**A Midsummer Night's Dream**

A Midsummer Night's Dream
I simply can't rate this play because I don't recall ever reading anything that had such a negligible impact on me. In a strange way, if you look at it from a certain angle, that might almost be considered an accolade. It began with promise, but then it promptly went nowhere and before I knew it, it was over. It was almost like a dream that fades away as soon as you wake up (~cracks a sardonic smile while rolling eyes~).

The Taming of the Shrew -- 1.5
A comedy, first and foremost, should be funny. Sadly, The Taming of the Shrew failed in this most fundamental regard.

It has been said that to truly understand the essence of comedy, one must first consider the premise of the joke; what is it that we are supposed to find humorous? For example, in the 'Jeeves' series by Wodehouse, we have a bumbling, aristocratic boss and his incredibly competent and clever butler. The underlying absurdity of this setup is that, in theory, an aristocrat holds his position because of some inherent, inherited quality that makes him superior to those who serve him. However, by having a foolish and inept aristocrat and a clever and capable servant, the joke lies in the fact that there is nothing intrinsic and inherited that places the aristocrat and servant in their respective social positions. The joke is that the qualities associated with each class are not innate.

This was precisely my problem with 'The Taming of the Shrew'. I just didn't think the joke was funny. The joke here is: 'Imagine a woman bossing around a bunch of impotent men until a'real' man comes along and bosses her around to the point that she is 'tamed' and completely subservient to him, to the extent that the hitherto 'good' women seem shrewish by comparison.'

To find this funny, one has to agree with the premise that men should not be bossed around by women, that they are not'real' men if they are, and that the correct and only role of a woman is to obey and worship the men in her life, especially her husband.

I, for one, do not agree with this premise, so this play did not read as comedy to me.

Now, not finding something funny is not the same as finding it offensive. However, these days, the two are often conflated, especially by those who are not being sincere.

Take slapstick humor like that of The Three Stooges, for instance. Many people enjoy the slapstick in The Three Stooges, but just as many don't find it funny, and some might even say it's offensive.

The person who finds it funny might enjoy the absurdity, the unreality of it, or might feel a sense of schadenfreude. The person who doesn't find it funny might not find the premise of absurdity and unreality sufficient to feel schadenfreude rather than empathy. And the person who finds it offensive might not only think it's unfunny for those reasons but also believe that it promotes or normalizes bullying or violence. But not everyone who doesn't find The Three Stooges funny will find it offensive.

To me, 'The Taming of the Shrew' is not only unfunny, it is offensive. I not only don't find the premise funny, but I also find the follow-through vile. Many of my notes in the margins were 'ew' and 'yuck' when it came to situations that were probably intended to be humorous.

In the introduction, the writer makes a point of saying that this particular play has not fared well since Shakespeare's time, even long before the so-called 'era of political correctness' that some might claim we now live in. The writer writes: \\"Only in greatly altered forms did it enjoy stage success through much of the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries [...] probably a response to the play's uncanny ability to make audiences of any era uncomfortable.\\" (p.9)

Indeed.

I'll let the source material speak for itself here.

1. Petruchio: I am he am born to tame you, Kate, and bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate conformable as other household Kates. (p.59)

2. Petruchio: 'Tis a world to see how tame, when men and women are alone, a meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew. (p.60)

3. Petruchio: Another way I have to man my haggard, to make her come and know her keeper's call [...] She ate no meat today, nor none shall eat. Last night she slept not, nor tonight she shall not. [...] I'll rail and brawl; and with the clamor keep her still awake. This is a way to kill a wife with kindness, and thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humor. (p.84)

And then, for the rest of the play, we get to read about how, after depriving her of food and sleep, she indeed becomes his obedient little wifey, which is demonstrated to the audience through a series of scenes showing the extent to which he has browbeaten her.

In one such scene, they are on their way back to her father's house for a visit, and he insists that it's nighttime even though it's clearly not. She contradicts him, saying it's daytime, and he threatens to turn them around and go home unless she agrees to say it's nighttime because he says so.

Petruchio: I say it is the moon.
Katharina: I know it is the moon.
Petruchio: Nay, then you lie. It is the blessed sun.
Katharina: Then, God be blest, it is the blessed sun. But sun it is not when you say it is not. [...] What you will have it named, even that it is, and so it shall be so for Katharine. (p.102)

We get this exact 'joke' again one page later. They finally arrive at her father's house, and after a while, she tells Petruchio she wants to go to her sister's wedding feast. He tells her they can only go after she kisses him. She hesitates, saying that kissing in public is embarrassing for her, and he shrugs and says:
\\"Why, then let's home again.\\"
\\"Nay, I will give thee a kiss [She kisses him] Now pray thee, love, stay.
\\"Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate. Better late than never. (p.110)

The pièce de résistance comes at the end when he proposes a wager with the other newlyweds over which of their wives is the most obedient. The other two men’s wives don't come out from the house when they 'bid' and 'entreat', but Kate comes out dragging the other two when Petruchio 'commands' her to come. But that's not enough of a show for him, so he adds:

\\"I will win my wager better yet, and show more sign of her obedience. [...] Katherine, that cap of yours becomes you not. Off with that bauble. Throw it underfoot. [She obeys]. (p.116)

One of the other wives protests at this humiliation of a wife, but the other two husbands both express their wish that their wives were as obedient.

