Humor Fiction posted August 13, 2024


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Shakespearean spins

From Stages to Pages

by Jessica Wheeler


 
 
 
 
 
Ah, Shakespeare... the bard who penned his way into our hearts and literary history, leaving behind an endless trail of timeless classics. His plays have transcended the stage, reaching bookshelves, movie screens, and classrooms worldwide. They have even inspired some wildly absurd reimaginings.

So, for anyone arguing that these aren't "books" simply because they started out as plays, I doth protest: if something is printed, bound, has more words than you can count, and is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble... it's a book.

Not to mention, all of these have inspired films with the same title. Maybe I should have led with that…

OKAY, my friends! Without much further ado, let us delve into a few of Will's most iconic plays-turned-books-turned-movies.


 
Much Ado Aboot Nothing

Drama brews in this quaint, Eastern Canadian town, where enthusiastic apologies and polite confrontations are all the buzz. In this story of love, banter, and totally understandable misunderstandings, the characters find themselves caught in a web of gossip that's as slippery as an ice rink and stickier than maple syrup. Canadian critics are all aboot it, giving this classic an overly courteous "eh" plus!

The Taming of the Screw

In this saucy little tale, Petruchio finds himself grappling with Katherina's newfound obsession. After marrying, he discovers a whole new side to his shrew, and her insatiable desire proves most difficult to tame. The nonstop screwing in this battle of the sexes takes place in the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, garage, and pretty much any area Katherina can turn into her own personal workshop. That's right, dirty birds, clean out those mind-filled gutters and dive into this classic tale of one woman's addiction to home improvement projects.

Julius Taeser

In the heart of Rome, Julius Taeser has no problem keeping his subjects in line, on edge, and in a constant state of perplexity. A leader known for his wisdom, strength, jokes, and jabs, Taeser navigates Rome's political landscape, wielding his sharp sword and even sharper tongue. Things take a tragic turn when Taeser's merciless teasing causes Rome's elite to begin questioning his questionable jests, as well as his spelling. Will the joke be on Taeser? Who will have the last jab? Et tu, Brute? Read and find out!

A Midsummer Night's Drear

Prepare yourself for... well, not too much, in this wonderfully uneventful story. Venture into a disenchanting forest just outside Athens, where the creatures are barely stirring and the night drags by impossibly slow. Join the world's most unmotivated fairies as they sit, sigh, and occasionally muster up a half-hearted complaint about the weather. This less-than-gripping midsummer experience is jam-packed with scenes that are sure to cure even the worst case of insomnia. Curl up and get ready to catch some Z's because you're in for a mild ride!

Romeo and Julien

If you fancy a classic romance filled with exciting vendettas, shocking twists, and love declarations about as subtle as a brick through your window, look no further than the tale of Romeo and Julien. The story unfolds in Verona, where a feud between the Montagues and the Capulets entices Romeo to crash a masquerade ball held at the Capulet house. Romeo is taken with the beautiful Juliet Capulet when suddenly, he locks eyes with her handsome cousin, Julien. This age-old tragedy has all the essentials of an epic love story: family conflict, forbidden passion, an unexpected love triangle, and, of course, a balcony. Grab your tissues, folks; this one's a tear-jerker.
 



The Importance of a Single Letter contest entry

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Original titles

Much Ado About Nothing
The Taming of the Shrew
Julius Caeser
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Romeo and Juliet

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Artwork by MKFlood at FanArtReview.com

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© Copyright 2025. Jessica Wheeler All rights reserved.
Jessica Wheeler has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.