Back with more Shakespeare! Before we get started with Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Tempest, I share a little about my experience with Shakespeare before this project.
In short, it was almost ZERO.
I tell you this so you can have confidence as you start your own Shakespeare journey. I have been shocked, amazed and gratified at how rewarding the time put in with Shakespeare has been. And now, on to the plays!
This week’s Shakespeare trio is a true mix of tones.
Romeo & Juliet isn’t merely a teen love story—it’s an indictment of a society where everyone stays locked in their roles. No one is evil, yet parents, the Nurse, and Friar Lawrence all fail to act, and two young lives pay the price. Far more than “star-crossed lovers,” it’s a drama of systemic failure that rewards an adult reread.
After four tragedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream felt light and mischievous. Dame Judi Dench as Titania (in the 1960s BBC version) was delightful, though I found myself too drained for full comedy—still, it’s hilarious on stage.
Finally, The Tempest surprised me most: part adventure, part morality play. Prospero’s obsession with magic—and his choice to reclaim true leadership—offers a sharp reminder that power and technology can distract from real responsibility.
Three plays, three moods, and a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s range. And we aren't done! Join us next week to finish our Shakespeare trilogy with a couple of histories and the wonderful, tragic, Othello.
LINK
Ted Gioia/The Honest Broker’s 12-Month Immersive Humanities Course (paywalled!)
My Amazon Book List (NOT an affiliate link)
My Romeo and Juliet Movie Pick
My Midsummer Night's Dream Movie Pick
CONNECT
The complete list of Crack the Book Episodes: https://cheryldrury.substack.com/p/crack-the-book-start-here?r=u3t2r
To read more of my writing, visit my Substack - https://www.cheryldrury.substack.com.
Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-the-book/id1749793321
Captivate - https://crackthebook.captivate.fm
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com