Just in case the audience still isn't 'getting' it, we end the play with Petruchio charging Kate to \\"tell these headstrong women what duty they do owe their lords and husbands.\\" (p.116)

She complies, giving a very long and very sad 'trad-wife' speech about how \\"thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, thy head, thy sovereign; one that cares for thee, and for thy maintenance commits his body to painful labor both by sea and land [...] and craves no other tribute at thy hands but love, fair looks, and true obedience -- too little payment for so great a debt [...] I feel ashamed that women are so simple to offer war where they should kneel for peace.\\" (p.117)

'The Taming of the Shrew' is not a comedy; it's a disturbing account of socially accepted and encouraged domestic abuse leading to Stockholm Syndrome. And it's made even sadder by the fact that so little has changed since the turn of the seventeenth century, given the popularity of the 'trad wife' hashtag on TikTok and the spooky similarity between Kate's speech at the end of the play and the rhetoric of conservative women today.

So, no, I did not find this play funny, and indeed, I found it offensive and disturbing. It deserves its unpopularity, it should only be read for its filth, and a few witty lines scattered throughout do not make it worth reading unless it is being read critically.


Twelfth Night -- 3

I remember reading this comic-book version of Twelfth Night as a kid, and being completely obsessed with the story -- more so than any of the other stories in the series (and I'm pretty sure we had them all).

It was one of those fairly formative experiences. In this case, my introduction to Shakespeare was also an introduction to the fluidity of gender. I remember thinking how cool it was that Viola could just put on men's clothes and presto-chango-rearrango become Cesario, a man, in the eyes of everyone else in the play (until, of course, she has to 'come out' as a woman at the end). Disney's 'Mulan' was the second of the 'one-two' punches that solidified this fluidity in my mind as a thing..

All this to say that whatever else one might take away from those two stories, to at least one kid, they were a sort of permission to follow in their respective protagonist's footsteps, though that would come much later on. If I may be so trite: representation matters.

I loved that picture book version of the story so much that I developed a sort of aversion to reading the original because I was so afraid that it wouldn't live up to what I wanted from it: to be able to relive that 'aha' moment from so long ago.

And, well, I did indeed find that it didn't quite measure up. It happens.

Specifically, I discovered upon reading the original that I don't much care for most of what's happening around Viola's story. I didn't find it thematically as complex as some of his other plays, nor did I find the humor altogether that funny. I may be accused of 'hating fun', but I actually didn't care for some of the set-ups for some of the jokes, namely the entire side-plot revolving around the servants humiliating Olivia's butler (?), Malvolio. Sure, he's not terribly'merry' (which is a key character trait in this play, and if you don't want to have fun, there's something wrong with you), but the amount of time dedicated to making him look foolish just felt mean-spirited.

I appreciated that the very pushy way Orsino went about trying to woo Olivia wasn't ultimately rewarded by her, but it was still, again, kind of unpleasant to have to read scene after scene of him feeling entitled to her love despite the fact that she's made it clear she isn't interested in him.

Much of this is more of an emotional response than a scholarly one, but since it can't be said that Shakespeare is underwritten about in academia, I feel like one is allowed to have a feelings > facts-based review of his work.

That all being said, I will always be appreciative of that picture book series -- it definitely caught me at the right moment in time. And I still think 'Cesario' is a great name.

I've been rehearsing this with Theater Down South for nearly a month now.

This experience has been truly remarkable. The process of bringing a play to life is both challenging and rewarding.

During the rehearsals, I've had the opportunity to work with a talented group of actors and directors. We've been constantly exploring and experimenting with different interpretations of the script.

If anything, this read is a great study in contrasts. The characters in the play have diverse personalities and backgrounds, which creates a rich and complex dynamic.

We've been working hard to bring out the nuances and subtleties in each scene, to make the story as engaging and believable as possible.

I'm looking forward to seeing the final product and sharing it with the audience. I believe it will be a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Because it has some favourites all bundled together!

This unique combination offers a wonderful experience. It brings together those things that we hold dear, creating a package that is truly special.

Imagine having all your beloved items or features in one place. It saves time and effort as you don't have to search for them separately. You can simply access this bundle and enjoy everything at once.

Whether it's a collection of your favourite songs, movies, or books, or a set of useful tools and apps, this bundling concept has its advantages. It allows for a more convenient and enjoyable user experience.

Moreover, it can also add value to the overall offering. By bundling favourites together, it creates a sense of exclusivity and desirability. People are more likely to be attracted to something that contains their beloved items.

In conclusion, the fact that it has some favourites all bundled together is a great feature that enhances the user experience and adds value.

Twelfth Night is a famous play that concluded on February 12, 1997.

This date marks the end of a particular production or performance of this classic work.

The play, with its complex characters and engaging plot, has captivated audiences for centuries.

On that specific day in 1997, the actors and crew brought the story to a close, leaving the audience with a memorable experience.

