In this audio lecture provided as part of the Modern Scholar Series, noted author and literary critic Harold Bloom provides his unparalleled analysis of Shakespeare's tragic love story. Focusing his attenion squarely on the role Juliet plays in the play, Bloom argues that it is her characterization and dialogue that marks the beginning of Shakespeare's maturity as an artist. In this tale we see what may be the definitive portrait of a woman in love, and indeed, Juliet's ability to find words for complicated emotions is a major reason Romeo and Juliet have become the romantic ideal.

Today we present Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com

Today we present Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. For more audio tailored to the lifelong learner, please visit www.learnoutloud.com