"This is like, so stupid..."

So, today in Shakespeare (I'm taking a small, 2 credit course focusing on a few of his tragedies)- I had a moment that resembled this:

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We were watching a production (BBC - 1974?? I want to say) of Scene 5- the famous "death" scene in the play and a girl who sits behind me (and mind you, is constantly texting and checking her Facebook) murmurs, "This is like, so stupid.  It's like, so unrealistic."

THANK YOU FOR ENLIGHTENING ME TO THE SINGLE-HANDEDLY MOST INTELLIGENT CRITIQUE I HAVE EVER HEARD.  My view of Shakespeare is forever changed.  

Yes, I was just using the sarcasm font.

This play was published, I want to say in- 1597?  That is over 400 years ago, and we are still studying it!  This is one of the most poetic plays that I have ever read.  There are so many themes to be discovered, and so much metaphor, ahh!  It's an incredible work of literature, of art.  It is simultaneously tragic and beautiful.  And, to sit in a college level classroom, with other English majors and hear some ignorant girl mutter something so mundane and generic just got UNDER.MY.SKIN.

I turned around and asked her if she'd rather watch the love story unfold in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."*  She returned my question with pursed lips and her eyebrows raised.  Don't worry, I gave her the "bitch-please-you-don't-phase-me" look right back.  Because, let's be honest- no one phases me.

Why go to college and study literature if you do not appreciate it?  You don't have to like this play... As another girl, Dana, later pointed out during discussion, she doesn't believe Romeo, despite being a protagonist has any true redeeming qualities- and further, she explained WHY.  This is a true critique, this is the type of thing I expect to hear and discuss in a college level Shakespeare course.

Obviously, this play is like, not like, realistic.  It's a play, and it's a play that was written over 400 years ago!  I swear, college campuses are becoming a mecca for the unintelligent- all these kids care about is partying and looking "cool."  Rarely, in any of my classes is there debate.  Everyone just wants the answers to the test.  It's disheartening.

But, Romeo and Juliet- it is breathtaking!  A classic!  C'mon guys!  Here is Act 3- Scene 1 in the 1968 Zeffereli version:

I couldn't find the entire scene in this version that shows Romeo killing Tybalt.. But, you get the picture.

Looking at the modernized, 1996 version of the same scene... Yes, it's definitely one of the loosest interpretations of the play, but it's still amazing!  And brilliant!

Moral of the story- Romeo and Juliet is awesome and, if you are going to take college level coursework.. be serious about it or PLEASE quit wasting every one's time and stay inside watching Jersey Shore re-runs.  JEEZ.  Snookie wants squish squish.  And, Azia want's you to shut your freaking mouth!

*author's note: I thoroughly enjoy romantic comedies, and find pleasure in the above mentioned movie. please take no offense!