William Shakespeare created one of the most memorable tragedies in literary history with Romeo and Juliet. It's a tale of star-crossed lovers, but they were destined to come together only in death. Of course, if you loved Romeo and Juliet, you'll probably love the other plays by Shakespeare. But there are a number of other works you'll likely enjoy as well. Here are a few books you must read... More Resources
Our Town
Harper
The Burial at Thebes (Antigone)
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Jane Eyre
Scholastic, Inc.
The Sound of the Waves
The Sound of the Waves (1954) is a novella by Japanese writer Yukio Mishima (translated by Meredith Weatherby). The work centers around the coming-of-age (Bildungsroman) of Shinji, a young fisherman who is in love with Hatsue. The young man is tested--his courage and strength eventually wins out, and he's allowed to marry the girl.
Troilus and Criseyde
Troilus and Criseyde is a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer. It's a retelling in Middle English, from Boccaccio's tale. William Shakespeare also wrote a version of the tragedy story with his play Troilus and Cressida (which was partially based on Chaucer's version, mythology, as well as Homer's Iliad).
In Chaucer's version, Criseyde's betrayal seems more romantic, with less intent than in Shakespeare's version. Here, as in Romeo and Juliet, we're focused on the star-crossed lovers, while other obstacles come to play--to tear them apart.
Wuthering Heights
Oxford University Press
Wuthering Heights is a famous Gothic novel by Emily Bronte. Orphaned as a young boy, Heathcliff is taken in by the Earnshaws and he falls in love with Catherine. When she chose to marry Edgar, passion turns dark and full of vengence. Ultimately, the fall-out of their volatile relationship affects many others (reaching even beyond the grave to touch the lives of their children).
