What is Romeo and Juliet summary. U

Romeo and Juliet

The author preceded his famous tragedy with a prologue in which he outlined the wandering plot of the Italian Renaissance era he used: “Two equally respected families / In Verona, where events meet us, / Are fighting internecine battles / And do not want to stop the bloodshed. / The children of the leaders love each other, / But fate sets up intrigues for them, / And their death at the grave doors / Puts an end to irreconcilable discord..."

The tragedy covers five days of one week, during which a fatal series of events occurs.

The first act begins with a brawl between servants who belong to two warring families - the Montagues and the Capulets. It is unclear what caused the enmity; it is only clear that it is long-standing and irreconcilable, drawing both young and old into a whirlpool of passions. The servants are quickly joined by noble representatives of the two houses, and then by their heads themselves. A real battle is brewing in the square bathed in the July sun. The townspeople, tired of the strife, have difficulty separating the fighting. Finally, the supreme ruler of Verona arrives - the prince, who orders an end to the clash on pain of death, and angrily leaves.

Romeo, son of Montague, appears in the square. He already knows about the recent landfill, but his thoughts are occupied with other things. As befits his age, he is in love and suffering. The object of his unrequited passion is a certain unapproachable beauty Rosalina. In a conversation with his friend Benvolio, he shares his experiences. Benvolio good-naturedly advises him to turn his attention to the other girls and laughs at his friend’s objections.

At this time, Capulet is visited by a relative of the prince, Count Paris, who asks for the hand of the only daughter of the owners. Juliet is not yet fourteen, but her father agrees to the proposal. Paris is noble, rich, handsome, and one cannot dream of a better groom. Capulet invites Paris to the annual ball, which they give that evening. The hostess goes to her daughter’s chambers to warn Juliet about the matchmaking. The three of them - Juliet, the mother and the nurse who raised the girl - they lively discuss the news. Juliet is still serene and obedient to her parents' will.

Several young people from the enemy camp, including Benvolio, Mercutio and Romeo, infiltrate a magnificent carnival ball in the Capulet house under masks. They are all hot, sharp-tongued and looking for adventure. Mercutio, Romeo's closest friend, is especially mocking and verbal. Romeo himself is seized by a strange anxiety on the threshold of the Capulet house. “I don’t expect any good. Something unknown, / Which is still hidden in the darkness, / But will be born from this ball, / Will untimely shorten my life / Due to some strange circumstances. / But the one who guides my ship, / Has already raised sail..."

In the crowd of the ball, among the random phrases exchanged by the owners, guests and servants, the glances of Romeo and Juliet intersect for the first time, and, like dazzling lightning, love strikes them.

The world for both is instantly transformed. For Romeo, from this moment on, there are no past affections: “Have I ever loved at least once before? / Oh no, those were false goddesses. / From now on I did not know true beauty...” When he says these words, he is recognized by his voice Juliet's cousin Tybalt, who immediately grabs his sword. The owners beg him not to make noise at the holiday. They notice that Romeo is known for his nobility and there is no problem even if he attended the ball. The wounded Tybalt harbors a grudge.

Romeo, meanwhile, manages to exchange several remarks with Juliet. He's dressed as a monk, and she can't see his face behind the hood. When the girl slips out of the hall at the call of her mother, Romeo learns from the nurse that she is the daughter of the owners. A few minutes later, Juliet makes the same discovery - through the same nurse, she finds out that Romeo is the son of their sworn enemy! “I am the embodiment of a hated force / Inopportunely, out of ignorance, I fell in love.”

Benvolio and Mercutio leave the ball without waiting for their friend. At this time, Romeo silently climbs over the wall and hides in the dense garden of Caluletti. His instinct leads him to Juliet's balcony, and he, frozen, hears her pronounce his name. Unable to bear it, the young man responds. The conversation between two lovers begins with timid exclamations and questions, and ends with an oath of love and a decision to immediately unite their destinies. “I have no control over what I own. / My love has no bottom, and kindness is like the expanse of the sea. / The more I spend, the more boundless and richer I become,” says Juliet about the feeling that struck her. “Holy night, holy night... / So immeasurable happiness...” - Romeo echoes her. From this moment on, Romeo and Juliet act with extraordinary firmness, courage and at the same time caution, completely submitting to the love that has consumed them. Childhood involuntarily disappears from their actions, they suddenly transform into people wise by higher experience.

Their confidants are the monk Friar Lorenzo, Romeo's confessor, and the nurse and confidante of Juliet. Lorenzo agrees to secretly marry them - he hopes that the union of the young Montagues and Capulets will serve peace between the two families. The wedding ceremony takes place in Brother Lorenzo's cell. The lovers are filled with happiness.

