tedious). All in all, I'd definitely be interested in watching a stage production of this!
My favourite thematic contrast was between free will and fate as Shakespeare utilizes exasperated, and at times, humorously exaggerated circumstances to lead Romeo and Juliet to their foreseen end. Yet, the characters will to fall in love is a testament to how unpredictable human emotion is. Even though its been parodied numerous times, reading the actual play made me feel hope and despair during the lamentable ending of such a young vibrant couple.
Language and humour were definitely obstacles in this reading. Outside of the sexist punny humour, the iambic pentameter of Shakespeare's writing was a pleasant reading exercise (though sometimes tedious). All in all, I'd definitely be interested in watching a stage production of this!