Romeo and Juliet, by
William Shakespeare is the most famous love story of all time and fully captivating. William Shakespeare's most famous play is one that many don't understand because of its dialog. But in truth it is one of the most extraordinary works in English literature. At the beginning, young Romeo is devastated by the heart break of not being able to win Rosaline's hand. Juliet is preparing for the ball that will change her life forever. The pair has a milestone in the way. They are from the two oldest feudal families in Verona. They soon form a forbidden bond which causes them to marry in secret. With the communion of their marriage the goodly friar hopes to bring peace between the two families. When they are both confused and troubled, they go to him and receive the deadliest advice of their short lives. Romeo drinks a potion from the apothecary and dies. When Juliet awakes from her long slumber only to find that her beloved Romeo is dead. To her grief and disbelief, she acts on a moments notice and has her love's dagger take "its sheath in {her} body." When their funerals come around, the families bury both their children and their feud. Never was there a story more woe than that of Juliet and her Romeo.
Having previously read this story on my own I thought I would dislike it when we read it in my English class. On the contrary, I understood the story better and it is now one of my favorite stories. Romeo and Juliet are considered the Edward and Bella of their day. They love each other enough to kill to be. Even though the story takes place in five days, it is incredible.
-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.
Comments
I thought Romeo and Juliet was an excellent story. I liked the dramatic plot twists greatly, as they totally transformed the story and left me wanting to continue reading. I think anybody who likes romantic drama and the like should read this story. It truly made me think about society at Shakespeare's time; I was shocked that simply being members of opposing families made a love existing between them forbidden.
Reviewed by Alec S., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
This book/play is a very famous one. It is a good book because it has a little bit of humor here and there and it's also very interesting. The characters have their very special personality and it just makes you keep on reading the book until it is done. You should get the book because it is very famous and also very fun to read! I suggest you buy it because it is also very fun to decipher what each word of the book means because it is full of very old uncommon words.
Reviewed by ABoules, Grade 10
Pacific Park Library
William Shakespeare is obviously the most well-known writer of all time. All his plays and other works are simply iconic and before his time. Out of all his works, though, Romeo and Juliet is the most popular one, and for good reason. I love how Shakespeare wrote the play, poking fun at young lovers in a way. I think all readers will enjoy Shakespeare's play. Everyone needs to read at least one of William Shakespeare's works in their lifetime, and if you aren't, you are truly missing out on one amazing writer.
Reviewed by Melody, Grade 10
Montrose Library