After reviewing the 'balcony scene' from both the 1968 and 1996 versions of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, I have concluded that the 1968 version better portrays the essence and theme of the original text. As for the setting in which the scene takes place, the 1968 version takes place outside Juliet's house as Romeo sneaks in to see her. The entire perimeter of the house is surrounded by trees, making the scene seem more private and intimate. The house Juliet is living in is very high off the ground with a balcony looking out into the woods. When Romeo makes it through the trees he sees Juliet; there is a clear separation between them that is a metaphor for the difficulty that is their disputing families. However, in the 1996 version, Romeo just sneaks into …show more content…
While both adaptations take from the same original text, the 1968 version has drastically better execution than the 1996 version. For instance, the quote "Neither, fair maid, if either thee dislike" (2.2.61) is originally said by Romeo but is also said in both adaptations as a response to Juliet asking him if he is actually Romeo, a Montague. In the 1968 version the sentiment is clearly present, as Romeo says this in desperation to try and make Juliet stay on the balcony. Again, in the 1996 version, after just scaring Juliet so much that she grabs him and falls into the pool, Juliet then asks in response if he is Romeo, just like in the other two iterations. However, the tone is not playful and questioning, but accusatory and defensive, showing that she is not quite ready to be in a relationship with him after he just heard her deepest thoughts. However, this does not phase Romeo, as he says the same response as in the other version. but a combination of his heavy breathing and confident attitude makes the exchange seem awkward and