avamoreno's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read a Shakespeare play for more than a year now, and was desperately wanting to read something by him. My mum gifted me the RSC's complete collection of his works at Christmas, and I've decided to slowly make my way through it. First up was The Merry Wives of Windsor.
The fat and foolish Falstaff makes an appearance in this play, causing trouble as usual. In the need of money, he devises a scheme to seduce two married women and steal their husbands' wealth. The wives soon discover his plan and begin to plot their own revenge.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would - I was first introduced to Falstaff in Henry IV part I, and didn't really enjoy his character all that much. In this, however, I found him relentlessly funny and, quite frankly, stupid. He brought humour to the play, and I enjoyed reading what he went through to find money.
The plot was ridiculous but that's what made it so fun to read. Shakespeare kept you on your toes, using a variety of different theatrical techniques and a funny script to draw you in. Although it wasn't my favourite Shakespeare, it went upon and beyond my expectations.
The fat and foolish Falstaff makes an appearance in this play, causing trouble as usual. In the need of money, he devises a scheme to seduce two married women and steal their husbands' wealth. The wives soon discover his plan and begin to plot their own revenge.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would - I was first introduced to Falstaff in Henry IV part I, and didn't really enjoy his character all that much. In this, however, I found him relentlessly funny and, quite frankly, stupid. He brought humour to the play, and I enjoyed reading what he went through to find money.
The plot was ridiculous but that's what made it so fun to read. Shakespeare kept you on your toes, using a variety of different theatrical techniques and a funny script to draw you in. Although it wasn't my favourite Shakespeare, it went upon and beyond my expectations.
mono_86's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fientasie's review against another edition
4.0
so much fun! (to watch and read along again of course). i also loved that there were kids in this one :)
steven_nobody's review against another edition
4.0
Falstaff was such a hit with audience—including Queen Elizabeth I– that he got his own spinoff in 1600. The Merry Wives of Windsor is a naughty play and has nothing much to do with the history plays. Imagine it along the lines of the later seasons of I Love Lucy after everyone has moved from New York City to the suburbs, and Falstaff is living next door. When he sends Lucy and Ethel mash notes, they hatch a couple of crazy schemes to humiliate him. One wife even has a Desi Arnaz-style jealous husband who learns a lesson of trust within marriage.
eugeniekruijt's review against another edition
2.0
Not a fan of reading plays and the 5 day hiatus from reading because of my camping trip didnt help
charlottesometimes's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sugarpop's review against another edition
3.0
This is basically: a fat knight wants to cheat married women out of their money by telling them he loves them. The two women find out he send them both the same letter and decide to make him suffer as much as they can. Meanwhile a girl gets married in the b-plot.
It is fun but the marriage plot does not hit as well as in other plays.
Trigger warning: french
It is fun but the marriage plot does not hit as well as in other plays.
Trigger warning: french
amistosadele's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0