Romeo and Juliet
By: William Shakespeare, Ken Roy
The Arden Shakespeare has long been acclaimed as the established scholarly edition of Shakespeare's work. Now being totally reedited for the third time, Arden editions offer the very best in contemporary scholarship. Each volume provides a clear and authoritative text, edited to the highest standards; detailed textual notes and commentary on the same page of the text; full contextual, illustrated introduction, including an in-depth survey of critical and performance approaches to the play; and selected bibliography.
AI Overview
The book "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, edited by Ken Roy, is a student edition of the classic tragedy. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Love vs. Hate: The central theme revolves around the intense love between Romeo and Juliet, which is contrasted with the long-standing feud between their families, the Montagues and the Capulets.
- Fate vs. Free Will: The play explores the idea of fate versus free will, as the characters' choices seem to be predetermined by their circumstances.
- Family Loyalty: The strict family loyalty and the societal expectations that come with it are significant themes, as they often conflict with personal desires.
- Impulsivity and Passion: Romeo and Juliet's impulsive decisions, driven by passion, lead to tragic consequences.
Plot Summary
The story takes place in Verona, Italy, where the Montagues and Capulets have been feuding for years. The plot unfolds as follows:
- Introduction: The Prince of Verona warns both families to end their feud.
- Romeo and Juliet Meet: At a ball hosted by the Capulets, Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with Juliet, a Capulet. They exchange vows of love, but their families' animosity makes their love impossible.
- Secret Marriage: Romeo and Juliet decide to marry in secret, with the help of Friar Lawrence, a wise and understanding priest.
- Conflict Escalates: When Romeo kills Juliet's cousin Tybalt in a duel, he is banished from Verona. Juliet fakes her own death to avoid marrying another man her parents have chosen for her, but Romeo believes she is really dead and poisons himself in her tomb. Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead and stabs herself with his dagger to join him in death.
Critical Reception
While there is no specific critical reception mentioned for Ken Roy's edition, the original play by William Shakespeare has been widely acclaimed for its timeless themes and poetic language. It is considered one of the greatest tragedies in literature, known for its exploration of human emotions and the destructive nature of unchecked passion and family feuds.
Edition by Ken Roy
Ken Roy's edition of "Romeo and Juliet" is a student edition published by Harcourt Brace & Company in 1987. This edition is designed to help students understand and analyze the play, with features such as a teacher's guide and illustrations. The edition aims to provide a clear and accessible version of the classic tragedy, making it easier for students to engage with the text.
In summary, Ken Roy's edition of "Romeo and Juliet" offers a comprehensive guide to Shakespeare's classic tragedy, focusing on key themes, plot summary, and educational tools to facilitate student understanding.