Perhaps it was a night filled with laughter, tears, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The conclusion of Twelfth Night on February 12, 1997, is a significant moment in the history of this play and in the memories of those who witnessed it.

It serves as a reminder of the power of theater to transport us to different worlds and touch our hearts.

I have only read 'Taming of the Shrew' and 'Merchant of Venice', but I have fallen deeply in love with them. Shakespeare's works are truly remarkable. The vivid characters, the intricate plots, and the beautiful language in his plays all combine to create a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

'Taming of the Shrew' presents a unique and humorous take on gender roles and relationships. The story of Petruchio and Katharina's battle of wills is both entertaining and insightful. 'Merchant of Venice', on the other hand, delves into themes of love, friendship, and prejudice. The character of Shylock is one of Shakespeare's most complex and controversial creations.

After reading these two plays, I have realized that Shakespeare has so much more to offer. I really should read more of his writings to fully appreciate his genius. There are many other masterpieces waiting for me to discover, such as 'Hamlet', 'Macbeth', and 'Romeo and Juliet'. I am excited to embark on this literary journey and explore the wonderful world of Shakespeare.

Relectura...

It is important to remember that Shakespeare was not only a great tragedian but also a gran cómico. His comedies are filled with witty dialogue, humorous situations, and memorable characters.

Shakespeare's comedies often explore themes such as love, marriage, and the folly of human nature. Through his use of satire and irony, he was able to poke fun at the social conventions and foibles of his time.

Some of his most famous comedies include "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Twelfth Night," and "The Merchant of Venice." These plays continue to be performed and enjoyed around the world, centuries after they were first written.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's comedies are an important part of his body of work and should not be overlooked. They offer a unique perspective on the human condition and continue to entertain and delight audiences today.

This book has some really good plays.

However, there are a few drawbacks that make it a bit challenging to read.

The pages are relatively small, which can be a bit inconvenient.

Moreover, the font size is also small, making it necessary to strain one's eyes to read the text clearly.

In addition, the spine or format of the book is rather odd, which further adds to the difficulty of handling and reading it.

Despite these issues, the content of the plays within the book is still quite engaging and interesting.

It would be great if the publisher could consider reprinting this book with larger pages, a more legible font, and a more user-friendly spine/format.

This would make it much more accessible and enjoyable for readers to fully appreciate the wonderful plays contained within.

If only the damn Complete Shakespeare didn't weigh more than my bicycle!

It's such a heavy burden. And the font size! It's so small that it requires me to get a better prescription just to read it properly.

If these two issues weren't there, I would totally choose that instead of all these books that are either separate or in quad-collections.

The Complete Shakespeare seems to hold so much promise and literary greatness within its pages. But unfortunately, its physical characteristics are making it a less than ideal choice for me at the moment.

I can't help but think about how wonderful it would be to have access to all of Shakespeare's works in one comprehensive volume, without having to deal with the inconvenience of its weight and font size.

Maybe one day, there will be a more user-friendly edition of the Complete Shakespeare available, and I can finally add it to my collection.

Just read the taming of the shrew part.

It was an interesting experience. The story had its moments that kept my attention. The characters were vividly portrayed, especially the shrew herself. Her strong will and feisty nature made for an engaging read.

The way the taming process unfolded was both comical and thought-provoking. It made me wonder about the nature of relationships and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve their goals.

Overall, it was an okay read. While it didn't completely blow me away, it did offer some entertainment and food for thought. I'm curious to see how the rest of the story develops and what other surprises it has in store.

The plays are those of Shakespeare, which are renowned worldwide for their literary brilliance and profound insights into human nature. However, the accompanying notes in this particular edition left a lot to be desired. They simply didn't seem to offer much real value or assistance.

For instance, it was rather pointless to be informed that a fountain is a spring or that to charm means to bring about by means of a charm. Such simplistic and obvious explanations were scattered throughout the text, while there was a distinct lack of notes that could truly enhance one's understanding and reading experience. This is quite unfortunate as Shakespeare's works deserve in-depth analysis and elucidation.

Nevertheless, it is still Shakespeare, and the fact that it comes in a nice little compact package is a plus. It allows for easy portability and access, enabling readers to enjoy the Bard's masterpieces wherever they may be. Despite the shortcomings of the notes, the power and beauty of Shakespeare's language and storytelling shine through, captivating audiences and readers alike.

Although I did find much of the writing very confusing,

I truly loved most of the stories.

If it were not for the introductions or the fact that so many movies have been made from his stories,

I would have found it extremely difficult, perhaps even impossible, to decipher what Shakespeare was trying to convey in his writing.

I had a particular fondness for "Twelfth Night."

The addition of additional stories that were similar to Shakespeare's plays and the exploration of where he might have drawn his inspiration from was also a great aspect.

It provided a deeper understanding and context to his works.

Overall, despite the initial confusion, the experience of reading Shakespeare's stories was a rewarding one.

It allowed me to appreciate the genius and creativity of one of the greatest playwrights in history.

The various interpretations and adaptations in the form of movies and additional stories added another layer of richness to the whole experience.

I look forward to delving further into Shakespeare's works and uncovering more of the hidden gems within his writings.