Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet discussion


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should I read it!?

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message 151: by Faye (last edited Jul 25, 2012 03:05AM) (new) - added it

Faye It is not really that difficult, what the problem is with Shakespeare is that people are scared to read it. May I suggest that you get the play and read that, a lot of schools use this and they use the side by side version, whilst they read the original play, on the facing page is the 'easy' version, this is good in case you get a little lost. Seriously I agree with Shelley - don't let it scare you. Enjoy it.Also sometimes it helps to watch the movie first.


message 152: by Michael (new) - rated it 1 star

Michael Morris It has some beautiful lines, but actually is one of the worst plays Shakespeare ever wrote. He can't tell if it is a comedy or tragedy until midway through. The main characters should be grounded for life, and their death is more stupidity than tragic (and yet the parents are to blame somehow). No. Read something good by the great Bard. This isn't it.


message 153: by Vera (new) - rated it 1 star

Vera Michael wrote: "It has some beautiful lines, but actually is one of the worst plays Shakespeare ever wrote. He can't tell if it is a comedy or tragedy until midway through. The main characters should be grounded f..." I just have to agree... "their death is more stupidity than tragic" and I think that´s why I didn´t like this book. After reading it I felt stupidy by their stupidity...


Shelley But Shakespeare's worst is so much better than anybody else's best....

Shelley
Rain, A Dust Bowl Story
http://dustbowlpoetry.wordpress.com


Annesha To all the people who've been calling it over dramatic: Shakespeare is, and always will be over dramatic. Romeo and Juliet is, after all, a drama. Some people might find it sappy or "mushy" and the like, but my advice is just to go with it. So it's romantic, so it's emotional. But so what? It's Shakespeare, revel in it! Also, a big part of this play in general is the strength and suddenness of young love. Shakespeare makes the dialogue between characters more dramatic than in any other play I can remember, and it's part of the message.


message 156: by Amelia (new) - rated it 1 star

Amelia I don't recommend it. It is cheesy, stupid, unrealistic and over-rated.


message 157: by Alison (new) - rated it 5 stars

Alison It's not a book it's a play with some of the most dramatic and moving poetry ever written. It's a stunningly moving play particularly when performed well . I find it hard to watch because of the emotions it stirs. Watch the Baz Lehrman film as he only uses dialogue from the play but then see it performed by a good theatre company then read it. Plays are supposed to be seen not necessarily read but having pictures in your head from the play or film would help when reading the play if you have to read it. You don 't have to read Shakespeare to understand or appreciate his work. Go to the play as most people who saw the plays in the 16 / 17 th century would have been illiterate and so needed over the top drama and sometimes obvious devices to drive a the story along while others enjoyed the poetry of the lines that were written to be listened to not read.


message 158: by [deleted user] (new)

Amelia wrote: "I don't recommend it. It is cheesy, stupid, unrealistic and over-rated."
I don't either! It's all those things and more.


Catherine Definitely see the play. Then read it.


Melissa Mayberry Shelley wrote: "I agree with Clovergirl and Robin that it isnt a difficult book but for someone who is reluctant to delve into Romeo and Juliet the "side by side" can be reassuring and helpful. I found that it hel..."

I'd say if you aren't reading it as a required reading where you have to discuss it with people that understand it, you definetly have to get "Shakepeare Made Easy." Language develops over time and they had a different time, different language. You may miss important points otherwise.


Alessandra Zavagno YESS!! It's a basic for any Shakespeare study; etc. If you get the annotated version, that would be easier to read though. I suggest also watching both movies; the newest one (directed by Baz Lurman) is not faithful to the book as much as the old one. It basically slaughters the script; so if you were going to watch the movie, watch the old one. Also, do NOT read the Shakespeare made easy. Reason: It is not Shakespeare. Good Luck!


Shaktis Stacey wrote: "I Really want to read this book, but I don't know if I should. What are your thoughts?"

Only if you like really angsty teen death with no purpose. Ehn, it IS a classic, but not earthshaking if you don't read it.


message 163: by [deleted user] (new)

Brandywine wrote: "Stacey wrote: "I Really want to read this book, but I don't know if I should. What are your thoughts?"

Only if you like really angsty teen death with no purpose. Ehn, it IS a classic, but not eart..."

haha


message 164: by Aoife (last edited Aug 27, 2012 01:59PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Aoife If you're going to read it get a version that has the translations from ye olde englishe into normal language, or you'll never know what's going on. Then watch the Baz Luhrmann film!


Shaktis Brooke wrote: "Brandywine wrote: "Stacey wrote: "I Really want to read this book, but I don't know if I should. What are your thoughts?"

Only if you like really angsty teen death with no purpose. Ehn, it IS a cl..."


Do you share a very limited opinion on this topic with me? I personally feel shakespeare's genius is more evident in his comedies like "Twelfth Night" (the BEST) and "Much Ado About Nothing".


Shaktis Firefly wrote: "If you're going to read it get a version that has the translations from ye olde englishe into normal language, or you'll never know what's going on. Then watch the Baz Luhrmann film!"

....And you'll still have no clue. LOL


message 167: by [deleted user] (new)

Well, R&J is the only Shakespeare play I've read....


Shaktis Brooke wrote: "Well, R&J is the only Shakespeare play I've read...."

Ohhh, you don't know what you're missing! I really recommend watching the movie with Helena Bonham Carter (1996) to get a good feel for it. (twelfth night)


message 169: by Donna (new) - rated it 5 stars

Donna No. It is play. Go and see it. Then if you like it study it. You can't really read a play in isolation. Shakespeare wrote his plays to be watched not to be read. It is outstanding.


message 170: by Katie (new) - rated it 5 stars

Katie definitely


message 171: by Alison (new) - rated it 5 stars

Alison For goodness sake, it's not rocket science!


message 172: by [deleted user] (new)

you should read this book first and foremost its probably in your curriculum, depending on what grade your in but its a classic i loved it was amazing and beautiful, i love all of Shakespear's play they are all so amzinggg!! but ii totally recommend you to read it i think u may fall in love this book its so beautiful


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