Too Obscure?

[BlackShanglan]

I've begun drafting a story whose central characters come from "Romeo and Juliet." The focus is on Mercutio (the speaker) with primary references to Romeo, Benvolio, and Tybalt.

Is this too obscure? Should I preface it with a capsule summary of who they are? That would convey the information, but I hate to lose the power of just opening with Mercutio's voice. On the other hand, I suppose there's ltitle point in writing a story that simply baffles most readers.

 

[carsonshepherd]

I've begun drafting a story whose central characters come from "Romeo and Juliet." The focus is on Mercutio (the speaker) with primary references to Romeo, Benvolio, and Tybalt.

Is this too obscure? Should I preface it with a capsule summary of who they are? That would convey the information, but I hate to lose the power of just opening with Mercutio's voice. On the other hand, I suppose there's ltitle point in writing a story that simply baffles most readers.

Heehee.

If they haven't read Romeo and Juliet, maybe this will inspire them to at least go rent the movie.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Oh, and also: if they're not familiar with the Shakespeare play it's unlikely they'd keep reading the story anyway.

That was Shakespeare, right...?

 

[minsue]

I assume your target audience would be those who know and love Shakespeare, so I wouldn't bother with a synopsis or character introduction. If a reader doesn't already know the characters, a short intro explaining them likely wouldn't be enough to keep them interested anyway.

 

[Goldie Munro]

I am sure that your story will delight both those who know and don't know who the characters are! Don't worry about it - I for one look forward to reading it - if your posting here that is!

 

[scheherazade_79]

As long as it's able to stand up on its own as a good story it should be fine without an explanation.

I definitely don't believe in spoonfeeding people, though. At the end of the day it just makes them lazier readers.

Save all the significance behind the story as a reward for your more intelligent readers who don't need the extra help.

I guess that's not very charitable of me, but I hate it when things are dumbed down so that they're accessable to even the world's biggest nitwits. Does that make me elitist?

 

[BlackShanglan]

Many thanks. My gut instinct was not to go with the synopsis, and you've persuaded me that this is the right choice.

(Funny, really, when I have Mercutio stating that people who are afraid to go with their gut instinct really piss him off )

Don't worry about it being, shall we say, too high-brow; the current working title is "Romeo is a Punk-Ass Little Bitch."

I'm posting a draft of the first couple of pages on the feedback forum for slings and arrows.

Shanglan

 

[oggbashan]

Short answer - No.

If they haven't read the play itself they will probably have come across references to it or read a children's version of the story.

Did 'West Side Story' have to explain the references?

Og

 

[Goldie Munro]

Many thanks. My gut instinct was not to go with the synopsis, and you've persuaded me that this is the right choice.

(Funny, really, when I have Mercutio stating that people who are afraid to go with their gut instinct really piss him off )

Don't worry about it being, shall we say, too high-brow; the current working title is "Romeo is a Punk-Ass Little Bitch."

I'm posting a draft of the first couple of pages on the feedback forum for slings and arrows.

Shanglan

I'm looking forward to it even more now!

 

[OhMissScarlett]

Short answer - No.

If they haven't read the play itself they will probably have come across references to it or read a children's version of the story.

Did 'West Side Story' have to explain the references?

Og

No, because when you're a jet you're a jet, baby.

"Romeo is a Punk-Ass Little Bitch."

That just might be the best working title ever.

 

[BlackShanglan]

That just might be the best working title ever.

*purr*

One of my favorites was "Judas is a Great Kisser." The screenplay was weak, but the title was fabulous.

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

I doubt whether there is anybody who is completely unfamiliar with “Romeo & Juliet.” They have become cliches, to the point that even their names are stereotypes.

Probably less well-known (or less remembered) is Mercutio’s place in the story. If exact identification of his character is required, there may be some segment that will not understand the relationship.

On the other hand, Romeo & Juliet like Hamlet is an oft-inflicted burden on teen-aged high school students, and while few escape the class with their appreciation intact, most still carry a fair impression of the story and its characters.

Finally, does your story really depend upon a complete understanding of Shakespeare’s play, or does it merely transpire within that setting, involving his characters.

PS – Be prepared for some lack of participation from the readers. I published A Surfeit of Bard over six weeks ago in the Non Erotic (I suppose it should have been put in Humor) and have only just broken 900 views (lookie-lieus?) While the voting has been relatively high, the votes have been sparse — 8 votes to date.

I expected, with all its hindrance, some dearth of enthusiasm, just not this much.

PPS – You realize that your story, as described, would deserve to be put into a Celebrity category. Best make certain Mercutio plonks Juliet, or at least lusts after her. This way, it will at least qualify for Incest or Taboo.

 

[BlackShanglan]

PPS – You realize that your story, as described, would deserve to be put into a Celebrity category.

Dear lord, what a terrifying thought. Thank you for warning me.

Best make certain Mercutio plonks Juliet, or at least lusts after her. This way, it will at least qualify for Incest or Taboo.

Actually, as currently planned he beds Benvolio, Romeo, and Tybalt. (No necessarily in that order, and with the option of various combinations.) I think it will be safely under the "gay" category, which hopefully might bring me another "DEATH TO ALL POOFS" public comment.

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

... hopefully might bring me another "DEATH TO ALL POOFS" public comment.

You should consider writing a convoluted, multipartite, and excessively Gay story to fulfill the promise of that title — Death By Poofery!

Dedicate it to the writer of that P. C.

 

[ChilledVodkaIV]

All I'd like to add is; Remember Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Although they did reveal which play they were from.

Gauche

Erm... VIV C?

 

[purple_angel]

All I'd like to add is; Remember Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Although they did reveal which play they were from.

Gauche

Something is rotten...To fuck or not to fuck..Is that the question?

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

All I'd like to add is; Remember Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? Although they did reveal which play they were from. Gauche

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, right?

Gauche?

 

[carsonshepherd]

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, right?

Gauche?

Waittaminute. Gauche...?

 

[ChilledVodkaIV]

Whoa there. What?

 

[ChilledVodkaIV]

Whoa there. What?

Gauche

Bum. Forgot to log out.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Whoa there. What?

Gauche

Which one are ya then?

 

[gauchecritic]

Who's been using my name in vain. Or vanity. Or whatever.

Yeah you were right the first time CV.

Gauche

 

[carsonshepherd]

Who's been using my name in vain. Or vanity. Or whatever.

Yeah you were right the first time CV.

Gauche

Nice.

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

... Yeah you were right the first time CV. . .

The rest SHOULD be silence.

 

[carsonshepherd]

The rest SHOULD be silence.

Do you suppose he's all of 'em? Or just IV?