Review: Two Plays by Shakespeare

Synopsis: 
As You Like It: Exiled from her home, Roselind takes to the forest, where she meets the aristocrate but abused Orlando. Dressing as a man, she woos Orlando, bringing about happiness for herself and several other couples.
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: Hamlet comes home on the death of his Father to find his Mother has married his Uncle. A spectre of his Father warns him that his death was murder and charges the Prince to revenge his death, leading to tragic consequences for all.

Review: 
As You Like It: Considered Shakespeare's weakest play, this is a frivolous, sprightly, and ridiculous play. It’s full of angst romance, innuendo, and word play. While no As You Like It or Much Ado About Nothing, it’s an enjoyable play. As for the dramatization, it was very well done. 

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: Hamlet is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best work. It is clear why. With intensity and emotion, with passion and anger, Shakespeare’s prose explores the depths of the human existence, and the things that crush the heart of man. Grief, madness, revenge, love – how they interact, how the intertwine, how one can kill the other – the play weaves the reader through complex ethical and philosophical tangles.  Hamlet, in particular, faces the clash of love and revenge, duty and honor, what is right and what is expected. This dramatization was excellent. In particular, the actor who read for Hamlet and the actress who read Ophelia both had a fervor that made their reading enthralling. I found myself breathless at points, every word captivating. 

Note: These we both Fully Dramatized Editions by ArkAngel Shakespeare Series.

Bookmarks: 

As You Like It: 3.5 of 5

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: 4.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Year Published:  c.1599 / c1603 (Audiobooks 2005 / 2003)
Date Finished: 3-17-2017
Pages: N/A