Compare And Contrast West Side Story And Romeo And Juliet
West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet are two of the most famous and timeless works of literature and film. Both stories revolve around the theme of star-crossed lovers, but they differ in many ways. West Side Story is a modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in the streets of New York City. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two classic tales of love and tragedy.
Plot
Both stories have a similar plot. They revolve around two young lovers from different backgrounds who fall in love, but their families are opposed to their relationship. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet is a Capulet. In West Side Story, Tony is a former member of the Jets, a white gang, and Maria is a Puerto Rican who belongs to the Sharks, a Hispanic gang.
The difference between the two stories lies in the setting and the time period. Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, Italy, in the 16th century, while West Side Story is set in New York City in the 1950s. The rivalry between the two families in Romeo and Juliet is based on a long-standing feud, while the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks in West Side Story is based on racial tensions.
Characters
The characters in both stories are similar in many ways. The main characters in both stories are young and passionate, and they are willing to risk everything for love. Romeo and Tony are both tragic heroes who are doomed to die, while Juliet and Maria are both strong and independent women who stand up for what they believe in.
The difference between the two stories lies in the supporting characters. In Romeo and Juliet, the supporting characters are mostly members of the two families, while in West Side Story, the supporting characters are members of the rival gangs. The adult characters in West Side Story are also more involved in the story than in Romeo and Juliet.
Themes
The themes in both stories are similar, but they are presented in different ways. The main theme in both stories is the power of love, but in Romeo and Juliet, love is portrayed as a force that can overcome even death. In West Side Story, love is portrayed as a force that can overcome racial barriers.
The other themes in both stories include the consequences of violence, the role of fate in our lives, and the struggle between individual freedom and societal expectations.
Music and Dance
One of the main differences between West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet is the use of music and dance. West Side Story is a musical, and the music and dance are an integral part of the story. The songs and dances in West Side Story are used to express the emotions of the characters and to move the story forward.
In Romeo and Juliet, there is no music or dance, but there is poetry. The language used in Romeo and Juliet is poetic and beautiful, and it adds to the romantic and tragic nature of the story.
Conclusion
West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet are both timeless tales of love and tragedy that have captivated audiences for generations. While they have many similarities, they also have many differences that make each story unique. Whether you prefer the poetic language of Romeo and Juliet or the music and dance of West Side Story, both stories are a testament to the power of love and the human spirit.