But it’s still a hot summer in Verona, and “the blood boils in your veins from the heat.” Especially those who are already hot-tempered as gunpowder and are looking for a reason to show their courage. Mercutio whiles away the time in the square and argues with Benvolio which of them likes quarrels more. When the bully Tybalt appears with his friends, it becomes clear that there will be a clash. The exchange of caustic barbs is interrupted by the arrival of Romeo. “Leave me alone! Here is the person I need,” Tybalt declares and continues: “Romeo, the essence of my feelings for you can all be expressed in the word: you are a scoundrel.” However, proud Romeo does not grab his sword in response; he only tells Tybalt that he is mistaken. After all, after his wedding with Juliet, he considers Tybalt his relative, almost a brother! But no one knows this yet. And Tybalt continues his bullying until the enraged Mercutio intervenes: “Cowardly, despicable submission! / I must wash away her shame with blood!” They fight with swords. Romeo, horrified by what is happening, rushes between them, and at that moment Tybalt, from under his hand, deftly strikes Mercutio, and then quickly disappears with his accomplices. Mercutio dies in Romeo's arms. The last words he whispers: “Plague take both of your families!”

Romeo is shocked. He lost his best friend. Moreover, he understands that he died because of him, that Mercutio was betrayed by him, Romeo, when he defended his honor... “Thanks to you, Juliet, I am becoming too soft...” Romeo mutters in a fit of remorse, bitterness and rage. At this moment Tybalt appears in the square again. Drawing his sword, Romeo swoops down on him in “fiery-eyed wrath.” They fight silently and frantically. A few seconds later Tybalt falls dead. Benvolio, in fear, tells Romeo to flee urgently. He says that Tybalt's death in the duel will be considered murder and Romeo will face execution. Romeo leaves, depressed by everything that has happened, and the square is filled with outraged townspeople. After Benvolio’s explanations, the prince pronounces a sentence: from now on, Romeo is condemned to exile - otherwise he will face death.

Juliet learns about the terrible news from the nurse. Her heart contracts with mortal melancholy. Grieving over the death of her brother, she is nevertheless adamant in acquitting Romeo. “Should I judge my wife? / Poor husband, where can you hear a good word, / When even the wife does not say it in the third hour of marriage...”

Romeo at this moment gloomily listens to the advice of his brother Lorenzo. He convinces the young man to hide, obeying the law, until he is granted forgiveness. He promises to send letters to Romeo regularly. Romeo is in despair; exile for him is the same as death. He yearns for Juliet. They manage to spend only a few hours together when he secretly sneaks into her room at night. The trill of a lark at dawn notifies lovers that it is time for them to part. They just can’t tear themselves away from each other, pale, tormented by the impending separation and anxious forebodings. Finally, Juliet herself persuades Romeo to leave, fearing for his life.

Lady Caluletti, who enters her daughter's bedroom, finds Juliet in tears and explains this with grief over the death of Tybalt. The news that the mother reports makes Juliet go cold: Count Paris is in a hurry with the wedding, and the father has already decided on the wedding the next day. The girl begs her parents to wait, but they are adamant. Or an immediate wedding with Paris - or “then I’m no longer your father.” After her parents leave, the nurse persuades Juliet not to worry: “Your new marriage will outshine the first one in its benefits...” “Amen!” - Juliet remarks in response. From that moment on, she no longer sees the nurse as a friend, but as an enemy. The only person left whom she can still trust is brother Lorenzo. “And if the monk does not help me, / There is a means to die in my hands.”

"It's all over! There is no more hope!" - Juliet says lifelessly when she is alone with the monk. Unlike the nurse, Aorenzo does not console her - he understands the girl’s desperate situation. Sympathizing with her and Romeo with all his heart, he offers the only way to salvation. She needs to pretend to be submissive to her father’s will, prepare for the wedding, and in the evening take a miraculous solution. After this, she must plunge into a state resembling death, which will last exactly forty-two hours. During this period, Juliet will be buried in the family crypt. Lorenzo will let Romeo know about everything, he will arrive by the time she awakens, and they can disappear until better times... “This is the way out, if you don’t become timid / Or confuse something,” concludes the monk, without concealing the danger of this secret plan. “Give me the bottle! Don’t talk about fear,” Juliet interrupts him. Inspired by new hope, she leaves with a bottle of solution.

At the Capulet house they are preparing for the wedding. The parents are happy that their daughter is no longer stubborn. The nurse and mother tenderly bid her farewell before going to bed. Juliet is left alone. Before the decisive action, she is overcome with fear. What if the monk deceived her? Or will the elixir not work? Or will the action be different from what he promised? What if she wakes up early? Or even worse - will she remain alive, but lose her mind from fear? And yet, without hesitation, she embroiders the bottle to the bottom.

In the morning, the house is filled with the heart-rending cry of the nurse: “Juliet is dead! She is dead!” The house is filled with confusion and horror. There can be no doubt - Juliet is dead. She lies in bed in a wedding dress, numb, without blood on her face. Paris, like everyone else, is depressed by the terrible news. The musicians invited to play at the wedding are still awkwardly stomping around, waiting for orders, but the unfortunate family is already plunged into inconsolable mourning. Lorenzo, who arrives, utters words of sympathy for the loved ones and reminds them that it is time to take the deceased to the cemetery.

