View Poll Results: Please vote for the play you would like to read by June 15th!

Voters
42. You may not vote on this poll
  • Taming of the Shrew

    0 0%
  • Comedy of Errors

    2 4.76%
  • Love's Labour's Lost

    0 0%
  • Two Gentlemen of Verona

    0 0%
  • Midsummer Night's Dream

    1 2.38%
  • Merchant of Venice

    2 4.76%
  • Much Ado About Nothing

    0 0%
  • As You Like It

    3 7.14%
  • Merry Wives of Windsor

    0 0%
  • Twelfth Night

    0 0%
  • All's Well That Ends Well

    0 0%
  • Measure for Measure

    0 0%
  • Pericles, Prince of Tyre

    0 0%
  • Tempest

    1 2.38%
  • Winter's Tale

    13 30.95%
  • Titus Andronicus

    0 0%
  • Romeo and Juliet

    1 2.38%
  • Hamlet

    1 2.38%
  • Julius Caesar

    1 2.38%
  • Troilus and Cressida

    0 0%
  • Othello

    0 0%
  • King Lear

    0 0%
  • Antony and Cleopatra

    1 2.38%
  • Coriolanus

    0 0%
  • Timon of Athens

    0 0%
  • Cymbeline

    0 0%
  • Macbeth

    11 26.19%
  • The life and death of King John

    1 2.38%
  • The life and death of King Richard the Second

    0 0%
  • The First Part of Henry the Fourth

    2 4.76%
  • The Second Part of Henry the Fourth

    0 0%
  • The Life of Henry the Fift

    0 0%
  • The first Part of Henry the Sixt

    0 0%
  • The second Part of Henry the Sixt

    0 0%
  • The third Part of Henry the Sixt

    0 0%
  • The Tragedie of Richard the Third

    2 4.76%
  • The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight

    0 0%
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Results 61 to 75 of 104

Thread: Shakespearean Summer '08

  1. #61
    Bibliophile JBI's Avatar
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    16 and 13 were common marriage times back then in Italy, and in England. As for being young, Juliet seems far more precocious than Romeo;

    Romeo: O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?
    Juliet: What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?
    Romeo: The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.
    Juliet: I gave thee mine before thou didst request it:
    And yet I would it were to give again.
    Romeo: Wouldst thou withdraw it? for what purpose, love?
    Juliet: But to be frank, and give it thee again.
    And yet I wish but for the thing I have;
    My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
    My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
    The more I have, for both are infinite.
    As you can tell from the quote, Juliet shows a mature, almost unheard of sense of emotion that is not conceivable from most people, let alone a 13 year old girl. It is as if by giving such a powerful brain, so acute in observation, and refined to a sincere, and 'bountiless' and abundance, that Shakespeare really strikes home in showing us the disgusting nature of the world, in contrast to the innocence, and warmth that is represented with the feminine, the sense of womanhood, in contrast to the seen view as women as lesser in his society.

    The fighting, and conflict is generally displayed as a masculine quality, as in Capulet and Montague being patriarchs of families, Tybalt and Romeo being opposing ends, and the prince being the bringer of punishment, in this case banishment. Romeo is portrayed as feminine except when he fights with Tybalt, in which he assumes a masculine role, and thereby brings forth the whole tragedy.

    Juliet clearly is the more dominant, more beautiful, and perfect character, in the sense that Shakespeare goes beyond anything he had written before in delivering one of his supreme creations, as he does with Hamlet, Iago, Falstaff and Macbeth. It is really at this point in his tragedy writing career that he discovered the boundlessness of the tragic heroine, and of the young female's capacity for love.

    I think that is why it still captures audiences in so many ways to this day. It is almost too perfect a creation, in terms of development. The only flaw with it is that Shakespeare was not at his highest point when writing the play, and the language lacks the depth and innovativeness of Macbeth, Hamlet, The Winter's Tale, and other late romances.

    Of course, for about 20 of Shakespeare's plays you can write as much, them all being of superior quality to almost anything else that has been written. The reason however, that I believe the "popular", that is, the more studied, more staged plays of Shakespeare should not be voted for, is that they are more read, and more viewed by the discussion, and therefore a lesser known, but equally as fair play will go neglected.

    As Virgil put it:
    Oh how many times have people read Macbeth. Let's try something different. Winter's Tale!!
    Last edited by JBI; 06-02-2008 at 03:37 AM.

  2. #62
    amor fati CognitiveArtist's Avatar
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    Hi, how do you get to vote? When I'm logged on it says you may not vote on this poll.

    At the end of semester I'd be glad to find the time to read some Shakespeare, specifically something new like Winter's Tale...

