Romeo and Juliet

About the story

In Verona, the Montague and Capulet families have been enemies for generations. When Romeo, a Montague, meets Juliet, a Capulet, at a masked party, they fall in love at once and marry in secret. But the feud won't let them go, and a chain of quick decisions leads to tragedy. Recommended for ages 12+.

Before reading

• What is a feud? Why might one last for generations?
• This is a play, written to be performed. How is reading a play different from reading a novel?

Discussion questions

1. Why are the families fighting? Does anyone remember how it started?
2. How fast do Romeo and Juliet fall in love? Is it real love?
3. What part do Friar Laurence and the Nurse play?
4. How does the fight between Mercutio, Tybalt, and Romeo change everything?
5. How do the pictures show the difference between the lovers' private world and the violent streets?
6. Who is to blame for the ending?

Words to know

• Feud — a long, bitter quarrel between families.
• Tragedy — a story that ends in disaster for the main characters.
• Prologue — an opening speech that sets up the story.
• Banish — to send someone away as punishment.
• Fate — the idea that events are decided in advance.

Activities

• Perform the balcony scene. Read it aloud from the original play, then compare it with the graphic novel's panels.
• Change one choice. Pick one decision a character makes. How might the story have ended if they'd chosen differently?