A Shakespeare Story

A Shakespeare Story

“You’re missing the point!” Anna yelled, louder and more passionately than was appropriate for the situation. She took a breath to compose herself, then continued in a forced tone, “It’s not about a love story. It was never about a love story! Shakespeare is trying to make a point here.” 

A boy from the other side of the chair circle stood up to match her, “Yeah, you’re right, and his point is that even poisonous hate can be conquered by love. It’s a beautiful tragedy.”

“No,” She responded, “It’s a cautionary tale about the stupidity of youth and shallow lust. Romeo and Juliet aren’t even in love. It’s all just hormones.”

“Hormones? They spoke in a perfect sonnet when they met each other. What else do you think Shakespeare meant by that? I stand by my previous claim. It’s a beautiful tragedy.”

“You always were too much of a romantic, Collin.” Laughed the boy next to him in the circle.

Collin glared at him, saying, “Just because you can’t get a girlfriend, Josh, doesn’t mean—“

“Please,” Stopped Rebecca, president of the Shakespeare club. “Please keep the argument on track. Personal attacks are getting us nowhere.”

“All I’m trying to say,” Anna said, “Is that anyone who knows anything about Shakespeare,” She gave a pointed look towards those who argued the opposite opinion, the insult evident in her tone, “Knows that he writes the most touching and beautiful love stories. Then you have Romeo and Juliet. Two lusty teenagers who kiss at a party, get married a day later, then commit a double suicide. It’s not romantic at all! If Shakespeare were trying to make this a love story, he would have done a much better job. As a cautionary tale, it’s beautiful, as a romance, it’s kind of awful.”

Having said her point, she sat down again with a small smile on her face as she crossed her legs.

“They chose to die for each other,” Said James, joining into the argument. “That goes beyond mere lust. It’s romantic.”

“Romantic?” Chirped Kaitlyn, the newest member of the Shakespeare club. “Six people died.” She rolled her eyes. “Very romantic.”

Thus the argument continued, only growing more and more passionate with each argument. One side claiming it to be a cautionary tale, the other a tragic romance. The club was practically split in half.

There was only one girl who hadn’t said her opinion. Her name was Grace, and in all honesty Romeo and Juliet wasn’t even her favorite Shakespearean play, though she would never say that in this discussion. She was more of a Hamlet girl. (Let’s face it, Hamlet and Horatio are just too OTP worthy.) Of course, just because she wasn’t one for speaking up didn’t mean she didn’t have an opinion, and it definitely didn’t mean she wasn’t an active member of the Shakespeare club. She loved Shakespeare with all her heart and soul, in the way only a true literature nerd could.

“Grace,” Began the president, “You’ve been awfully quiet. What do you think?”

Now came the time to be honest. She felt trapped. No matter what she said, half the club would hate her. Cautionary tale, or romance? “Um…” She mumbled, “I think I have to say that it’s a romance. Why else would their relationship be the only thing that repaired years of hatred from the families? Collin is right. It’s a beautiful tragedy about how love can overcome even the most poisonous hatred.”

And thus she gained angry glares from half the club, and the arguing started up again.

President Rebecca called for attention, and the voices quieted down. “Let’s take a quick vote,” She said, “Who thinks Romeo and Juliet is a love story?” Collin, James, Rachel, and Grace all raised their hands. Rebecca took a quick count of them, then said “Who thinks it’s a cautionary tale?” Anna, Kaitlyn, Josh, and President Rebecca herself all raised their hands. “Hmm…” She mumbled, “Looks like we’re split pretty evenly. This was a good discussion. Maybe we could talk about this another time? Meeting adjourned.”