    I also think the Forum Book Club is a perfect idea, kudos to the people who perpetuate it.

  3. #63
    Registered User sofia82's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CognitiveArtist View Post
    Hi, how do you get to vote? When I'm logged on it says you may not vote on this poll.

    At the end of semester I'd be glad to find the time to read some Shakespeare, specifically something new like Winter's Tale...

    I also think the Forum Book Club is a perfect idea, kudos to the people who perpetuate it.
    I had the same problem once, your posts should get at least 50, then you can vote!
    Art is a lie that leads to the truth.
    --Picasso

  4. #64
    amor fati CognitiveArtist's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sofia82 View Post
    I had the same problem once, your posts should get at least 50, then you can vote!
    Ah I see, thanks. This acknowledgement can make for another post I almost certainly won't reach 50 posts before the deadline unfortunately, as I like to make every post substantial.

  5. #65
    Vincit Qui Se Vincit Virgil's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CognitiveArtist View Post
    Ah I see, thanks. This acknowledgement can make for another post I almost certainly won't reach 50 posts before the deadline unfortunately, as I like to make every post substantial.
    Since you may vote for Winter's Tale how about you go to the games section and play a little and quickly get your post count to 50 (it won't be hard to do) and then after you vote you can make every post substantial.
    LET THERE BE LIGHT

    "Love follows knowledge." – St. Catherine of Siena

    My literature blog: http://ashesfromburntroses.blogspot.com/

  6. #66
    Liz bej6s's Avatar
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    Thanks for the tip about the games forum and I voted for Winter's Tale; I am pretty excited.

  7. #67
    Registered User sofia82's Avatar
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    Winter's Tale, I chose!!!
    Art is a lie that leads to the truth.
    --Picasso

  8. #68
    Our wee Olympic swimmer Janine's Avatar
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    How funny, it is summer and everyone seems to be voting for 'Winter's Tale"! I guess everyone wants to cool off. I haven't voted yet but I think I have 'Winter's Tale" on audio CD's. If so, I will vote for that one, too.

    Yeah, I just went to check my stock and do have it. I only listened to this one once so far, and it is quite good; the Arkangel production with Ciaran Hinds. I think I recall it somewhat and relistening will be great. I love these Shakespeare books on CD or tape!
    "It's so mysterious, the land of tears."

    Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

  9. #69
    amor fati CognitiveArtist's Avatar
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    For those of us in the southern hemisphere Winter's Tale is fitting

    I wish I could obtain some Winter's tale audio cds for a listen, unluckily my library doesn't have Winter's tale audio cds. I personally will have to read through the text once to fathom it properly. Which will help make for a fun semester break, reading Shakespeare is an incomparable experience.

    Hopefully my local secondhand bookstore has a copy. It has a fair bit of Shakespeare (as every secondhand bookstore does), but I know they don't have Titus Andronicus as I've been searching for a copy of Shakespeare's worst play lol.

    Voted for Winter's Tale.
    Last edited by CognitiveArtist; 06-04-2008 at 09:42 AM.

  10. #70
    Our wee Olympic swimmer Janine's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CognitiveArtist View Post
    For those of us in the southern hemisphere Winter's Tale is fitting

    I wish I could obtain some Winter's tale audio cds for a listen, unluckily my library doesn't have Winter's tale audio cds. I personally will have to read through the text once to fathom it properly. Which will help make for a fun semester break, reading Shakespeare is an incomparable experience.

    Hopefully my local secondhand bookstore has a copy. It has a fair bit of Shakespeare (as every secondhand bookstore does), but I know they don't have Titus Andronicus as I've been searching for a copy of Shakespeare's worst play lol.

    Voted for Winter's Tale.
    Hi CognitiveArtist, good to hear the play would be within your season; that is right - you'd be just opposite the US and all others in the Northern Hemisphere.
    Can you order from Amazon online? I bought my audio CD set from there and it was reasonable. I think I used an independent seller and made sure they had good feedback, also it was sealed and new. I love the set I have. I like all of the Arkangel series. Nowdays, also online they have downloads, so you don't have to physically get a hold of the CD's, just pay a fee and download the play. I will check into it for you.
    The play "Titus Andronicus" was discussed a while back on this site. I don't know how long it lasted because I know a lot of people found it totally violent. I would be one of those and I dropped out. I agree - it is his worst work, but many would probably disagree with my assessment - to each his own, right?

    I am really surprised to see so many votes now for "King Richard II". I read all of the History plays and much prefer "Henry V" and "Richard III." I have "Richard III" on audio CD and listened to it now many times over. I love that play - it is so dynamic - like a good murder mystery/thriller. I nearly voted for it, but then went with the one, everyone seemed to be favoring; which I have also read and listened to.
    Last edited by Janine; 06-04-2008 at 05:53 PM.
    "It's so mysterious, the land of tears."

    Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

  11. #71
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    Hi everyone. I'm new around here and just wanted to say how pleased I am to see you reading Shakespeare. I know, I can't vote. but I'd be happy to read along with you, as I am the Bard's greatest fan. TWT is not one of the plays I am familiar with, but I am willing to give it a go. I am a secondary school librarian, who hails from Shakespeare's region, (Warwickshire/West Midlands) and have visited his haunts many times. I've just shown the films of Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream to my students, who seemed to enjoy them, even though they were contemporary versions from the BBC, hopefully starting them on the road of being lifelong Shakespeare fans.

  12. #72
    Vincit Qui Se Vincit Virgil's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wessexgirl View Post
    Hi everyone. I'm new around here and just wanted to say how pleased I am to see you reading Shakespeare. I know, I can't vote. but I'd be happy to read along with you, as I am the Bard's greatest fan. TWT is not one of the plays I am familiar with, but I am willing to give it a go. I am a secondary school librarian, who hails from Shakespeare's region, (Warwickshire/West Midlands) and have visited his haunts many times. I've just shown the films of Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream to my students, who seemed to enjoy them, even though they were contemporary versions from the BBC, hopefully starting them on the road of being lifelong Shakespeare fans.
    Welcome Wessexgirl. I'm glad you found lit net and will be joining us. You have until June 15th to vote. If you play some games, you'll get over 50 posts in no time. And then you can vote. Either way, I'm glad you will be reading along.

    Quote Originally Posted by Janine View Post
    I am really surprised to see so many votes now for "King Richard II". I read all of the History plays and much prefer "Henry V" and "Richard III." I have "Richard III" on audio CD and listened to it now many times over. I love that play - it is so dynamic - like a good murder mystery/thriller. I nearly voted for it, but then went with the one, everyone seemed to be favoring; which I have also read and listened to.
    Janine, while I prefer Henry V over all the history plays, I think prefer Richard II over Richard III. There is such marvelous poetry in Richard II and while the character of RIII may be more interesting than RII to some, RII is pretty fascnating too. RIII is evil, so he is engaging that way, but I find the complex nature of RII more interesting.
    LET THERE BE LIGHT

    "Love follows knowledge." – St. Catherine of Siena

    My literature blog: http://ashesfromburntroses.blogspot.com/

  13. #73
    amor fati CognitiveArtist's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Janine View Post
    Hi CognitiveArtist, good to hear the play would be within your season; that is right - you'd be just opposite the US and all others in the Northern Hemisphere.
    Can you order from Amazon online? I bought my audio CD set from there and it was reasonable. I think I used an independent seller and made sure they had good feedback, also it was sealed and new. I love the set I have. I like all of the Arkangel series. Nowdays, also online they have downloads, so you don't have to physically get a hold of the CD's, just pay a fee and download the play. I will check into it for you.
    The play "Titus Andronicus" was discussed a while back on this site. I don't know how long it lasted because I know a lot of people found it totally violent. I would be one of those and I dropped out. I agree - it is his worst work, but many would probably disagree with my assessment - to each his own, right?
    Greetings Janine Yep, over hear in Australia we'll be in winter experiencing the coldest temperatures from June to August. Although in Melbourne it is said to have "four seasons in one day", so The Winter's Tale may not be fitting on many days.
    I think Amazon ships to Australia, so I could obtain their products in a couple of weeks. I desire to obtain a number of audio cds or perhaps downloads of the audio books, but as a student I won't in the near future be able to afford what I want.
    As I'm yet to read Titus Andronicus I'm going off the opinions I've gathered that it is his worst play. I hope it is, or I'll be disappointed not having read his worst lol.

  14. #74
    Liz bej6s's Avatar
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    Out of curiosity, has there ever been a tie? And how would you then determine what the book will be for that month? I vaguely remember reading this somewhere, but I can't find it now.

  15. #75
    Pièce de Résistance Scheherazade's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bej6s View Post
    Out of curiosity, has there ever been a tie? And how would you then determine what the book will be for that month? I vaguely remember reading this somewhere, but I can't find it now.
    We flip a coin.

    And now, all together...

    Dashing through the snow
    On a one-horse open sleigh,
    Over the fields we go,
    Laughing all the way;
    Bells on bob-tail ring,
    Making spirits bright,
    What fun it is to ride and sing
    A sleighing song tonight.
    ~
    "It is not that I am mad; it is only that my head is different from yours.”
    ~


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