Comparing Romeo And Juliet 'And West Side Story'

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he text ‘Romeo and Juliet’ written by William Shakespeare share the main themes love and conflict with the text ‘West Side Story’, written by Aruthor Laurents. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is about a feud between two households that are alike in dignity; Montague and Capulet. The feud is what causes a tragic end to the star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. However ‘West Side Story’ is about a rivalry between two 1950s street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. The characters Tony and Maria fall in love with one another even though they are enemies. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘West Side Story’ have their differences and their similarities when compared to each other.

Firstly, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ deals with the themes love and conflict proven by relationships in the story. The character Juliet and her Nurse have a mother-daughter relationship. This is a good example that shows love. The romance between Romeo and Juliet also show us another example of love and the drama that causes …show more content…

The two street gangs, The Jets and The Sharks have a lot of conflict between each other; especially after Tony and Maria show an interest in one another at the dance. The character Bernardo, Maria’s brother, shows us that even though he has conflict with the enemy gang, he still has time to love Anita. The quote from Maria about Tony, “But it's not us. It's everything around us” tells us that their love is not a problem but everything (the conflict) around them is trying to stop their love. Maria’s quote show us examples of both themes love and Violence. The quote from Maria’s brother Bernardo “Get your hands off, American. Stay away from my sister” shows us all that he did not want Tony, an American around Maria. Which is one of the things that started conflict between Tony and Bernardo; Bernardo wanting to fight Tony. Love and Conflict are shown in these event in ‘West Side

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