“For never was a story of more woe;
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”
Overview
William Shakespeare. The Bard. Arguably the most influential figure in English literature, but also one of the most controversial and mysterious.
Want to start an argument?
Just make a claim about good old Bill in any English department faculty meeting at nearly any high school or college in the United States or Europe. Mamma mia. But we’re not going to get into that kind of drama. No, we’ll just stick to his sonnets and plays.
Sonnets
Here’s a concise and decent overview of the sonnets and why they’re important.
Some of you have asked whether the sonnets are autobiographical. Well, here’s one view.
Finally, you want sonnets? Oh, we got sonnets – all 154 of them. You betcha.
Shakespeare
Here are some general sources on the Internet that will help you get more familiar with Shakespeare.
• Shakespeare @ MIT
• Seattle Shakespeare
• Shakespeare Study Resources
• Serious Sonnet Studies
• “Words” the WNYC Radiolab Podcast (listen to the excerpt that starts at 22:00)
Romeo & Juliet
Truly one of the most significant works of literature ever written in any language, “Romeo and Juliet” is one of Shakespeare’s most influential and enduring plays. So, we’ll be diving into it full force. Shakespeare's command of the English language is part prose, part poetry, part music and part word-play. So, have fun with it. You'll be better for the experience. I promise.
Assignments
Everything you'll need for our “Romeo & Juliet” unit is on Canvas or has been handed out in class. If you have any questions, make sure you talk to Mr. DeMiero in class, PASS or at lunch.
Resources
Here are some great resources to help you dig deep into this wonderful play. By the way, if you find any that you think are helpful please post the link in the comments section below. Several of these links have come from student suggestions.
- Want a great way to decode Shakespeare's language? Check this out: Shakespeare's Words.
- Here's a great resource for you, too – an online version of the play exactly like our book!
- No Fear Shakespeare (Spark Notes): This is a wonderful resource that translates the play into modern English. If you read it online, there are additional notes embedded that are revealed with a mouse hover. Pretty sweet.
- So, if you think Shakespeare sounds a little funny in the 21st century, you should know that it sounded quite different than we think it did. Take a listen (and a look) at this: Shakespeare Original Pronunciation
- “Young love, old divisions” Don’t think there are modern-day R&J stories out there? This is one. Or how about this? "Romeo and Juliet-style tragedy leaves young woman dead." Here's another – In Iraq, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Portrays Montague and Capulet as Shiite and Sunni - NYTimes.com and this one, too: “Tragic Romeo & Juliet offers Bosnia hope”; or what about a version of the story from Rosaline’s perspective: You Weren't Supposed To Be Mine; and here’s an unsuccessful attempt to ban the video: Parents' challenge to film at school fails, but policies reviewed
- Want to download the entire play into your phone, Kindle, iPad or iPod in text form? There are several ways to do it and several good, free e-text readers out there. Once you figure out what you want to do, here’s the link to the free e-text version of the play: Romeo & Juliet
- This is an absolutely wonderful reference to the play called the Navigator. You’ll definitely find it useful, plus it also has Arthur Brooke’s “Romeus and Juliet” – the source poem first published in 1562 (before Shakespeare was born). It’s an epic poem and you’ll find that Shakespeare followed it closely.
- Check this out regarding The Bard – Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare
- So, you think this Shakespearian language sounds funny? Check this out: Original Pronunciation of Shakespeare
- We will watch at least one film adaptation of the play, so here are some links that will help you better enjoy the film.
Some AMAZING Resources from PBS
Check out these VERY helpful short video clips:
Audio: “Romeo & Juliet”
In order to help you better engage with the play, here are some audio files you may want to listen to here or on your iPod or similar device. They’re broken down into small files for you, too.