Tuesday, June 09, 2009

We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.
Helen Keller


Bob and I watched New York Ballet doing Romeo and Juliet (Prokoviev) on DVD - gorgeous innovative sets and costumes, superb male dancers. The second act, the tragic act, really caught me - but I still have trouble with the commentary saying Romeo and Juliet is the greatest love story. It seems more a story of revenge and impulse than truly of love. In the greatest love story (romantic love) I'd see the lovers live many years and grow old together, hurt and forgive each other, overcome obstacles and losses, rejoice together too, not just mourn. Tragedies are cathartic and beautiful, but I think the best love story would not be a tragedy, but a tale of transformation and growth.

2 comments:

Judy Roney said...

I certainly agree with you, Victoria. Love would be a tale of transformation and growth. Romeo and Juliet were not together long enough to be the greatest love story. I'm glad you enjoyed the Ballet though.

Peggy said...

I have wondered about other stories that are considered classic love stories and why they are considered such great love stories. They tend to be dramatic but there is much more to love than drama. I think some publicist declared R and J "the greatest love story" in an attempt to make money for a movie! Glad you got to enjoy the ballet though. It is a real treat to see dance with live music.