The Real Romeo and Juliet

The ‘Real’ Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is well known throughout the world. However, there are some half truths throughout the story. These include the accurate author who happens to date back before Shakespeare’s birth. Also, some parts of his adaption are mistaken. Romeo and Juliet, the world famous play, isn’t merely a tale; it’s a real life story. Romeo and Juliet were not quite the people that Shakespeare portrayed in the play. Juliet is depicted as a 13 year old girl, while in truth she was 16 years old. Shakespeare made her younger to present her as â€Å"a young girl who is suddenly awakened to love. † (Romeo and Juliet Study Guide) Although some aspects of the true story were changed, others were kept spot on. Romeo and Juliet lived in Verona, Italy. At such an early age, they fell madly in love. However, the family of each lover happened to be sworn rivals. With parents and potions tearing at the love struck teens heart-strings, Romeo and Juliet proved true the moral of the story. Each moment truly made for a very dramatic and irrational ending. Love truly does withstand the tests of time. Shakespeare is very famous for his works of Hamlet, The Tragedy of Macbeth, and of course Romeo and Juliet. However, he did not write all these popular plays himself. The first note of Romeo and Juliet was back in the 1500’s. The main source of Shakespeare’s information was Arthur Brooke’s, The Tragicall Historye of Romeo and Juliet, a multi-thousand word poem. (Brad Lyons) The legend continues with a version written by Pierre Boiastuau. This account was from 1559 (Romeo and Juliet Study Guide) and Pierre used an Italian version by Bandello. The chain finally ceased with Luigi da Porto, who wrote Giulietta e Romeo, in 1530. (Brad Lyons)(Shakespeare for Students) William Shakespeare, the acclaimed author of Romeo and Juliet, was one of the greatest writers of his generation. However, he certainly had some help and inspirational guidance when developing his plays. Make no mistake, he was and always will be remembered for the superb tale of Romeo and Juliet. â€Å"Brad Lyons Romeo and Juliet in Verona†. 3/19/10 . â€Å"Romeo and Juliet Study Guide†. 3/19/10 . 2nd Edition Shakespeare for Students. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.