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The greatest love story?
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Although he died almost 400 years ago, William Shakespeare is still one of the most popular English writers in the world. His 38 plays have been translated into every major language. One of his most famous is 'Romeo and Juliet', a love story and a tragedy.
The story takes place in Verona, Italy. Two noble families, the Montagues and Capulets, hate each other and are feuding. The prince of the city tells the two families that they must stop fighting or he will execute them!
A nobleman, Paris, wants to marry Juliet Capulet, the beautiful daughter of the family. Her father tells him to come to a party he is planning that night so he can meet her. Romeo, the son of the Montague family, also goes to the party. He is in disguise so none of his enemies will recognize him. At the party, he meets Juliet. It is love at first sight, and they spend the night dancing and talking.
The two young lovers decide to marry in secret, which they do the very next day.
However, there is a fight between one of the Montagues, Tybalt, and Romeo’s best friend, Mercutio. Tybalt kills Mercutio. Romeo is very angry. He goes looking for Tybalt and kills him to get revenge for his friend.
Romeo has to leave the city, and Juliet’s father tells her she must marry Paris. Juliet asks a friend to help her. He gives her a potion that will make everyone think she is dead. In fact, she will just be sleeping. Then, when she wakes up, she can escape and be with Romeo.
However, Romeo returns to the city in secret. He sees Juliet lying there and thinks she is dead. He is so heartbroken, he takes poison and kills himself. When Juliet wakes up she sees Romeo is dead, and takes his dagger and kills herself too.
Although both lovers are dead, something good comes out of the tragedy. The two families agree to stop fighting and live in peace. Unfortunately it is too late for Romeo and his young love, Juliet.
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