William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay - 1768 Words

William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Although William Shakespeare wrote the story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the 1500s, the themes depicted in the play had been around for centuries. It was a classic tragic love story. William Shakespeare needed his story to appeal and be accessible to as many people as possible. The main problem was that many people at the time could not read, therefore producing a book was pointless. So he decided to write the story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as a play that people could go and see at the theatre. The play was very successful and was shown at important theatres such as the Globe in London. Thousands saw it. In 1996 the film producer Baz Luhrman decided to make†¦show more content†¦Luhrman knew that his film would probably attract good publicity because it was the remaking of one of the most successful Shakespeare plays. Critics and cinema audiences would be curious to see how the play was portrayed on the movie screen. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is probably the most studied Shakespeare play at school and so most people would be familiar with the story line. Although both versions of Romeo and Juliet use language from the 16th century, the settings are very different. This is evident straight away in the film, as Baz Luhrman chooses to use a news reporter instead of a narrator. Also, whereas Shakespeare sets the scene by the narrator describing in detail the males in the two families, Luhrman shows this in a way a modern audience may find easier to understand, through their clothes. The Montague boys are betrayed in a comical way. They are wearing shorts and Hawaiian shirts and appear not to be very serious about anything. They don’t give the impression of being tough. The audience is introduced to the Capulet boys who are in complete contrast, being smart and well dressed. Their body language is a lot more intimidating. There is a scene that illustrates the culture of the time when it was considered cowardly not to want to get involved in fighting. The Montagues don’t want to show their fear and so end upShow MoreRelated William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1869 Words   |  8 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet In Romeo and Juliet, love is depicted in several ways. Both Luhrman and Shakespeare represent love in different ways in different contexts to both the Elizabethan era and the contemporary audience. Both the original and later manifestations of the text are valued because they both communicate to the audience on the values of love and society by employing a variety of devices. The central subject dealt within Romeo and Juliet is the subject of love.Read MoreWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet558 Words   |  2 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragic story of two young lovers whose lives are cut short due to the rivalry of their families, the Capulets and the Montagues. The family feud has been present for decades but once Romeo and Juliet meet they are instantaneously in love. Love at first sight some would say. But could love at first sight really be the case? No it could not. There are many things that serve to prove Romeo and Juliet were not in love. At the beginning of the play Romeo isRead MoreGender In Romeo, Juliet And William Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet1500 Words   |  6 Pagesof masculinity; the ability to act boldly and with purpose. Both directors draw upon the themes of gender to tell their stories subtly and effectively. 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So far, two lovers Romeo and Juliet agree to be marriedRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay809 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is a play based mainly around the theme of love. This theme is good for building a play around because if there is love then you can have hate to contrast it, and many other emotions can be brought in. Love also makes the story interesting to an audience of Shakespeares time; also to audiences of more modern timesRead More Responsibility for the Deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1449 Words   |  6 Pages Taking Responsibility for the Deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet, the star crossed lovers, the perfect sadly losing there lives for their great love of each other. The tragic death has many characters to blame, but it is impossible to pinpoint the full responsibility on one individual character. Many of the characters in Romeo and Juliet blame each other, for example, the Prince blames the two families and feud forRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet Essay1296 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet Shakespeares most famous tragedy is probably the tale of Romeo and Juliet. The immortal tale of two star-crossd lovers destined to an early demise, originated in Italian folklore. Shakespeares prologue is possibly the most insightful piece of the play regarding their death and the explanation of it. The ancient grudge immediately sets the ominous tone of the play. This allows the audience to understand that their deathRead More William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay1690 Words   |  7 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Although the story of Romeo and Juliet is over 500 years old, it is as relevant and appealing today as it was when first performed. Although dated, the story of Romeo and Juliet still holds great appeal and relevance to today’s society, despite the differences in morals and values between William Shakespeare’s audience 500 years ago, and Baz Luhrmann’s audience today. The arising issues of order and authority, fate and love entertain/ed and appeals/edRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay1016 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Act One Scene Five is such an important scene because its the first time that the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet meet. When they see each other for the first time, they fall in love straight away and is the start of the main point of the play. When Romeo sees Juliet for the first time he makes two comments about how pretty she is O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! and I neer saw true beauty till this night, and heRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay602 Words   |  3 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† is a romantic tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1595, which is over 400 years ago. Romeo and Juliet are â€Å"two star-crossed lovers†, who fell in love at first sight and struggle through circumstances, which ends with their death. There are some characters that are to blame for their deaths and some more than others. The Montagues are someway to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because