Shakespeare’s play about the doomed romance of two teenagers from feuding families is the most famous love story ever written. First performed around 1596, Romeo and Juliet has been adapted as a ballet, an opera, the musical West Side Story, and a dozen films. Explore character analyses of Romeo and Juliet, a plot overview, and important quotes.
Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of Romeo and Juliet, scene by scene break-downs, and more.
Characters
See a complete list of characters in Romeo and Juliet and read in-depth analyses of Romeo, Juliet, and more.
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Romeo and Juliet, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.
Questions & Answers
Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about Romeo and Juliet and find the answers you need.
- Do Romeo and Juliet have sex?
- Is Juliet too young to get married?
- Who is Rosaline?
- Why does Mercutio fight Tybalt?
- How does Romeo convince the reluctant Apothecary to sell him poison?
- Why do Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio go to the Capulets’ party?
- Who seems less impulsive and more realistic—Romeo or Juliet?
- Why does Friar Lawrence decide to marry Romeo and Juliet?
- Why does Mercutio say, “a plague o’ both your houses”?
- Why does Romeo fight Tybalt?
- Is there a villain in the play, and, if so, who is it?
- Why does the Prince exile Romeo?
- Why does Juliet feel torn when she hears of Tybalt’s death?
- At the end of Romeo and Juliet’s wedding night together, why does Juliet first deny that it is day and then change her mind?
- Why does Friar Lawrence’s plan to help Romeo reunite with Juliet fail?
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of Romeo and Juliet by reading these key quotes.
-
By Character
- Romeo
- Juliet
- Mercutio
- Friar Lawrence
- Nurse
-
By Symbol
- Poison
- Thumb-biting
- Queen Mab
-
By Setting
- Verona, Italy
Quick Quizzes
Test your knowledge of Romeo and Juliet with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
Essays
Get ready to ace your Romeo and Juliet paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, a sample A+ student essay, and more.
Further Study
Go further in your study of Romeo and Juliet with background information, movie adaptations, and links to the best resources around the web.
