The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is one of the most famous plays of the Elizabethan era. Written in the late 16th century, this play is considered by many to be a cornerstone in English literature. It has been adapted into numerous movies, ballets, and operas over the centuries and continues to be celebrated from around the world.
At the heart of the story is the ill-fated love of the two titular characters, Romeo and Juliet. Romeo is a member of the Montague family, a long-time rival of the Capulet family. Meanwhile, Juliet is the daughter of the Capulet patriarch. Despite their forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet persevere and secretly marry. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to them, their families are still at war and their relationship is ultimately doomed.
The story is divided into five acts, with each act having its own distinct subplot. In Act I, Romeo, who is feeling downhearted because he is in love with Rosaline who does not return his affections, attends a ball at the Capulet home. This is where Romeo first lays his eyes on Juliet and they fall in love instantly. Romeo also meets his friend, Mercutio, who seems to be quite taken with Juliet. After Romeo leaves, Juliet and her nurse banter heartily while they prepare for a meeting with Paris, whom the Capulets have chosen as a suitor for Juliet.
Act II begins with Romeo’s friend Friar Laurence attempting to aid Romeo and Juliet in their speedy marriage. They are married by Friar Laurence and when the news reaches Romeo’s family, the Capulets, and the rest of Verona, a war breaks out and Romeo is banished from the city.
Act III finds Romeo in exile on the outskirts of Verona and living in Mantua. In the meanwhile Juliet and her father have arranged her marriage with Paris. Juliet is heartbroken at the thought of having to marry Paris and so seeks help from Friar Laurence. He proposes for her to take a potion that would make it seem as if she was dead and then being taken away by Romeo.
Act IV focuses on the death of Juliet. Romeo believes Juliet to be dead after receiving a letter saying so and attempts to kill himself in her tomb. As he lies dying, Juliet awakes and they share their last moment together before Romeo eventually dies.
The final act is a culmination of the previous four events and has Romeo’s father and Juliet's father finally coming to terms after their children’s death. Juliet is taken home where the families of Romeo and Juliet reconcile, bringing to a close the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
Perhaps the most significant strength of the play is the timelessness of its core themes. Through dramatic and poetic language, William Shakespeare conveys moral messages about love, tragedy, loyalty, and sacrifice. Despite being written hundreds of years ago, many people today can still relate and appreciate the story of true love found in Romeo and Juliet.
Additionally, the play focuses on the importance of family and loyalty and shows the destructive power of long-standing feuds. Shakespeare’s witty and insightful dialogue amplifies the themes and makes them relevant. Some consider the beauty of his writing to be one of literature’s greatest treasures.
Romeo and Juliet is an immortal classic that has been adapted and reworked in many different forms since its creation. Its predecessor, the Italian novella titled The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet, set the framework for Shakespeare’s work and his own improvements to the story are what made it the success it is today. The eternal message that this play conveys will be passed down over the generations and probably live on forever.
