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This innovative edition of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays offers modernized texts not only of the 1599 quarto but also of the short, or "bad" quarto of 1597, regarding each as witness to a "mobile text" which changed in composition as Shakespeare wrote it and which has continued to evolve throughout its richly varied history, both in the theatre and in film, television, opera, and ballet. The more familiar 1599 text is accompanied by a detailed explanatory commentary. The Introduction traces the Romeo and Juliet narrative from its origins in myth through its adaptation in the novella, and shows how Shakespeare's transmutation of the story reflects contemporary concerns with love, death, adolescence, and patriarchism.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
The long-standing feud between the Montague and Capulet families reaches a breaking point when their children fall into a forbidden romance. Romeo and Juliet pursue a clandestine union in a society governed by rigid patriarchal structures and violent tribal loyalty. Their objective is to maintain their bond despite the physical and social barriers imposed by their warring houses. The narrative unfolds through a series of rapid, high-stakes encounters that test the limits of their youthful idealism against the harsh reality of their environment. The play utilizes a dramatic structure that emphasizes the inevitability of fate and the destructive nature of unchecked conflict.
Discussion often centers on the play's enduring ability to capture the volatility of adolescent passion within a restrictive social framework. Readers frequently highlight the contrast between the lyrical beauty of the verse and the brutal, impulsive actions of the characters. Critics often examine the balance between the romantic elements and the underlying critique of patriarchal violence. The work remains a focal point for debates regarding the nature of tragic flaws and the influence of external circumstances on personal choice. Scholars continue to analyze how the text functions as both a timeless love story and a cautionary tale about the consequences of unresolved communal hatred.
Page Count:
464
Publication Date:
2008-06-15
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199535892
ISBN-13:
9780199535897
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