Jessica's Shakespeare Review

I must say that Shakespeare’s writings didn’t do justice to actually seeing these sites!  Since visiting Verona, I can see how cautious Romeo had to be to see Juliet!  Juliet’s balcony is a small, intimate, but beautiful little space.  I think it was the perfect place for a secret romance, but I could imagine this place as also scenery for a tragedy to break loose.

For The Merchant of Venice, I could imagine Shylock roaming around in a gloomy mood due to financial constraints and just overall sadness.  The city of Venice was a good choice for such a play; there are many different people and items being imported and exported here.  I could feel the angst and tension in the air; I also sensed how much Shylock and others had to haggle for their salary.  Venice air is set for mystery…

The Colosseum in Rome is monumentally profound.  Viewing from the inside gave a more in-depth sense of what could have happened here. To see where all of those sea wars and chariot races could have taken place was amazing.   I think my experience of Italian culture and the way Shakespeare represents Italian culture are one in the same, but I think historically and actually his representation may be a bit off.  A lot of the scenery is romantic and very blissful.  People in Italy seemed to be a bit cold and mild tempered.  I have that impression because I am a Southern belle at heart, and hospitality here is a #1 priority.  Shakespeare lived in a time when people were more loving, caring and devoted to one another. I know some of his work states otherwise, but that’s my understanding of Italy from him. Italy is a beauty, but you must learn to appreciate beauty in more than just the way that you are accustomed to seeing it.