William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet was authored by William Shakespeare, one of the greatest authors in English literature. The period during which he authored the play falls between 1594 and 1596. This was a period when William was writing several tragedies and romantic works.
The History of Romeo and Juliet
The famous tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet was not a complete creation of Shakespeare’s own mind. Rather, it was inspired by earlier legends and writings that he modified and created into the story we all know and love.
One of the first stories similar to Romeo and Juliet is found in Italian literature. In 1562, Arthur Brooke wrote a narrative poem called The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet, which served as one of the main inspirations for Shakespeare in writing the play. However, Shakespeare’s play was far more dramatic than the poem itself.
Even before Brooke wrote his poem, he had taken inspiration from the writings of earlier Italian authors like Matteo Bandello, who wrote about the story during the 16th century. These stories were common in Europe, featuring elements of family feuds and doomed lovers.
Reasons Why Shakespeare Decided to Write It
Shakespeare was working at a time when audiences liked plays characterized by romance, conflict, and strong emotions. Tragic love stories were particularly favored due to their exploration of various human passions and morals.
Some of the reasons why Shakespeare decided to write the play include:
- The Need for a Tragic Play
Audiences in London loved plays that featured both love and tragedy. Shakespeare could use this trend in writing his own tragic love story that would explore fate and conflicts among humans.
- The Passionate Characters
While many plays had characters from middle age and old age, Shakespeare decided to choose youthful characters in his story. These youthful characters helped to highlight passion in love.
- Social Conflict
The theme of family rivalry was highly relatable. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets reflects how societal divisions can destroy lives and relationships.
Summary of the Plot
This is a story that happens in Verona, Italy, where two rich families, the Montagues and Capulets, are in an enduring feud.
Romeo and Juliet fall in love during one party without realizing that they belong to feuding families. After discovering their family origin, they decide to go ahead with their love affair secretly.
The two get married secretly with the assistance of Friar Laurence. They hoped to unite both families through their love. Unfortunately, several unfortunate incidences take place:
Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin Tybalt in a brawl and is consequently exiled from Verona.
Juliet’s parents arrange for Juliet to be wedded to Paris, leaving her with no choice.
She drinks a sleeping potion in the hope of being buried alive. Unfortunately, Romeo does not get the message in time.
After realizing that Juliet was really dead, Romeo commits suicide.
Seeing Romeo dead when she wakes up, Juliet commits suicide too.
The deaths finally bring peace between the families after many years of feud.
Themes within the Narrative
Shakespeare’s play touches on various themes through its narrative:
Destiny and Free Will
The notion that the two individuals are “star-crossed lovers” implies that their destinies were predetermined by fate. However, their actions also play a role in contributing to their downfall.
Love and Lust
Their love is described as passionate and beautiful but also destructive when accompanied by haste and impulsiveness.
Feuds and Hostility
The feud between the families serves as an example of how uncontrolled animosity and grudges can have tragic effects.
Youth and Youthfulness
The characters are depicted as being impulsive and acting rashly because of their youth.
Cultural Influence
Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most famous works and continues to be a play that is extensively studied and produced. This has led to:
Modern movies and versions
In literature and poetry
References in popular culture
The term “star-crossed lovers” is now a universal term used for tragedy in love.
Conclusion
The play Romeo and Juliet is far beyond being a love story; it is an eternal masterpiece of human feelings, struggle, and destiny. Through utilizing elements of previous stories and imbuing it with his poetic genius, William Shakespeare managed to produce something that will last for many years.
Indeed, love can be very strong, strong enough to overcome even the biggest barriers between people. However, it can also prove to be fragile and vulnerable to conflicts.
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