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Home Essay Samples Literature Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet: a Compare and Contrast Analysis

Table of contents, character similarities and differences, themes and motifs, outcomes and resolutions.

• Shakespeare, W. (1597). Romeo and Juliet. First Quarto.
• Greenblatt, S. (Ed.). (2016). The Norton Shakespeare: Based on the Oxford Edition (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• Garber, M. (2013). Shakespeare and modern culture. Anchor.
• Frye, N. (1965). A natural perspective: The development of Shakespearean comedy and romance. Columbia University Press.
• Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2010). Romeo and Juliet (Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations). Infobase Publishing.

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Romeo and Juliet 1968 and 1996 Movie Comparison Essay: a Tale of Two Cinematic Experiences

How it works

Ah, “Romeo and Juliet”! The age-old story of star-crossed lovers that Shakespeare spun into literary gold. And guess what? Filmmakers couldn’t resist turning this tragic tale into cinematic magic. We’ve got not one but two iconic adaptations from the late ’60s and the ’90s. Buckle up because we’re diving into the world of “Romeo and Juliet” on the big screen.

• 1.1 Keeping It Traditional
• 1.2 Star-Crossed Chemistry
• 1.3 Visual Poetry
• 1.4 Soothing Sonnets
• 2.1 Shaking Up the Scene
• 2.2 Visual Extravaganza
• 2.3 Cultural Remix
• 2.4 Unforgettable Soundtrack
• 3.1.1  Strengths
• 3.1.2 Weaknesses
• 3.2.1 Strengths
• 3.2.2 Weaknesses
• 4 The Final Verdict: Which One’s Your Cup of Tea?
• 5 Conclusion

The Vintage Vibe: 1968’s Classic Charm

Keeping it traditional.

The 1968 film, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, grabs the bull by the horns regarding Shakespearean authenticity.

You’re talking about lush Renaissance-era settings, costumes that are fit for royalty, and dialogue that sticks true to Bard’s poetic prowess. If you’re into that old Shakespearean elegance, this film is your ticket to time travel.

Star-Crossed Chemistry

Let’s talk chemistry. Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who play Romeo and Juliet, are the poster kids for star-crossed lovers. Their chemistry sizzles like bacon on a Sunday morning. You’ll swoon, sigh, and forget that this movie was made ages ago.

Visual Poetry

Zeffirelli’s 1968 film crafts scenes that are straight-up visual poetry. Every frame is a masterpiece, from Verona’s lush landscapes to the Capulet mansion’s opulent halls. It’s like stepping into a Renaissance painting, and you won’t be able to tear your eyes away.

Soothing Sonnets

The 1968 adaptation doesn’t just nail the visuals; it captures the essence of Shakespeare’s language in all its glory. The characters’ speeches roll off the tongue like a symphony of sonnets. If you’re a word nerd, this film is a treat for your ears, with every line dripping with the beauty of Bard’s prose.

Modern Twist: 1996’s Contemporary Flair

Shaking up the scene.

Fast forward to 1996, and we’ve got director Baz Luhrmann kicking down the Shakespearean door with a modern-day adaptation. Let’s be real, Leo DiCaprio as Romeo? It’s like a ’90s dream come true. This film splices classic dialogue with modern settings, and you know what? It works like a charm.

Visual Extravaganza

Luhrmann isn’t shy when it comes to visual extravagance. The film’s got the verve of a music video on steroids. Neon signs, wild parties, and a snappier pace than your grandma’s comeback in a bingo game. It’s Shakespeare with a side of MTV and oddly satisfying.

Cultural Remix

Luhrmann’s 1996 version isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural remix. Complete with guns and Hawaiian shirts, the modern setting bridges the gap between centuries. It’s Shakespeare made accessible, inviting a new generation to experience the tale without feeling like they’re decoding a secret language.

Unforgettable Soundtrack

If the 1996 film had a heartbeat, it’d be the rhythm of its soundtrack. Featuring tracks from Radiohead, Garbage, and Des’ree tracks, it injects the story with a vibrant energy that matches the characters’ whirlwind emotions. The music becomes another character in the story, underscoring the drama and love in every scene.

Let’s Compare and Contrast, Shall We?

The good, the bad, the 1968.

 – It’s like diving headfirst into the pages of a classic novel. The authenticity is so thick you can cut it with a dagger.

