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Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare…
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Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library) (original 1597; edition 2004)

by William Shakespeare (Author), Dr. Barbara A. Mowat (Editor), Paul Werstine Ph.D. (Editor)

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
28,36527999 (3.71)544
A classic book that has been rehashed and regurgitated ad nauseum for almost 500 years, it's little surprise why screenwriters and book authors keep on basing stories from this tragic love story of two innocents from warring families that outright detest each other.

Now, I know, every high school in English majority nations have plastered this author's books as the best pieces of literature of all time. For better or worse, I was not raised in a country where English is the official language and never really grew up with his work. When I finally did get a chance to read this story (translated to Spanish), maybe it was the translation that lost some of the poetic lyricism, but I found the book very hard to follow.

I probably also felt disconnected with it because the book was written such a long time ago that the phrases used seem out of style or hard to understand. It really bogged the immersion and fun factor and made it a bit of a chore to read.

Still, the plot is great, but I would have probably enjoyed it more if there was a more modernized and less poetic version of the prose to aid in my commoner ears. ( )
1 vote chirikosan | Feb 25, 2019 |
English (246)  Spanish (11)  French (4)  Catalan (3)  Italian (3)  Greek (2)  Finnish (2)  German (2)  Portuguese (Brazil) (1)  Dutch (1)  Swedish (1)  All languages (276)
Showing 1-25 of 246 (next | show all)
There's not much I can say about a timeless classic like this. I do appreciate this version, the footnotes were certainly helpful in understanding some of the language and puns. There are also multiple articles included that bring a better understanding to the background of the play, how it was written and the different versions and changes that have occurred to the text per the years ( )
  Crystal199 | Jan 4, 2024 |
The Norton Critical edition - [Romeo and Juliet]
The BBC production - Romeo and Juliet 1978

Hot bloodied Italians Punished.

The first time I read Romeo and Juliet was as a teenager in school and I read it again a couple of times later in life. It has never been my favourite Shakespeare play although it had spawned two great films that I like very much: Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrmann Romeo + Juliet and then of course there is West Side Story. The popularity of this so called tragic love story is reflected in it being placed at 99 in LibraryThing's list of popular reads. Reading it again last week I had many of the themes buzzing around in my head. The chorus which opens the quarto 2 version lays out the plot in fairly simple terms and the reader is on safe ground here, but act 1 scene 1 has minor characters talking about coals and colliers, collars and choler and suddenly there is deluge of puns and word play, which can wrong foot the reader who might have been expecting a more easy ride through the play. It is not until Prince Escalus appears some 80 lines later to stop the fighting that a more orderly language is resumed. The surprises kept coming.

The machismo language of the opening scene and the casual word play is in contrast with the dreamy love sick Romeo (not love sick for Juliet when we first meet him, but for the unattainable Rosaline) and his language of the sonneteer. The death of Mercutio in act 1 of scene 3 starts the series of events the lead to the deaths of most of the younger major characters, but by this time we have already had the now famous love sonnet played in tandem, between Romeo and Juliet. The words and language of courtly love, where the only tragedy is to the imagined feelings of the poet is in sharp contrast to the murder and mayhem that unfolds in this play. This is a balancing act that would have appealed to the more educated audience in Elizabethan times, but may not be noticed so easily by a modern audience. I wonder if Shakespeare had his tongue in his cheek with some of this writing, because by 1595/6 when this play first appeared the writing of love sonnets had reached a stage where the popularity of the form had resulted in some pretty awful poetry, everyone seemed to want to have a go at writing it and Shakespeare at this time was probably more famous as a sonneteer than a playwright.

Another surprise for me was the repeated statement and references to the age of Juliet. She is still only 13 when she meets Romeo and is dead some four days later, never seeing her fourteenth birthday. Characters remark on Juliets age, but then again agree that it is not too early for a young girl to be married. This is emphasised and yet this would seem unnecessary for an Elizabethan audience, who would not have found this unusual. The plays action is telescoped into a mad period of time, everyone is in a hurry. Capulet wants his daughter married on Thursday to Paris and at the last moment brings it forward to Wednesday, summoning Paris from his bed. Romeo sees Juliet for the first time at a dance and she can't wait to be married the next day. This mad rush of events fits with the impetuousness of youth, there is hardly time to think, which may account for the tragic events that unfold. It is the elderly nurse and Friar Lawrence that have longer speeches and slow the play down. I had not realised previously the pace of this whirlwind romance leading to death, but then again this was Italy and the popular conception at the time was that Italians were hot-bloodied. Thinly disguised racism?

