A Comparison of Romeo and Juliet and Shakespeare in Love

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One of the greatest questions addressed in both Romeo and Juliet and Shakespeare in Love is the question "does love conquer all?" Should one follow his heart or should one conform to society's view as to what is proper? In the movie, love does in fact conquer all, but, in the play, it does not. In the play Romeo and Juliet decide to follow their hearts and they do not conform to society's wishes. Romeo and Juliet end up dead and the feud between the Montagues and Capulets is over. In the case of Shakespeare in Love, Will loses Viola but his love for her lives on as seen in his later writings. So, one could argue that in some instances love does indeed conquer all and, in other cases, it does not. Following the path of true love can be a tragic one as seen in Romeo and Juliet. As for Shakespeare in Love, both characters meet society's wishes and therefore return to their normal lives never being quite the same.

First, let us examine the story of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, one of the most influential writers of all time. As we know, in this famous play, two young people instantaneously fall in love in the midst of a long and bitter feud between their families. After all is said and done, Juliet's plan to fake her death is ruined and both she and Romeo end up killing themselves. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets had ended when both sides realized the pain that it had cost. The movie Shakespeare in Love was about the life of Will Shakespeare during the time that Romeo and Juliet was written. In the movie, Will is writing a play that is supposed to be a comedy. Along the way, Will encounters a woman, Viola. Will becomes enchanted with Viola and they begin to pursue a passionate love affair. Viola is an upper class, aristocratic woman with whom a marriage as already been arranged. As this affair continues, Will writes more of the play which is now turning out to be a love story that illustrates the actual events taking place in Will's life. Romeo and Juliet had become the fictional counterparts of Will and Viola. Eventually, the play is written with great success. However, Will loses Viola to her “pre-arranged” husband, but he always carries a special place in is heart for her as exemplified in his writings.

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