This tragic play is composed by one of the stalwarts of writers, William Shakespeare, about two "star-crossed lovers" whose deaths, at last, join their fighting families.In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare utilizes a few sensational strategies that have earned acclaim from critics; outstandingly the sudden turn from comedy to tragedy.The Montagues and the Capulets, Verona's two quarrelling honourable houses, are continually fighting and therefore the Prince of Verona gives a decree that will force a capital punishment on ...
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This tragic play is composed by one of the stalwarts of writers, William Shakespeare, about two "star-crossed lovers" whose deaths, at last, join their fighting families.In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare utilizes a few sensational strategies that have earned acclaim from critics; outstandingly the sudden turn from comedy to tragedy.The Montagues and the Capulets, Verona's two quarrelling honourable houses, are continually fighting and therefore the Prince of Verona gives a decree that will force a capital punishment on anybody found dueling. Romeo, a Montague is charmed by Rosaline, a niece of Capulet. Rosaline is immediately forgotten when Romeo and his companions mask themselves and slip into a masque ball at Capulet's home. During the ball, Romeo gets his first look at Juliet, Capulet's daughter. In one of Shakespeare's most famous scenes, Romeo takes into the garden and claims his love for Juliet, who remains above her gallery. The two young lovers, with the guide of Friar Laurence, make arrangements to get married soon. Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, attempts to show Romeo how to battle with a sword yet Romeo dodges the duel because he discreetly knows that Tybalt is Juliet's family member.Romeo's dearest companion, Mercutio, responds to Tybalt's call and dies. As revenge, Romeo rather kills Tybalt. Romeo is banished from Verona for disregarding the prince's order. However, he consummates his marriage to Juliet.While Romeo is away, the Capulets unknown about Juliet's marriage decide to get her married to Paris who is the prince's cousin. Juliet meets Friar Laurence who helped in their marriage to devise a plan to keep her away from her parent's desires. She acquires a medicine that will allow her to appear dead for 42 hours. Friar Laurence reaches out to Romeo so he can protect her from her tomb. Tragically, Friar Laurence delays, and word arrives at Romeo that Juliet has died.Romeo, misery stricken, chooses to take poison and dies in her tomb.The Montagues and Capulets, when confronted with the terrific truth that their fight has claimed, promise to stop the feud between the two houses. ...
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Add this copy of Romeo and juliet to cart. $12.02, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2022 by Double 9 Booksllp.
This book is filled with scholarship on Shakespeare and his play Romeo and Juliet. It is not even laid out nicely with the notes on one page and text on another. I had to buy this copy for a class, but would not purchase it again if given the choice.
Barbara H
May 31, 2012
High School Requirement
If you are reading this for school, check out SparkNotes or Cliff's Notes for a translation you can understand. Especially the No Fear Shakespeare on Spark Notes.
CharlesJ
Apr 1, 2010
Not one of Shakespeare's more original plays
Romeo and Juliet, despite being one of the most popular of Shakespeare's plays, is neither his most well-written or his most original. It is well known that the story was based on an older one by an Italian writer (who probably got his from another Italian writer), so the fact that it is not terribly original is unsurprising. The writing style, however, is also somewhat lacking; many sections are halting because of the changes in rhyming patterns that Shakespeare decided to use, which makes them harder to read. The characters, especially Romeo, were not very easy to connect with; this will change according to opinion, though, and fans of romance will probably like them better than I. All in all, this play does not have the smooth and interesting feel of Shakespeare's later works, but may still appeal to those who like the "star-crossed lovers" theme.
Maggy
Feb 15, 2010
Overrated
Having both read this play, and seen it several times, I can't say that I was impressed. Everything goes exactly wrong; it lacks realism, and, though the language is, well, Shakespearean, the story is not supportive. If you like Shakespeare, you will probably like this work; however, there are much better Shakespearean works that just lack the press that this one has.
Selina
Oct 12, 2007
Classic
I realize "Romeo and Juliet" are most people's favorite. The story is not as intense as "Macbeth" or "Hamlet". In fact the story is rather dull. It is difficult to care about two characters who are self centered. This soap operish plot is not fun to read.
