Similarities of Two Famous Tales of Love. West Side Story and Romero and Juliet.

Essay by Chris RoemerHigh School, 11th gradeA+, April 1996

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It discusses the similarities and differences of West Side Story and Romero and Juliet...there are a lot of similarities good detail, nice perception

Similarities of Two Famous Tales of Love

In one of the most famous love stories of this century, many elements from anotherfamous tale of love were borrowed. In many instances, Westside Story mirrored Shakespeare'sRomeo And Juliet. Many similarities were noted from the characterization to the plot structure.However, they differed as well.

In Westside Story, some characters shared personalities with those of Romeo And Juliet.The families of the Capulets and Montagues were well represented by two gangs, the Sharks andthe Jets. Both being ineffective rulers, officer Krumpke and the Prince struggle to keep peace if their cities both to no avail and warned,' If you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay theforfeit of peace.'( ) . Due to their differing backgrounds, Tony being affiliated with the Jets and Maria with the Sharks, Tony and Maria partook in forbidden love much like Romeo and

Juliet. Much like Tybalt, Bernado disapproved of their love and was quick to fight with anymember of the Jets or Tony. However, Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend, approved of their love because she just wanted to see Maria happy like the Nurse. Overwhelmed by all the fighting, Baby John was much like Tybalt's peace keeping foil character, Mercutio. Lastly, Doc tried to help Tony and stop all the insanity around him like Friar Laurence.

In both stories, comic relief occurred to keep the audience interested, but the two plays usually differed in their approaches to comedy. In Romeo And Juliet, Mercutio amused the audience with his actions and soliloquies. Westside Story didn't have a character like Mercutio, so it used a combination of their dance and characters for comic relief. The Jets...