Comparison Of Romeo And Juliet And West Side Story
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the musical West Side Story are two timeless classics that have been adapted for the screen and stage multiple times. While both stories revolve around the themes of love and violence, they are set in different eras and cultures. This article will compare and contrast the two works of art, examining their similarities and differences.
Plot and Setting
Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance period. The play follows the love story of Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, two young lovers from rival families. The lovers' families' feud creates conflict throughout the play, resulting in the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
West Side Story is set in the Upper West Side of New York City during the 1950s. The musical follows the love story of Tony, a member of the Jets gang, and Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks gang. The Jets and Sharks are rival gangs that are constantly at odds with each other, creating conflict throughout the story.
While both stories have similar themes of forbidden love and violence between rival groups, the settings and time periods are vastly different.
Characters
Romeo and Juliet's main characters are Romeo, Juliet, and their families. Romeo is a romantic and impulsive young man who falls in love with Juliet at first sight. Juliet is a young woman who is loyal to her family but falls in love with Romeo. The two lovers' families are also major characters, with their feud being the cause of the play's tragic ending.
West Side Story's main characters are Tony, Maria, and the Jets and Sharks gangs. Tony is a former member of the Jets who falls in love with Maria at a dance. Maria is the sister of the leader of the Sharks and falls in love with Tony. The Jets and Sharks are two rival gangs that are constantly at odds with each other, creating conflict throughout the story.
Both stories have similar character archetypes, with the lovers being from rival groups and the families or gangs being the source of conflict.
Themes
The themes of love and violence are present in both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. The love between the main characters is forbidden due to their families or gangs being at odds with each other. This creates a sense of tragedy and inevitability, as the lovers know that their love is doomed from the start.
The violence between the rival families or gangs is also a major theme in both stories. The violence is caused by the need to protect one's honor or territory, leading to a cycle of revenge and bloodshed.
Both stories also touch on the themes of loyalty and betrayal. Romeo and Juliet's families are betrayed by their own children, while Tony's loyalty to the Jets is tested when he falls in love with Maria, a member of the rival gang.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story are two timeless classics that have stood the test of time. While both stories have similar themes of love and violence, they are set in different time periods and cultures. Romeo and Juliet is set in Renaissance Italy, while West Side Story is set in 1950s New York City. The characters in both stories are similar in their archetypes, with the lovers being from rival groups and the families or gangs being the source of conflict. Both stories touch on similar themes of love, violence, loyalty, and betrayal, but they are unique in their own ways.