 – The chemistry between the lead actors is so palpable you’ll practically need a fan to cool off.

 – It’s a time capsule; not everyone’s into Renaissance vibes.

 – The language can be a barrier, especially if your English skills could be a lot better.

The Swag, The Oops, The 1996

 – Leo and Claire Danes ooze ’90s coolness. Their romance feels like a millennial fairy tale.

 – If Shakespearean language makes you go “Huh?”, this modern take will have you nodding like you’re at a hip-hop concert.

 – The pacing might leave you breathless—either because it’s exciting or you’re trying to keep up.

 – If you’re a purist, some of the liberties taken with the original text might feel like a Shakespearean sin.

The Final Verdict: Which One’s Your Cup of Tea?

Choosing between these two adaptations is like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream—it’s all about personal taste. If you’re all about that classic Shakespearean experience, the 1968 version will sweep you with its timeless charm. But if you’re up for a wild ride that blends old-school dialogue with modern flair, then the 1996 film is ready to knock your socks off.

So there you have it, a tale of two films, faithful to Shakespeare’s masterpiece but dripping with their unique sauce. The 1968 adaptation is a romantic throwback to the past, while the 1996 take is a modern whirlwind that’ll keep your eyes glued to the screen. Whether you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or a rookie just stepping into his world, both these films have something unique to offer. So, grab your popcorn and your doublet or denim jacket—because there’s room for everyone in the world of Romeo and Juliet.

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Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Rome — Unraveling Friar Lawrence’s Soliloquy in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”

Unraveling Friar Lawrence's Soliloquy in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
• Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Expository and Informative Essay Topics
• Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

• Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
• Personal Essay Topics
• Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• The best country in the world is …
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

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• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets

• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know?
• What is your happiest memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?

• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?

• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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• Romeo and Juliet

Graham Hamilton (Romeo), Edward Gero (Friar Laurence), and Nicole Lowrance (Juliet),  Romeo and Juliet , directed by PJ Paparelli, Folger Theatre, 2005. Photo: Carol Pratt.

Introduction to the play

In  Romeo and Juliet , Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.

In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.

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But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.

Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet       sorrow That I shall say “Good night” till it be morrow.

From the audio edition of Romeo and Juliet

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Essays and resources from The Folger Shakespeare

Learn more about the play, its language, and its history from the experts behind our edition.

About Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet An introduction to the plot, themes, and characters in the play

Reading Shakespeare’s Language A guide for understanding Shakespeare’s words, sentences, and wordplay

An Introduction to This Text A description of the publishing history of the play and our editors’ approach to this edition

Textual Notes A record of the variants in the early printings of this text

A Modern Perspective An essay by Gail Kern Paster

Further Reading Suggestions from our experts on where to learn more

Shakespeare and his world

Learn more about Shakespeare, his theater, and his plays from the experts behind our editions.

Shakespeare’s Life An essay about Shakespeare and the time in which he lived

Shakespeare’s Theater An essay about what theaters were like during Shakespeare’s career

The Publication of Shakespeare’s Plays An essay about how Shakespeare’s plays were published

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• Lesson plan

Choral Reading: Juliet’s Soliloquy in Romeo and Juliet 4.3

Cutting a scene: queen mab in romeo and juliet 1.4, pre-reading: tossing lines from romeo and juliet, choral reading: romeo and juliet 1.4 queen mab speech, pre-reading: tossing words from romeo and juliet, 3-d shakespeare: romeo and juliet 1.1, pre-reading: 20-minute romeo and juliet, master class: teaching romeo and juliet, getting all students inside tough speeches.

• The Merchant of Venice

Early printed texts

Romeo and Juliet was first printed in 1597 (Q1) as a quarto that is markedly different than any subsequent early printing: it is shorter, the wedding scene is radically different, and the language widely differs in the last three acts. The play appeared as a quarto in 1599 (Q2) in a text that seems to have had a different source than the one behind Q1; this version of the play was reprinted in 1609 (Q3) and in 1623 (Q4). The play is included in the 1623 First Folio, with a text that differs from Q3 beyond what we would expect typesetters to change. Most modern editions, like the Folger, are based on Q2.

See more primary sources related to  Romeo and Juliet on Shakespeare Documented

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