The themes of parental control and the fathers right to manage his daughter's life may have more of an impact on a modern audience. Juliet rebels against her fathers wishes, but her rebellion leads to a very early death. The homosociality of the fighting men in the first part of the play comes to an abrupt halt with the death of the perhaps homoerotic Mercutio. Romance and heterosexual relationship then takes centre stage with Romeo and Juliet. The County Paris also declares his love for Juliet, but in many ways appears little more than a plot device. There is certainly a lot going on in this play, more than I originally thought which is maybe why I found it a little uneven.

The central character's parts are difficult to play: To play a 13 year old girl as precocious and as sexy as Juliet's character demands is difficult for an older actress (this would not have been a different problem in Shakespear's time as the part would have been played by a young boy). Romeo as the dreamy passionate lover who is powerful enough to kill two men in combat and yet will die for the love of a young girl is also a bit of a stretch and calls for an actor who can have an immediate impact. The BBC production that I watched failed pretty miserably in the casting of Patrick Ryecart as Romeo, he looked too old and lacked any presence and Rebecca Saire as Juliet who was 14 at the time, had the youthful presence and a little steel about her, but was lacking in showing any eroticism or sexual desire. It was left to Celia Johnson as the Nurse, Michael Horden as Capulet and an edgy Alan Rickman as Tybalt to give the play any character. The Production followed pretty accurately the text of the play, which brought home to me the need for a director to pick and choose lines/speeches in order to shape the play in accordance with chosen themes, as it seems to me you can't have it all.

I read the Arden Shakespeare edition which has a good introduction that features a history of the performance of the play. I also read the Norton Critical edition which gives examples of Shakespeare's sources and plenty of latter day criticism. It also has essays by the actress Niamh Cusak on playing Juliet and David Tennant on playing Romeo. there are also articles on Franco Zefferelli's Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet.

There are wonderful things in this play, the celebrated lines of love and romance, the Queen Mab speech by Mercutio and the numerous puns and wordplay dotted here and there. The plot ties up the loose ends and with the death of Mercutio moves on apace. The tragic and desperate ending is quick and efficient and there is a morale for those that like their tragedy bitter sweet. It is a good story which Shakespeare adapted in his own inimitable way. A masterpiece of course, but a play that I would like to see reviewed before I bought my ticket. 5 stars. ( )
3 vote baswood | Dec 28, 2023 |
Depois de viver uma temporada na cidade, uma família de pardais volta para mata. Apesar dos perigos que passaram, eles sentem saudades do sobradinho em que moraram. Numa visita ao Dr. Coruja, eles ficam sabendo que não estão vivendo em seu hábitat e que sempre haverá perigos a superar. Mudam-se com seus filhos para o Vale dos Pardais e, em contato com seus iguais, vão entender o que significa usar a "força da fraqueza".
  editora_sesimg | Dec 15, 2023 |
Depois de viver uma temporada na cidade, uma família de pardais volta para mata. Apesar dos perigos que passaram, eles sentem saudades do sobradinho em que moraram. Numa visita ao Dr. Coruja, eles ficam sabendo que não estão vivendo em seu hábitat e que sempre haverá perigos a superar. Mudam-se com seus filhos para o Vale dos Pardais e, em contato com seus iguais, vão entender o que significa usar a "força da fraqueza".
  editora_sesimg | Dec 14, 2023 |
Romeo y Julieta
William Shakespeare
Publicado: 1597
Teatro Drama Infantil Juvenil

Una tragedia de amor juvenil, apasionado y sin límites. Su autor, William Shakespeare, nos presenta a dos familias —los Montesco y los Capuleto— grandes enemigos desde hace años.
Romeo Montesco conoce a Julieta en una fiesta organizada por su familia, los Capuleto. Romeo, que acude a la fiesta enmascarado, se acerca a Julieta. Surge entonces un amor apasionado entre los jóvenes de las dos familias rivales. El amor que dará lugar a un conflicto de fatales consecuencias para los amantes.
  libreriarofer | Oct 14, 2023 |
One of the few of Shakespeare's that I truly love. Even it is a very depressing story. ( )
  aberman | Sep 20, 2023 |
I've read this book a while back and also watched the film. The film was much easier to understand because of the visuals. I did not expect a tomb scene and enjoyed the little surprise. ( )
  RonaldLeong | Sep 14, 2023 |
why is this the most celebrated of his works? Maybe I just like it least because of overexposure to it. ( )
  Kim.Sasso | Aug 27, 2023 |
Another excellent Arden examination and illustration of a Shakespeare play, this time possibly the most popular of his plays. As always with the Arden editions, there is a rich exploration of the background of the play, its setting, and its story, as well as a beautifully annotated script. ( )
  jumblejim | Aug 26, 2023 |
A classic book that has been rehashed and regurgitated ad nauseum for almost 500 years, it's little surprise why screenwriters and book authors keep on basing stories from this tragic love story of two innocents from warring families that outright detest each other.

