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West Side Story Similarities Between Romeo And Juliet

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There are many parallels that are apparent in Romeo and Juliet and West Side story. For instance, the way that both plays open is very similar. In Romeo and Juliet, the play opens up with a confrontation between servants of the Montagues and Capulets which develops into physical fighting until Prince Escalus intervenes and threatens to kill any of them if they disturb the peace again. This is similar in the opening scene of West Side Story when the Jets, acting as the Montegues, and the Sharks, acting as the Capulets in Romeo and Juliet, when a confrontation between them turns into a fight which Lieutenant Schrank intervenes and breaks the fight up and threatens to apprehend any of them that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood. Another similarity between the two plays is the recreation of the famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet where Romeo appears in front of Juliet’s balcony after the Capulet feast where they exchange their vows. In West Side Story Tony appears outside Maria’s apartment and calls out to her until she appears on the fire escape where they both sing about their love for each other. In addition, another similarity is when Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel however Romeo wants …show more content…

One of the most apparent is the setting and social status of the characters. Romeo and Juliet took place in Verona, Italy where the Montegues and Capulets lived as noble families. However, West Side Story takes place in the West Side of New York City where the Jets and Sharks are low to middle class citizens. Another difference between these two plays is where Romeo and Juliet and Tony and Maria meet. Romeo and Juliet meet at a lavish and elegant masquerade party at the Capulet’s castle whereas Tony and Maria meet at a school dance in a gym. Another difference is at the end of each play. In Romeo and

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