Machi Kanada - Romeo and Juliet

 

    Romeo and Juliet is a tragic story by William Shakespeare. The story begins in 16th-century Verona, Italy. This story is one of the most famous tragedy stories in the world.

     The main characters in this story are Romeo and Juliet. And their families are long-time enemies. The story opens in Verona, where the long-standing feud between the Montagues and Capulets is introduced. Romeo and Juliet meet fatefully and fall in love at a dance party. They secretly marry Friar Laurence’s help because of their families' fight. However, Romeo kills Tybalt, who is Juliet’s cousin, to avenge his friend’s death on the same day of their marriage. Romeo needs to be exiled because of the accident. On the other hand, Juliet faces forced marriage to Paris, who is in with Juliet. So, she decides to take a poison that makes her appear dead. However, Romeo never receives this plan. In fact, he believes she has passed away. Romeo had taken real poison and had a bead next to Juliet’s tomb. Unfortunately, Juliet awakens shortly after seeing Romeo dead and takes her own life with a knife. 

    One thing that stands out in this story is the secret and tragic love between Romeo and Juliet. It is so sad for them to unforgiven their love. Although their feelings are pure and strong, they are always challenged by the conflict between their families. Willian Shakespeare shows how different it is for them to follow their hearts in such an unfriendly environment. Those stand out for the narration. This novel is not narrated by the narrator. It is composed mainly of the character’s dialogue and stage directions. That’s why the reader can understand the story and the background more easily. My only criticism would be that the stage directions are too much, so readers might be confused. Perhaps it could have been slightly cut down and other expressions. 

    This story not only depicts the romantic and tragic love between Romeo and Juliet but also reflects social conflicts that could occur in European countries at that time. This novel makes people who read it feel romantic, sad, and suspenseful. And they might understand the destructive effects of hatred, family conflict, and inequality. I think that is the aim of William Shakespeare. People who love relatable and classic stories should read this novel.