Romeo and Juliet

I enjoy reading very much. In fact, I frequently do it, and yet I still don't remember 3/4 of what I read...so, in the end, if I don't remember the book I just read, why do I read it?

Well, something about it must have captured me...something must have sparked a little excitement in my heart. Maybe it's the plot, maybe it's the characters, maybe it's both, but I just know that I'll be remembering Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare.

Romeo & Juliet is a classic love story. If you haven't heard of it by now, if your able to read, then...shame on you! At least know of it! I've always heard things of the play, but I never dug into the storyline. I never really knew what it was about, in fact, I didn't even know it was a play. I thought it was a book. Silly me.

Anyways, I just got transferred to a new school, and on my first day, arriving in my English class, the students were reading Romeo & Juliet. I though "Oh, God. I'll have to read this." It wasn't exactly on my high list of priorities.

I sat down at my new table with new people all around me. Of course, they were all nice, but I reached for the book, my friend. I opened the red cover (not all copies are bound in red), and read the first line (note that this is a copy to make it easier to read for younger people), and thought, "Wow, this is really different than I thought it was going to be." And, of course, it was. It was way different. No kidding, though, that it was difficult to read, even with words on the sidelines telling you meanings of the words, and translations.

The first page began with the servants of the Capulets talking amongst themselves, thinking about starting a fight with the Montagues. The first page or two revive some hysterical humor that was surprising. Even though the language was vile and vulgar, you couldn't help but see Shakespeare's intentions, that servants are pointless. That's why they're servents.

Let's catch up a bit. The Capulets are Juliet's side, and the Montagues are Romeo's side. Both the families are feuding, and for reason, I do not know. Shakespeare doesn't point that out. But, you can expect that it's over something stupid. Just like everything is. Anyway, Romeo is in love with Rosaline, and he has just had his heart broken by her. We do not get any background on Rosaline, we just get information that Romeo is in love with a girl in the beginning of the play and that he feels terrible because she tore out his heart (not literally). Although Rosaline doesn't get any lines or any appearances in Romeo & Juliet, she does play a key role in Romeo's depression, and overall weepiness.

We are introduced to Benvolio, Romeo's cousin, who tries to tell Romeo to cheer up and get over it. We also meet Mercutio, the overwhelming, outspoken person, who is no doubt full of himself, but full of love. He tries to tell Romeo to get over it in a less subtle way, less comforting. It's almost mocking, I should say. He taunts Romeo on love, and makes fun of him for getting in such a vulnerable situation.

Juliet is still not intruduced. Mercutio and Benvolio convince Romeo to go to a masquerade ball being held by the Capulets at their home, but he is sorely tempted not to. Here, Romeo's life is forever changed. He sees Juliet at the ball and is instantly in love with her. So long Rosaline, there is a new love! Too bad this story ends in a sad tragedy.

I have gained new respect for "not judging before you know." It takes a lot of courage to do something you don't want to, but in the end it could pay off.

Thanks!


Chelisa