Analysis of Gnomeo and Juliet pt. II

-Continuation of previous post-

What major themes are strongly represented?
    -Love
    -Hate
    -Individual vs. Community

How does the costume/setting/language/cultural representation affect the themes in the play?
    -Garden Gnomes - Because of the cartoon quality and the setting of living, talking garden gnomes, we excuse elements of sheer ridiculousness that we wouldn't accept in a more standard adaptation. However, because of this, the themes can be more excessively blatant. We can see the hate that the gnomes have for one another because of the insane lengths they go to in order to gain revenge. (I.e. ordering an overpowered lawn mower and destroying both gardens in the process) However, this excessive hate only allows the theme of love overcoming all to be that much stronger. Because they hate one another so much, the love between Gnomeo and Juliet has to be that much greater to conquer. 

How do the actors portray certain characters? Again, how does this affect the themes represented?

One Sassy Lady

    -Juliet -Independent and chafing at the restrictions placed upon her. Because of these two major qualities, it seems much more plausible for Juliet to fall for Gnomeo, also it adds slightly more depth to her character and making it seem like less of an impulsive decision.
    -Gnomeo -Family oriented, obedient son. Because you see a side of Romeo not normally seen, the dutiful son, you can relate more to the difficulties faced by Gnomeo when he falls in love with Juliet. However, this may not necessarily be what Shakespeare was aiming for in the original play. By making Romeo more impulsive, and even potentially less likeable, it creates a greater inner conflict for the audience over whether or not they truly wish Romeo and Juliet to have a happy ending. By making characters that everyone roots for, such a tragic ending would not go over well.

Would Shakespeare be rolling over in his grave if he knew about this interpretation?

    -I'd like to think that Shakespeare had a relatively good sense of humor, and considering the number of references to other Shakespeare plays, he'd have a good laugh...so I don't think the ol' bard would mind this version to much

What kind of interaction is there between main characters?

    -Gnomeo & Mother - I mentioned this with Gnomeo, but I think it deserves some follow up. Gnomeo and his mother really do have a good relationship, which isn't originally portrayed in the play. It adds to the themes, because you can really see that Gnomeo loves and respects his mother, and when she tells him to hate the Reds, he really does. She eggs him on in seeking revenge and encourages him in all he does. It really shows how it's the parents hate that causes all this contention. In turn, this helps the slightly religious theme of "Sins of the parents upon the heads of the children." Before this, I had never really thought of Romeo and Juliet in that context, that the death of their children is really the parents punishment for their hate and malice. Because of this interaction between Gnomeo and his mother, this theme can come out, even if Gnomeo and Juliet don't die at the end.

Conclusion

    -Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised at some of the ideas that came from this analysis. Definitely not the most profound versions of Romeo and Juliet, but it does serve it's purpose. It's the first step for people to get involved in the world of Shakespeare, and isn't necessarily a bad step.