Shakespeare, William: 1564-1616

Romeo and Juliet, 1597 - Summary

  • The plot centers around two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose families are embroiled in a bitter feud.

    The play begins with a street brawl between the Montagues and Capulets, which is broken up by the Prince of Verona, who decrees death for anyone who disturbs the peace again. Romeo, the son of the Montagues, crashes a Capulet party where he meets and falls in love with Juliet, the daughter of the Capulets. Despite their families' enmity, Romeo and Juliet decide to marry in secret.

    With the help of Friar Laurence, who hopes their union might end the feud, they are wed. However, soon after, Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, challenges Romeo to a duel. When Romeo refuses to fight, his friend Mercutio accepts the challenge and is killed by Tybalt. Enraged, Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished from Verona.

    Juliet is devastated by the news, but Friar Laurence devises a plan for them to be together. He gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours. She takes it and is laid to rest in the Capulet family tomb. Romeo, unaware of the plan and believing Juliet to be truly dead, returns to Verona and takes poison at her side. When Juliet awakens and finds Romeo dead, she stabs herself with his dagger.

    The deaths of Romeo and Juliet finally bring the feuding families together, as they agree to end their hostilities in the wake of the tragedy. The play ends with the Prince reflecting on the tragic events, blaming the families' hatred for the loss of their children.

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  • Summary