Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, Italy.
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about two young lovers from feuding families in Verona. Written in the mid-1590s, it is one of the playwright's most famous and frequently performed works.
Plot
Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall in love despite their families' bitter feud. They marry in secret, but violence, banishment, and a failed message lead to their tragic deaths. The loss ultimately reconciles the feuding families.
Characters
The title roles are Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Other major figures include Mercutio, Tybalt, Friar Laurence, the Nurse, Prince Escalus, and Count Paris. The play's characters are central to its enduring appeal.
Sources and composition
Shakespeare wrote the play between 1594 and 1596, likely drawing on earlier Italian stories by Matteo Bandello and English retellings by Arthur Brooke and William Painter. It was first published in 1597.
In short
- Centers on romance between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet from feuding families.
- Ends with the lovers' deaths, which ends the family feud.
- Written in the mid-1590s and first published in 1597.
- Based on earlier Italian and English sources.
The play is a standard part of Canadian English-language literature study and is regularly staged by Canadian theatres, schools, and arts institutions.
Quick questions
Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?
When was Romeo and Juliet first published?
Where is Romeo and Juliet set?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_and_JulietSupports: Basic identification, authorship, plot, setting, and source background.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Romeo-and-JulietSupports: Authorship, date, setting, and summary of the central conflict and ending.
- The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust — https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/romeo-and-juliet/Supports: Plot summary and major story events.
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Romeo-and-Juliet/344520Supports: Source material, setting, characters, and summary of the tragedy.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Shakespeare/Romeo-and-JulietSupports: Approximate composition date and tragedy classification.