Comparative Essay - Romeo & Juliet and West Side Story

Comparative Essay

Romeo & Juliet

‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘The West Side Story’ are both movies based on William Shakespeare’s play. They are very similar in many ways, but different in others. It is about two teens that fall in love and see each other without their families knowing, because their families have a feud against each other. I will be discussing the differences and similarities between, Romeo and Tony, Juliet and Maria and finally, the families and the Gangs, which are in the movies, ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘West Side Story’. Event thought they seem different they have the same plot line.

Romeo is different to Tony. Romeo is a polite and well-mannered boy who respects his elders and is aware the he is viewed by the public and judged by them, so he is aware of his social standing. Even though he is fourteen, he respects Juliet because he loves her and would do anything to protect her and be with her. He is loyal to his friends and family but would defy his family if he thinks something is stupid or wrong, with what they say. Romeo is well groomed and brought up to be a respectable man. Even though he does not live to be more than fifteen years old.

Tony is different from Romeo. Because; he does not care what the public think of him or how he dresses. He was not born into a family of socialites, and does what he feels is right. He is not afraid of speaking his mind in front of people no matter who they are, but if he were to put down someone, he would not do it so openly. Tony does not fight unless he feels it is right or to avenge someone’s death. Tony is also a respected member of the ‘Jets’ gang because he was loyal and he founded the gang. At eighteen he is no longer a member because he feels he is too sensible for the gang.

Juliet is the lover of Romeo. The biggest difference between her and Maria is that Juliet is obviously Italian and Caucasian, whereas Maria is Puerto Rican and dark skinned. Juliet is not afraid to show how much she loves someone even of it means keeping their love a secret. Even at such a young age, she is willing to get married to prove to Romeo and her family that she loves him even thought he is a Montague and even though her family don’t find out till she is dead. Unlike Maria, she has a cousin and Nurse who care for her and not a Brother and her Brothers girlfriend.

Maria is the lover of Tony and is quite different to Juliet. She is the sister to Bernado and friend to his girlfriend. She came to America looking to get away from Puerto Rica so she can get a job and good life without the worry of not being able to buy enough food every night. She falls in love with Tony at first sight at the dance. She will listen to her older brother about certain things but will also do what she thinks is right. When faced with problems she would