Romeo and Juliet (1594)

I really enjoyed this book for its historical significance in other literary works. This was my first introduction to Shakespeare and while I enjoyed his poetic style, I had a hard time deciphering what the words actually meant. Once I had some help figuring out what was being said, I found this story to be a well-crafted tale that set the foundation for every ill-fated love story to ever come after it. This archetype was set by this book and is found in almost all unfortunate love stories after it.

It's okay. And I love the Queen Mab speech. And look, Shakespeare's SHAKESPEARE. Man knows how to write. And I get that it's not a love story and that Shakespeare knows this. Just. Everyone in this story needs to calm down like forty notches. It's histrionic. And I love Catcher in the Rye, so when I say something's histrionic, I mean it. ( )

Okay, I had to amend and add a star. I just don't feel right giving Shakespeare one star, even if I didn't enjoy the story it's self. I have never particularly been a fan of the tragedies, but that may simply be a flaw in my own character. The comedies I love, Taming of the Shrew is one of my favorite, Much Ado About Nothing is absolutely hilarious! Shakespeare was an amazing man to have such depth, from King Lear to Much Ado? Most exceptional writers tend to stay within their genre, Shakespeare didn't have one. He would make you laugh until you sides hurt, or make you cry until you thought your heart would break... and succeeded! I just prefer to laugh. ( )

I guess my love for this play was cemented back in the day before I could grow old enough to balk at the love in it based on nothing but physical appearance, when I was Juliet's age actually. I just listened to the dramatized audiobook tonight, and it still pulls at my heartstrings. One thing hasn't changed; I still love tragedy and the over-dramatic. No surprise that I went on to become a doom metal lover. This is the kind of stuff that musical genre is made out of...well it's actually a wide genre, so it's at least true of a lot of the bands I listen to, like My Dying Bride :) Actually, listening to the song, "For My Fallen Angel" (lyrics below) while reading the last part of this play would be awesome. I need to pair up music and reading more often.

As I draw up my breath,
And silver fills my eyes.
I kiss her still,
For she will never rise.

On my weak body,
Lays her dying hand.
Through those meadows of Heaven,
Where we ran.

Like a thief in the night,
The wind blows so light.
It wars with my tears,
That won't dry for many years.

"Loves golden arrow
At her should have fled,
And not Death's ebon dart
To strike her dead." ( )

I listened to an audiobook version by the BBC. It was very well done and a pleasure to listen to. It was also very short, only about 3 hours long. I enjoyed the story and am glad that I have finally experienced it. Would like to see the play performed live some day. ( )