Romeo and Juliet

The tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” is one of the most famous plays written by the English author, William Shakespeare, and it has become one of the most famous love-themed tragedies ever. It was the first tragedy ever written by Shakespeare in 1593 after completing his two comedies, which are less known nowadays. The piece was written during the first phase of his career as a writer. It was inspired by a commonly known legend about two lovers from Verona, who ended their lives tragically because of love. Even Dante mentioned the tragedy of the families Montague and Capulet in his "Divine Comedy," in part referring to the Purgatory. Additionally, there are records pointing to the fact that it was a historical event from 1303. Also, the love story was mentioned in work called “History of Verona,” which was printed in the period around 1595. Several authors used the motif of a tragic couple of Verona in their works before Shakespeare; however, Shakespeare’s version remained the most famous one.

The tragedy tells the story about two young people that fall in love with each other, despite the animosity between their families that are consumed by hatred and rivalry. Their love seems impossible at first, but they get married secretly...