I agree with everyone who has responded to this topic, and all the tips given are great. However, keep in mind that a retelling of the play in plain english is only a translation; if you want to know EXACTLY what Shakespeare is saying, then you'll have to go back to the original text. Though he does bend over backwards sometimes to stay within meter, I think if Shakespeare could have said what he had to say in a simpler way, he wouldn't have used such rich language. So, it's good to use a "translation" as a guide to understanding the plot, it's also important to go back and reread the play or see it performed a few more times so that you can reach a full understanding of Romeo and Juliet, or any other play you study.