Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.I have never enjoyed a play by Shakespeare, and I always dread reading his works when it's part of a class's curriculum. I have read Julius Caesar, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, Othello, Macbeth and now, Romeo and Juliet. I always felt like I was missing out because I was never taught the latter in school; I wasn't missing much, and I was better off having never read it.
In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.
While the writing is challenging to understand, that is not why I hate it: with every Shakespearean work you read, you grow more accustomed to the language, so my experience wasn't terrible. I hated the sexism and misogyny, which is a common issue I have with him, for example, The Taming of the Shrew and Othello. Mercutio and Sampson are disgusting pigs that only value women for sex. For example, Sampson talks about r*ping women in the streets with great pride. Although Mercutio does not mention r*pe, he still views women as a sexual object meant to satisfy men/a distraction. Lastly, Juliet's father, Capulet, calls his daughter a whore for not accepting the marriage offer he procured for her. He calls her ungrateful, threatens to disown her, itches to hit her, and does not consider what she wants. While I understand those were the beliefs/practices of the time, I still can't tolerate it. How has Shakespeare remained loved all these years? Maybe it's all the dick jokes!
While the story is rife with "drama," I was bored and begging for it to end; this play was too long. The combination of my foreknowledge of the plot, my sensitivity to dramatic irony, and my inability to tolerate such pettiness made this play incredibly unpleasant.
Despite the name Romeo and Juliet, these two do not share many scenes together; if I were to estimate, they are only together for 10% of the play. Right off the bat, I disliked Romeo because he thinks only with his genitals. Oh, woe is me! The woman I love has taken a vow of chastity and will never love me. I am forever in pain, I will never recover. *is "forced" to attend the Capulet's party* OMG who is this beautiful girl?! I need to pipe her ASAP because I love her. To make things even worse, Juliet also thinks with her genitals. Why can't women win? Oh god, I am such a virgin! I can't wait for Romeo to come and take my virginity away. Excuse me, I have an appointment for a virginity extraction tonight. I don't want to talk about them anymore...
I have a love/hate relationship with Friar Lawrence. He drops facts and reason, but he really messed up at the end/when the world needed him most. I don't understand why Shakespeare is so beloved because I don't find his works innovative. It's messy, and it's cliche.
Do you like Shakespeare and why? Any tips for Shakespeare loathers to loathe him less?
Oh, thank god. Someone else who loves books also despises Shakespeare. Listen, I can appreciate the literary value he added to the English language and to history. But I have never once enjoyed reading one of his plays, ESPECIALLY Romeo and Juliet. Just not a fan. As you pointed out, these stories are so rife with sexism it reads as rather disgusting. I know that was typical for the age but it is still not an excuse. I have to say, though, I know that part of the reason I dislike reading Shakespeare is simply because I do not think plays are meant to be read. Plays are meant to be seen and experienced. Awesome review and discussion!
ReplyDeleteHi, Erin!
DeleteI also thought I was the only odd-man out! Thank you for bringing up a great point that I forgot to mention in this review. I completely agree that plays are meant to be seen and experienced, not read. Thanks so much much for visiting!