Today we are taking a little detour into the world of internet reviews of the classics. What are people saying about The Tempest, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet exactly? Sometimes, nothing good.
The internet these days is so driven by the algorithm but in a weird way that forces us to give the things we like five stars and to vigilantly defend against anything one star. The world of book reviews can be the wild west at time and just seeing a star value doesn’t often give you the full picture. Classics are often flooded with one stars because people are often forced to read them against their wills. But also, can it be valid to give classics a one star? Sometimes!
I have a curated list of some fun or insightful reviews to bring your way. A highly recommended pastime. Also, send me your favorite one-star reviews or submit your own one-star review of a Shakespeare play (or classic) that you hated reading for school!
Further Listening
Episode 1: The Tempest and Theater as Metaphor
Episode 2: The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Episode 3: Shakespeare in Love (1998) with guest Ben Roman
Credit where credit is due
Art by Halie Branson
Music recording by josdvg
