This classic tale of two teenagers that are enthralled by a short romance is quickly ended. Reading over this novel again, there are so many meanings behind the text. Several meanings in this book could include love, rivalry and deception. Focusing on rivalry, this novel is a good representation of how family rivalry is at its core. I would assign this book to a group of 9th graders because I feel as though the maturity needed for this book is crucial. They will not be able to understand the concept in this book. ( )

"Some shall be pardoned, and some punished.
For never was a story of more woe
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo." ( )

boring, couldn't understand it ( )

This was my first play by Shakespeare, and I enjoyed the play even more with the help of No Fear Shakespeare. Compared to the other Shakespearean plays, I felt though as if Romeo and Juliet is an introduction to the world of Shakespeare, because Romeo and Juliet is often (though one of the most famous) the least best of William Sakespeare's plays. With the modern translation, and footnotes, the process of reading a Shakespeare plays becomes feasible and enjoyable.

I'm all for this series, not just for students. For anyone who wants to get into Shakespeare, it's great to have some help and not miss anything that is going on. I recommend reading Shakespeare's language first and then (when needed) the explanation (given side by side for every page). After a while you get used to the original language and you don't need the explanations as often. You'll feel comfortable enough with archaic words and phrases. For me Romeo and Juliet is at least as much a comedy as it is a tragedy. For the silly aspects of love - intoxication, unstable emotions, overly dramatic responses - R and J are a celebration and a parody. ( )