Romeo and Juliet and “West Side Story” Comparison Paper

Due Monday, April 23^rd

As we watch “West Side Story” in class, you should be paying attention, taking notes, and reviewing Romeo and Juliet as we go. After we finish the movie, you will be writing a comparison paper in which you: (1) identify at least 3 parts of the play that are similar or different to the movie; (2) analyze the significance of those 3 similarities or differences; (3) put it all together in a 5-paragraph essay. Use my example below as a guide.

Romeo and Juliet are two characters in Shakespeare’s tragedy who fall in love despite the feud going on between their families. Similarly, Tony and Maria are two characters in the movie, “West Side Story,” who fall in love despite the rivalries between the two gangs they are connected to. When (a) comparing three scenes in the play and movie, the similarities go far beyond these basic plot elements. – Or – (b) contrasting three scenes in the play and movie, there are several differences in spite of the similarities in basic plot elements. These similarities / differences work to make the theme in each story (a) unique in its own right – Or – (b) more relevant to life today. (Something like that to provide a these statement.)

One scene in the play that can easily be compared/ contrasted to a scene in the movie is Act I scene i. In the play, [describe the scene: characters, events, plot]. The same scene in the movie happens when [describe the scene: characters, events, plot]. The similarity/ difference here is important to the portrayal of the theme [or impact on audience] because…

Another scene in the play that can easily be compared/ contrasted to a scene in the movie is _____. In the play, _____. In the movie, _____. This similarity/ difference is important because _____.

Finally, Act ___ scene ___ is the same/ different. In the play, _____. In the movie, _____. This is important because _____.

In conclusion, (a) even though the play and the movie have very different settigs and characters, there are really many more similarities between the two that makes “West Side Story” as much of a classic in the theme of young love overcoming adversity as Shakespeare’s tragedy. – Or – (b) while the play and the movie may seem very similar in the basic storyline of star-crossed lovers, there are many more differences that make each a unique story of its own. [Then add one more sentence of reflection, commentary, or impact and affect on audience]