Response to Romeo and Juliet

I think it is safe to say that Romeo and Juliet is the most well known Shakespeare play. I say it is the most well known play because of the many remakes that have been made about the play, the quoted lines of "Romeo Romeo, where for art though Romeo" and "Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet," and the constant references that are made about two families who hate each other and forbid their children to be together. I think that one of the reasons all high school freshman read this story, is because of the familiarity and connections students can make to the characters, and the struggles they face. I think the play represents a great opportunity for students to connect with the characters and strife's they face as young teenagers. Some students might currently be in a situation where they parents forbid them to date someone.

If I was to teach this play, or any play by Shakespeare, I would introduce my students to Sparknotes No Fear. This sight is found on Sparknotes.com, and it is dedicated to Shakespeare and putting his plays into modern English that students can better understand. One problem I face when I read Shakespeare is his use of old English. Even though that was the standard English at the time, people today do not speak or write like that, so it can be very challenging to comprehend what is being said. Therefore, I think that No Fear Sparknotes is great for any student because it has the original Shakespeare text right next to the modern English version. This is great because students can read the play in modern English while still being able to see the same passage in old English. If I was the teacher have a hard time comprehending old English, I cannot expect my students to be able to. Thus, a modern English version can break down barriers and resistance to Shakespeare because it will be comprehendible to the students, and they will be able to get involved with the story better.