William Shakespeare
As You Like It (1599)
I guess I'm just not much of a fan of the fantasy world of Arden, and the plot device of romantic partners masquerading as someone else and testing or proving a love. Or, in this case, the Yentl move of cross-dressing and wooing nevertheless.
I also remember not liking A Midsummer Night's Dream that much. But, hey, I still read 'em.
I'd love to get behind some of the stuff and it's probably fun to perform. (The Kenneth Branagh movie, though. Hm.)
Anyway, on a positive note, I'll leave with this, by Celia:
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful wonderful! And yet again wonderful, and after that, out of all whooping!
(Dang, that man could write!)
4 comments:
I've never tried to read Shakespeare myself, but I've heard he's something that should be watched--not read. He was intended for theatre.
I plan to try him after I read through this 100 list... or at some point.
:)
Corra
from the desk of a writer
I'd amend that to say his plays are meant to be performed (rather than read or watched) since learning the lines shows you their beauty or poignancy or whatever you want to call it. Watching it is often confusing, hard to follow, and - dare I say - pretentious and boring, depending on the production.
There's a group out of the UK that tours over here in Asia and does a wonderful job with Shakespeare called TNT. I think they actually tour all over the world. If you get a chance to see them, they are one of the better ways to experience Shakespeare.
But what do I know. I even like reading his plays. :-)
Shelly
Oh, I like reading the plays and will continue to do so.
It's just that I'm noticing that I don't find the idyllic foresty ones (Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It) as much to my liking as the others.
BAM here is putting on As You Like It which is why I went ahead and read it. But, having read it, I think I'll pass on seeing it.
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