Romeo And Juliet Comparative Essay

The classic Romeo and Juliet play, originally written by William Shakespeare, portrays the idea of individuals and society. The play tells the story of the main characters, Romeo and Juliet, and their tragic love story caused by a family feud. Shakespeare's original play was written in 1591-1596, since then many have created remakes of his story. In 1968, Franco Zeffirelli created his own adaption, Romeo and Juliet starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey. In 1996, Baz Luhrmann took a modern take on the story and created Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. These two adaptations, although very different, had the same goal of retelling the original topic, individuals and society, in a new light. The theme of strong

Romeo and Juliet have not seen each other since they kissed at the dance, yet they are both still thinking about one another. Their second time meeting Romeo sneaks over to Juliet's home and is hiding outside her window. When he finally shows himself, Juilet informs him of the danger he puts himself in by staying there. In Shakespeare's play, the scene takes place on Juliet's balcony. As the two speak Juilet describes her home as “the place [of] death, considering who” Romeo is. (2.2.69) She tells him that if he is found, he will be killed due to their family's feud. Romeo claims he doesn't care and stays with her. Their actions were a huge turning point in their relationship. This is the first time Juliet and Romeo risk everything to see one another. In Zeffirelli's portrayal, he uses scenery to enhance their interaction. To reach Juilet, Romeo has to climb trees and jump off branches in the dark of night. The scenery adds a level of difficulty to Romeo's journey. The fact that he is going through obstacles to reach her enhances the idea that they would do anything for each other. In addition to Zeffirelli, Luhrmann also uses scenery to showcase the dangers of the two being together, but in very different ways. In Luhrmann's adaptation, the two fall into Juilet's pool. In his portrayal, he adds a security guard that comes out to check on the two. Juliet decides to hide Romoe

Juliet and Romeo have officially devised a plan to get away and marry each other. However, a sudden change in Juilet's family created a problem with the original getaway. A very important letter never reached Romeo informing him that Juliet would be faking her death. The reasoning for this was to fool Juliet's family so she could escape from marrying Paris. When a messenger, who believed her death was real, comes to enlighten Romeo, he assumes it to be true and reacts impulsively. In the original writing of the play, when Romeo hears about Juliet's death, his immediate reaction is that he will die to be with her. The night he is told, Romeo speaks to the messenger about his sorrow and claims he “will lie with [her] tonight.” (5.1.37) Essentially claiming he will end his life if it means he can be with her. Zeffirelli uses acting to convey the heavy emotion Romeo felt. In this film, when the messenger appears, Romeo grows angry. He doesn't cry or mope around, he is filled with pure rage. Although this is different from the original emotion Shakespeare wrote Romeo to feel, Romeo is still explosive. His, almost extra, reaction convinces viewers that he truly cares about Juliet. The news of her death causes him to explode in fury. Being able to witness this through acting enhances the flood of emotions he is supposed to feel. Lurhmans adaptation showcases a different type of emotion through both