Comparing Romeo And Juliet And West Side Story

Both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story are timeless stories about young love and the troubles it can cause. Romeo and Juliet is a famous play written by William Shakespeare in 1595, set in the 13th century. West Side Story is a semi-modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet from 1961, set in the late 1950s. Although they are similar in overall plot and theme, each of these works has some distinct differences that set them apart from each other.
One of the obvious differences between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story is the setting. Romeo and Juliet is set in Venice, Italy in the 13th century. Whereas West Side Story is set in Manhattan, New York in the late 1950s. This difference in setting is most evident in the language usage from each time period. One perk of West Side Story having a setting at a later, more recent, time is that it gives a more modern understanding on Romeo and Juliet. However, despite this major difference, the two works have parallel places for the major plot points of the story. For example, the two lovers meet at a social gathering in each story.
Another notable difference between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Stories is the characters involved. In Romeo and Juliet the main, conflict is caused by a feud between the two families, enforced by their parents.
Both works have the major plot points included in them and follow the same basic chain of events that lead up to the climax at the end. Most importantly they both have the rivalry that causes all of the problems between the young lovers. The two stories also begin in very similar ways. Romeo and Juliet meet at a ball held by the Capulets and fall in love after meeting during a dance. In West Side Story, Tony and Maria meet at a dance that include both gangs and fall in love after dancing together. This beginning is what starts the secret romance that eventually ends in