Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Key Details
- Genre: fictional play
- Sub-Genres: classic, romance
- Tropes: forbidden romance, star-crossed lovers
- Publication Date: 1597
- Pages: 90-100
- Themes: love, family, fate, conflict
- Accolades: included in BBC’s 100 Stories That Shaped the World
My Rating
Romeo and Juliet was my first Shakespeare in 9th grade. While all of Shakespeare’s tragedies heighten the emotional stakes, perhaps this one does so the most, given how young its star-crossed lovers are and how preventable their tragic fate was. It’s fairly easy (for Shakespeare) and teaches a timeless lesson: that unnecessary conflict can lead to unimaginable consequences which cannot be fixed.
Gilmore Girls Episodes
| Season 1, Episode 12 (“Double Date”) | Lorelai calls Sookie and Jackson Romeo and Juliet. |
| Season 1, Episode 16 (“Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers”) | The iconic phrase “star-crossed lovers” is referenced in the episode’s title. |
| Season 2, Episode 9 (“Run Away, Little Boy”) | Rory’s Chilton class reenacts Romeo and Juliet. |
Juliet’s Famous Line (Act II, Scene II)
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Book Review
Plot Description
Romeo and Juliet is about two teenagers from feuding families who fall deeply in love.
Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, seek to marry in secret to try to escape their families’ hatred.
A series of misunderstandings and impulsive decisions lead to tragedy for both families, who are forced to decide whether to end their feud.
Why It Matters on Gilmore Girls
Romeo and Juliet are famously known as “star-crossed” lovers, and, likewise, fate, destiny, and familial opinions play roles in many of the relationships on Gilmore Girls.
Also, Rory’s class reenacts Romeo and Juliet. Her education is a central theme on the show, so it’s fitting that such an iconic play was represented so memorably.
Who It’s Best For
Romeo and Juliet works well for Shakespeare beginners reading the books from Gilmore Girls Season One because the story and its language are so iconic.
It also works well for Young Adult readers because the main characters are teens.
Reading Tips
- I like to read “No Fear” editions of Shakespeare, which pair modern “translations” with the original text.
- I very highly recommend the 1996 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. It’s a modern classic in its own right!
Aesthetic
Frequently Asked Questions
In Season 2, Episode 9 of Gilmore Girls (“Run Away, Little Boy”), Rory played Juliet. Tristin was supposed to play Romeo, but Paris was forced to fill in.
Related Books to Read Next
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