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A Tragic Tale, No More

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*Written for an AP contest in which the theme was to write an alternate ending for a favorite book, poem etc. Shakespeare's quill gave Romeo and Juliet a tragic ending but that's a sad love story I think needs a bit of mending. Yes, he's the Bard, but quite frankly it broke my heart to learn they both died needlessly. I hated that part. In my rewritten dialogue between them, I'd find a way to change their ill-fated future and have Juliet say, "Romeo, it's only for you that my heart will ere yearn. I will simply fake my death and when our families learn that we've left Verona, we will be married... man and wife and be together as we have planned, happy with life." The messenger she sent to give Romeo the good news, I'd replace with a more diligent one that I would choose. I'd have made the couple more intelligent and shrewd, perhaps put an end to the Montague and Capulet feud. The tale of star-crossed lovers would end on a happy note, without Juliet seeming to have died. No need for an antidote. When Juliet says, "Romeo. Romeo. Wherefore art thou?" He would come to her on the balcony, and he would vow... "Juliet, I swear, never did my heart love until now. For I never saw true beauty til this night, and if perchance our families had forbidden us to wed, from Verona we would've left. From Italy we would've fled." *With apologies to Shakespeare, my edit I would offer, not a penny nor one Euro would I take for my coffer. Indulge me for just a moment for I'm a romantic at heart, and dared alter the ending by not keeping the couple apart.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 2/24/2024 5:06:00 PM
Lin, you've accomplished what many of us have felt and done it so well indeed. I don't think Shakespeare is shaking his head in angst, but rather saying, ahh! finally--someone whose heart I touched. It took so long, but alas dear Lin.
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Date: 2/23/2024 9:35:00 AM
i am NOT a Shakespeare fan i find the bard boring lol but I love your edited version with a much happier ending:-) hugs jan xx
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Date: 2/23/2024 3:31:00 AM
Ah the triumph of love over fate and the way of the great bards pen...you incurable romantic for attempting such a daring alternative...got my vote for the feel good ending of the week.
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Date: 2/22/2024 6:22:00 PM
I love it from the start! Much better ending for those of us that prefer happy ever-after endings. Good luck! You seem to get into charact and enjoy writing this one, Lin. Have a pleasant weekend, my friend. Bill
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Date: 2/22/2024 3:30:00 PM
Well done, Lin! Creative reinvention of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. I always wished that the star-crossed lovers had not died...so you made my soul happy this evening. I can understand your hesitancy, though, in altering what Shakespeare had penned. Thanks for sharing your creativity and poetic voice. Have a pleasant evening, hugs, Sara
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Lin Lane
Date: 2/22/2024 4:02:00 PM
Thank you so sweetly, Sara. I kinda felt like the shrew who should be tamed!!
Date: 2/22/2024 1:20:00 PM
Hell! Why not let Romeo and Juliet live happily ever after just for once Lin, they’ve been killed off enough times, although I’m not sure the play would be quite as enduring with this ending lol! Excellent poem and rewriting of historical drama, cheers David
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Lin Lane
Date: 2/22/2024 2:27:00 PM
It would be a tragedy of another sort if anything was changed but it was a contest requirement in AP. Thanks a bunch for approving!
Date: 2/22/2024 11:10:00 AM
Dear Lin, Your poem offers a refreshing and heartfelt reinterpretation of Shakespeare's iconic tragedy. Your clever and creative alternative ending showcases your deep appreciation for romance and your desire to see love triumph over tragedy. Your poetic language and wit shine through as you craft a new narrative for Romeo and Juliet, one that celebrates their love and intelligence. It is an imaginative piece that rekindles hope in the power of love. - Blessings, Daniel
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Lin Lane
Date: 2/22/2024 12:51:00 PM
I felt a twinge of guilt changing the direction of Shakespeare's quill, but it was the theme of a contest on another poetry site. As always, Daniel, I am delighted with your assessment of what I've created based on this classic. Merci for being such a great cheerleader.
Date: 2/22/2024 9:38:00 AM
Better ending. It is contrary to old theme of killing lovers in any culture.
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Lin Lane
Date: 2/22/2024 12:49:00 PM
Thank you so much for reading and your comments, Jay. Sometimes 'happily ever after' can take place... but I don't always write with rose colored ink.
Date: 2/22/2024 8:12:00 AM
I really enjoyed reading your wonderful write/story. Great ending/picture. "Good Luck" Have a blessed day writing away..........
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Lin Lane
Date: 2/22/2024 8:21:00 AM
G'morning and thank you, Paula. Have yourself a fine day, too!

Book: Shattered Sighs