Now, I know, every high school in English majority nations have plastered this author's books as the best pieces of literature of all time. For better or worse, I was not raised in a country where English is the official language and never really grew up with his work. When I finally did get a chance to read this story (translated to Spanish), maybe it was the translation that lost some of the poetic lyricism, but I found the book very hard to follow.

I probably also felt disconnected with it because the book was written such a long time ago that the phrases used seem out of style or hard to understand. It really bogged the immersion and fun factor and made it a bit of a chore to read.

Still, the plot is great, but I would have probably enjoyed it more if there was a more modernized and less poetic version of the prose to aid in my commoner ears. ( )
  chirikosan | Jul 24, 2023 |
When I first read this I had been convinced already that it wasn't a very good story, because it's an epic love story between two kids who get carried away, foolishly and fatally. Now thinking back on it as an adult, I have so much more respect for the story. This is what happens when kids aren't allowed to explore their feelings in a natural, healthy way. This is a tragedy of two lovers, but even more so it's a tragedy of two stubborn families, who let their own drama get in the way of puppy love, turning it into an "us against the world" situation. Let kids be kids, let kids explore the new feelings they are feeling, or it can blow up in your face. ( )
  eurydactyl | Jul 20, 2023 |
This is a fine edition of _Romeo and Juliet_ that includes the Folger's notes on the left page and an insightful essay by Gail Kern Paster. There is a lot of subtext to this play involving the distinction between Petrarchan romantic individuality and the tribal law of the feud. It's easy to criticize Romeo for being controlled by his emotions - Shakespeare portrays him as being fickle and effeminate, but the "boys in the street" are seen as prone to arbitrary violence. Juliet and Friar Laurence are the only two purely sympathetic characters, as they are motivated by love and compassion. Ultimately, both the individual lovers and the feud are brought to an end, suggesting that Shakespeare agreed with Friar Laurence's philosophy of moderation.

Finally, it's interesting to note how differently boys and girls were treated by society - Romeo is allowed to wander around Verona to his heart's content, not speaking to his parents, getting in fights and crashing parties. Juliet, on the other hand, is trapped in her bedroom, only allowed to leave to (a) be "shown" to Paris at the ball and (b) go to confession (which she lies about). Her father gets extremely P.O.ed when she has the nerve to refuse his order to marry Paris. Poor girl. ( )
  jonbrammer | Jul 1, 2023 |
So I listened to a BBC radio production in May this year which had a modern setting although used the original wording of the play and this version I gave 3.5 *. Since then I have watched the 1968 film version which I really enjoyed and then I have just finished reading the actual play and I would now rate it a solid 4*. I think watching the film gave me a better understanding of what was happening in the play even though the film does cut certain bits. And I read it for a third time with explanatory notes and now 5* ( )
  LisaBergin | Apr 12, 2023 |
I was surprised at how 'f-ck the patriarchy' this play really is. Also surprisingly Romeo comes across as the more emotionally unstable one while Juliet is more firm in what she wants. ( )
  kaylacurrently | Mar 5, 2023 |
William Shakespeare was of course a master story teller and I believe this is one of his greatest. I have read Romeo and Juliet at least twice, including for academic purposes. ( )
  Susan-Pearson | Feb 23, 2023 |
An accessible version of Romeo and Juliet with gorgeous artwork by Jane Ray. This version includes lines of the play, definitions of various words and explanatory intros for each scene. A good supplementary version to introduce the play or to add to your understanding of the original. ( )
  funstm | Dec 1, 2022 |
Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s memorable plays has been translated in many languages, re-enacted in movies, revised for present day. The themes of the story continue to transcend the passing of time and place. It is usually summarized as a story about unrequited love but that really just touches the surface of this dramatic tragedy.

I am re-reading decades after my first encounter and must admit that I felt the impact of the story more than in my youth. Unlike Romeo and Juliet, I had time to grow and mature to appreciate the complexities of life and love. The plays addresses the many themes regarding relationships between family and society, friends and foes, and life and death. The play portrays the passionate and unpredictable nature of young love with careless disregard to family and society ultimately leading to a dramatic conclusion.

What truly makes this a classic work of literature is Shakespeare's use of language and use of literary devices. The play delivers the story with thoughtful use of metaphors, allusions, foreshadowing and comic relief. Soliloquys and asides are used to reveal insights to the reader about the individual characters thoughts and feelings.

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.” (Act 2, Scene 2)

Romeo professes his love for Juliet during the balcony scene where he hopes Juliet will hear his lofty praise and come speak to him. He compares her beauty to the sun who shines bright and makes the moon jealous.

The sonnet in the prologue which opens Act 2, it serves to build suspense by explaining the problem interfering with Romeo and Juliet being together and alludes to their determination to overcome all obstacles.

