Comparison essay on Romeo and Juliet vs. West Side story?

Question

i have to write an essay comparing a universal theme in romeo and juliet and west side story. The theme that i have picked is feuding between families/gangs. I know the similarities between both plays but i need help getting started with my essay.

Answer 1

start with an outline of the main points you want use in your essay and that will be your topics for your paragraphs. then under each main point have evidence/reasons to support your main point of that paragraph. then start with a topic sentence and see where your mind takes you. if you type it on the computer to start with, it doesn't have to make sence when you first start to type it. you can always move things around after you get done typing so it makes more sense.



i hope that's helps.

Answer 2

Between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story... hmmm....



I know West Side Story is presently based as a post-modern version of Romeo and Juliet. The Montegue and Capulet clans are supposed to be like the warring gangs in West Side Story-- I think they were called The Sharks and The Jets; it's been a long while since I've read West Side Story, so I can only be partially certain of the names of the gangs.



Superficially, the do resemble each other... the same way Romeo and Juliet fell for each other, so too, did the two warring rivals in West Side Story (again, it's been a long time since I read West Side Story, so I can't remember the kids' names). And other than the two killing themselves at the end of West Side Story, I can't see any real distinctive similarities between the two stories...



They both share a sense of betrayal of their clans/gangs, for the tryst between Romeo and Juliet and their dopplegangers for West Side Story; they both have their sense of anger through the clans/gangs for said betrayal; both clans/gangs had losses on their sides, and both of the main character's killed themselves at the end of the play/movie. Other than the fact that one was a play, and the other was a musical (which I think is one of the lowest forms of entertainment-- The Rocky Horror Picture Show, being the only exception to the rule in my eyes, as it made my laugh my butt off), I can make no distinction of how anyone could ever think that West Side Story is even on the same level as Romeo and Juliet; William Shakespear must've rolled over in his grave, when that film was made.

Answer 3

never mind one is a musical. the theme is the same.

You might take this quotation "For never was a story of more woe

Than this of Juliet and her Romeo." and explain, what the "woe" was about and how this problem is not a historical one but cabn be found in present times as well.

Just an idea

Answer 4

You'd beter get cracking then. One's a play and one's a musical.

Answer 5

thanks for the answers everyone <3