Romeo And Juliet West Side Story Comparison Chart
Introduction
Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story are two of the most popular plays of all time. Both plays are timeless classics that have been adapted into movies, television shows, and musicals. These two plays have many similarities and differences, and this article will explore them in detail.
Plot
The plot of Romeo and Juliet revolves around two young lovers from rival families who fall in love and get married in secret. The two families have been at war with each other for generations, and their love is forbidden. In the end, both Romeo and Juliet die tragically, leading to the end of the feud between their families.
The plot of West Side Story is very similar to Romeo and Juliet. Instead of rival families, the story revolves around two rival gangs in New York City. The Jets and the Sharks are constantly at war with each other, and their love is forbidden. In the end, both Tony and Maria die tragically, leading to the end of the feud between the two gangs.
Characters
The main characters in Romeo and Juliet are Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, Mercutio, and the Capulets and Montagues. Romeo and Juliet are the young lovers who fall in love despite their families' feud. Tybalt is Juliet's cousin and a member of the Capulet family. Mercutio is Romeo's friend and a member of the Montague family.
The main characters in West Side Story are Tony, Maria, Bernardo, Riff, and the Jets and Sharks. Tony and Maria are the young lovers who fall in love despite their gangs' feud. Bernardo is Maria's brother and a member of the Sharks. Riff is Tony's friend and a member of the Jets.
Setting
The setting of Romeo and Juliet is Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance period. The play takes place in the streets, markets, and palaces of Verona. The setting of West Side Story is New York City, in the 1950s. The play takes place in the streets, alleys, and tenements of New York City.
The setting of West Side Story is very different from the setting of Romeo and Juliet. The time period and location are completely different, and this makes the two plays very distinct from each other.
Themes
The themes of Romeo and Juliet are love, hate, fate, and death. The play is a tragedy that explores the consequences of hate and the power of love. The themes of West Side Story are love, hate, racism, and violence. The play is a commentary on the racial tensions of the 1950s and explores the consequences of hate and violence.
The themes of both plays are very similar. They both explore the consequences of hate and violence and the power of love. However, West Side Story also explores the theme of racism, which is not present in Romeo and Juliet.
Music
One of the biggest differences between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story is the music. Romeo and Juliet is a play that is not typically performed with music. However, West Side Story is a musical that is known for its iconic songs, such as "Maria," "Tonight," and "America."
The music in West Side Story adds a whole new dimension to the play. The songs help to tell the story and enhance the emotions of the characters.
Conclusion
Overall, Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story are two timeless classics that have many similarities and differences. They both explore the consequences of hate and violence and the power of love. However, West Side Story also explores the theme of racism and features iconic music. Regardless of which play you prefer, both are worth reading, watching, or listening to.