Letter to Friend on Romeo and Juliet

Dear Friend,

            I have recently just begun reading Romeo and Juliet. So far it is clear to see why this book is such a famous book. Shakespeare does an amazing job including details, and really giving a clear picture of what is going on, and who the characters are, and their personalities. Even though it is a play, therefore there are no details (main details) written by a narrator, it is still clear to see them, as if they were in book form. He is able to add humor into it without taking away from the plot, and the seriousness of it, but so you can still see the puns and word play. Less then twenty pages in, the plot is already clear, many characters have been introduced, and you can guess what the main problem is going to be.

            Although the writing style of the book may be a little confusing, the majority of it can be understood. Of course the definitions, and explanations on the side are helpful, I have found that just by reading slowly and carefully understanding the concept, and the idea of what is being said isn’t that challenging. The only Shakespeare I have read before is a paraphrase of Midsummer Nights Dream, which was when I was much younger. I thought it was very interesting, and I appreciated that I was able to read the story without all the confusing language, but I have to say I much prefer this. Although it is more challenging and time consuming to read, the language of the book really helps to make it what it is, and describe the scenery.

            So far in the book it is clear that there is a rivalry between the Montague’s and the Capulet’s. It seems to go even beyond their families but also to their servants. You also know that Romeo is upset about something. All you know that is love in cannot have, but you do not know why yet. It is also clear that the royal families do not appreciate the fighting between these families. I am wondering what the rest of the town thinks about this, and why this rivalry started. Also, the relationships between Romeo and his parents, and Juliet, and her parents.

            If you are planning to read shake spear I would definitely recommend reading some of the definitions from the side before you start, and to make sure you read slowly, and really pay attention to every word and how it is used. I also recommend trying to paraphrase the phrases or lines you are confused by, because missing one line can kind of throw the rest of the story off, because most things seem to relate to each other. One more thing I would recommend is trying to familiarize your self with the story before you start, because that can also help things make more sense.

            I hope you read some Shakespeare, and you are able to enjoy it as much as I am. Good Luck!

                        Becca