Listening to Shakespeare is easier than reading

It requires some patience to listen to a book written over 400 years ago. Language has evolved and it may require listening again to some parts to understand the context of archaic syntax and words. It was worth it -- to be familiar with such known quotations:

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet.

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

A part of star-cross'd lovers take their life.

Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

11 people found this helpful

Great for classroom use

Would you consider the audio edition of Romeo and Juliet to be better than the print version?

Yes! I've been teaching Romeo and Juliet to 9th graders for a few years, and this year I finally decided to use an audiobook in class for some scenes instead of having students read it aloud. It's been so helpful already! It's good for the students to read it aloud themselves sometimes too, but hearing it the way it was meant to be read has really helped their understanding of the play and their engagement in the story. I am enjoying this version; it is well-performed and has captured and kept my students' attention.

5 people found this helpful

Dramatized drama at its best...

It has been 45 years since I read this play. I have seen a couple movies based on the play but they really didn't to it justice. I found this audio book to present the play in an authentic, dynamic manner. I appreciate the cast and their wonderful work.

5 people found this helpful

So much better to hear then to simply read.

I was hesitant to start this audiobook because when I have seen Shakespeare written before I honestly found it a bit offputting. But, I've heard before that it was originally penned to be preformed - that it doesn't work nearly as well, in tempo of language or action when it's just words sitting on a page that you look at.

And after hearing this - straight through all at once - I entirely agree. I'm off now to explore what other plays audible has by this theater group.

4 people found this helpful

Tragedy Done Right

This is a classic tale of romance, passion, and its victims done right. It has a top notch cast that makes it a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

3 people found this helpful

Not very good

What disappointed you about Romeo and Juliet?

The performance is not good at all I wish I could get my money back

Who was your favorite character and why?

None I never finished listening

How could the performance have been better?

Get better actors with more feeling and sound effects

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointed

Any additional comments?

Find another version with better actors preferably British

2 people found this helpful

awesome read

loved every minute of it. I can't wait to hear it again. performance unmatched for a audio book.

1 person found this helpful

Overall, Not Very Good

How could the performance have been better?

The actors appeared to have limited knowledge of the words they were speaking and what they meant. It was like listening to performers delivering lines, but not conveying the emotion of those words or the scene they were acting.

Any additional comments?

I stopped listening to this audiobook at the balcony scene, which was lacking the emotion that Shakespeare penned.

1 person found this helpful

Great Cast Performance

There isn't much to say that hasn't already been said many, many times--Shakespeare is a master, this is one of his masterworks and the cast did a fantastic job.

1 person found this helpful

Great performance

this was the first time in 40 years that I truly appreciated the cheekiness of Shakespeare. the performers did an excellent job.

1 person found this helpful