"And she as much in love, her means much less
To meet her new beloved anywhere.
But passion lends them power, time means, to meet,
Tempering extremities with extreme sweet."

The love between Romeo and Juliet will ignore the animosity between their families which prevent them from being together. However, the prospect of their love gives both of them the strength and determination to resolve the obstacles put in their way.

“Now old desire doth in his death-bed lie, And young affection gapes to be his heir; That fair for which love groan’d for and would die, With tender Juliet match’d, is now not fair.”

The characters of Mercutio and Nurse often interject some needed comic relief amidst the gravity of the Romeo and Juliet. In Act 2, Scene 5, Nurse returns to the Capulet mansion where Juliet is desperate for information regarding Romeo. Instead of obliging Juliet, Nurse complains about her health ignoring Juliet for her own pleasure to delay relaying the message regarding instructions for their secret marriage.

“I am aweary, give me leave awhile;-- Fie, how my bones ache! what a jaunt have I had!”

This literary masterpiece was definitely worth a second read with an advanced understanding of language and literature. ( )
  marquis784 | Nov 16, 2022 |
I have been teaching Romeo and Juliet to my 15 . This is by far the best publication. There are several sections of VERY useful information at the beginning of the book. The text of the play includes numerous footnotes - some with helpful illustrations, plus a brief easy-to-understand synopsis at the beginning of each scene. One of the best features is that the original text is on the right page and the footnotes are on the left page - very easy to glance back and forth as you read. I highly recommend this to students of all ages. ( )
  Azmir_Fakir | Oct 31, 2022 |
I dislike reading plays so I listened instead--a good choice, considering the quality of the actors and sound effects. I think I would have rated low if I had to read.

I also never cared for the premise of Romeo and Juliet--the petty rivalry between families and the hormonal impulses of teenagers--and wanted to read it only to check it off the list of major classics it seems everyone else has read.

However, the audio was great. Sometimes I would listen just to the colorful wordings and be baffled at how long-winded and metaphorical they were. Sometimes I would laugh at how blow out of proportion the conflict becomes all because the characters don't stand up for themselves and clearly communicate--a technique writers annoyingly apply to many TV shows, especially after a few seasons and they try harder than the original set up of the story line allowed. Yet somehow for Shakespeare this approach was funny, not annoying.

I couldn't get over how Juliet was thirteen...every time thirteen-year-old girls are pushed into marriage in history or literature, particularly to people they barley know, I cringe. "Just run away," is my advice. May as well live by your own means than wound your soul every waking moment of your life. Considering how willful Juliet was for Romeo, she was precocious in that aspect of psychological puberty. ( )
  leah_markum | Oct 28, 2022 |
O amor apresenta-se à vida de Romeu e Julieta de modo traiçoeiro - ambos apaixonam-se instantaneamente, em uma festa - um baile de máscaras -, desconhecendo a identidade um do outro. Ele é filho dos Montéquio, e ela, dos Capuleto, duas das mais poderosas famílias de Verona, inimigas entre si. Desobedecendo às restrições familiares e políticas, eles vivem a sua paixão explosiva e desesperançada
  bibliotecapresmil | Sep 29, 2022 |
O amor apresenta-se à vida de Romeu e Julieta de modo traiçoeiro - ambos apaixonam-se instantaneamente, em uma festa - um baile de máscaras -, desconhecendo a identidade um do outro. Ele é filho dos Montéquio, e ela, dos Capuleto, duas das mais poderosas famílias de Verona, inimigas entre si. Desobedecendo às restrições familiares e políticas, eles vivem a sua paixão explosiva e desesperançada.
  bibliotecapresmil | Sep 29, 2022 |
I really enjoyed reading Romeo and Juliet.
  sana8 | Sep 10, 2022 |
The only shallow, boring, and vacuous work of Shakespeare I’ve ever read. Frankly it sends a bad message that heartbreak is the end of the world. Unlikeable, boring, self-absorbed characters. ( )
  Lunarsong | Jul 3, 2022 |
“These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triump die, like fire and powder
Which, as they kiss, consume”

This is probably Shakespeare's best-known plays but like probably the majority I hadn't previously read it. I actually find this a hard book to review simply because I knew what was going to happen beforehand so there were no real surprises.

For that reason alone, maybe I'm being a bit harsh with my rating. But I have to say that it failed to really grab me. You simply have to stand back and admire the writing, many of the quotes are familiar to us and have passed the test of time but having now read this, I personally feel that 'King Lear' is still Shakespeare's greatest tragedy.

“Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.” ( )
  PilgrimJess | Jun 30, 2022 |
3 exemplares
  Castro_1956 | May 11, 2022 |
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Penguin Australia

3 editions of this book were published by Penguin Australia.

Editions: 0140714847, 0141012269, 0141335378

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