..."I had a dream: my wife came to me. / And I was dead and, dead, I watched. / And suddenly from her hot lips I came to life..." - Romeo, who is hiding in Mantua, does not yet suspect how This vision will be prophetic. So far he knows nothing about what happened in Verona, but only, burning with impatience, awaits news from the monk. Instead of the messenger, Romeo's servant Balthazar appears. The young man rushes to him with questions and - oh woe! - learns the terrible news about Juliet's death. He gives the command to harness the horses and promises: “Juliet, we will be together today.” From the local pharmacist he demands the most terrible and fastest poison and for fifty ducats he receives the powder - “pour into any liquid, / And if you have the strength of twenty, / One sip will put you to death instantly.”

At this very time, Brother Lorenzo is experiencing no less horror. The monk whom Lorenzo sent to Mantua with a secret letter returns to him. It turns out that a fatal accident did not allow him to carry out the assignment: the monk was locked in the house due to the plague quarantine, since his friend had previously been caring for the sick.

The last scene takes place in the tomb of the Caluletti family. Here, next to Tybalt, the dead Juliet had just been laid in the tomb. Paris, lingering at the bride's coffin, showers Juliet with flowers. Hearing a rustle, he hides. Romeo appears with a servant. He gives Balthazar a letter to his father and sends it away, and he opens the crypt with a crowbar. At this moment, Paris comes out of hiding. He blocks Romeo's path and threatens him with arrest and execution. Romeo asks him to leave kindly and “not tempt the fool.” Paris insists on arrest. The duel begins. Paris's page rushes in fear for help. Paris dies from Romeo's sword and before his death asks to be taken to Juliet's crypt. Romeo is finally left alone in front of Juliet's coffin. He is amazed that in the coffin she looks alive and just as beautiful. Cursing the evil forces that took away this most perfect of earthly creatures, he kisses Juliet for the last time and with the words “I drink to you, love!” drinks poison.

Lorenzo is late for a moment, but he is no longer able to revive the young man. He arrives just in time for Juliet's awakening. Seeing the monk, she immediately asks where her husband is and assures that she remembers everything perfectly and feels cheerful and healthy. Lorenzo, afraid to tell her the terrible truth, hurries her to leave the crypt. Juliet does not hear his words. Seeing Romeo dead, she only thinks about how to die herself as quickly as possible. She is annoyed that Romeo drank all the poison alone. But next to him lies a dagger. It's time. Moreover, the voices of the guards can already be heard outside. And the girl plunges a dagger into her chest.

Those who entered the tomb found Paris and Romeo dead, and next to them a still warm Juliet. Lorenzo, who gave free rein to tears, told the tragic story of the lovers. The Montagues and Capulets, forgetting about old feuds, extended their hands to each other, inconsolably mourning their dead children. It was decided to place a golden statue on their graves.

But, as the prince correctly noted, the story of Romeo and Juliet will still remain the saddest in the world...

The tragedy covers five days of one week, during which a fatal series of events occurs.

Appears on the square Romeo, son of Montague. He already knows about the recent strike, but his thoughts are occupied with other things. As befits his age, he is in love and suffering. The object of his unrequited passion is a certain unapproachable beauty Rosalina. In a conversation with his friend Benvolio, he shares his experiences. Benvolio good-naturedly advises him to turn his attention to the other girls and laughs at his friend’s objections.

At this time, Capulet is visited by a relative of the prince, Count Paris, who asks for the hand of the only daughter of the owners. Juliet is not yet fourteen, but her father agrees to the proposal. Paris is noble, rich, handsome, and one cannot dream of a better groom. Capulet invites Paris to the annual ball, which they give that evening. The hostess goes to her daughter’s chambers to warn Juliet about the matchmaking. Three of us - Juliet, the mother and nurse who raised the girl - they are animatedly discussing the news. Juliet is still serene and obedient to her parents' will.

Several young people from the enemy camp, including Benvolio, Mercutio and Romeo, infiltrate a magnificent carnival ball in the Capulet house under masks. They are all hot, sharp-tongued and looking for adventure. Mercutio, Romeo's closest friend, is especially mocking and verbal. Romeo himself is seized by a strange anxiety on the threshold of the Capulet house. “I don’t expect anything good. Something unknown, / Which is still hidden in the darkness, / But will be born from this ball, / Will untimely shorten my life / Due to some strange circumstances. / But the one who guides my ship / Has already raised the sail...”

The world for both is instantly transformed. For Romeo, from this moment on, there are no past attachments: “Have I ever loved before? / Oh no, those were false goddesses. / From now on I did not know true beauty...” When he says these words, Juliet’s cousin Tybalt recognizes him by his voice, immediately grabbing his sword. The owners beg him not to make noise at the holiday. They notice that Romeo is known for his nobility and there is no problem even if he attended the ball. The wounded Tybalt harbors a grudge.

Benvolio and Mercutio leave the ball without waiting for their friend. Romeo at this time silently climbs over the wall and hides in the dense Capulet garden. His instinct leads him to Juliet's balcony, and he, frozen, hears her pronounce his name. Unable to bear it, the young man responds. The conversation between two lovers begins with timid exclamations and questions, and ends with an oath of love and a decision to immediately unite their destinies. “I have no control over what I own. / My love has no bottom, and my kindness is like the vastness of the sea. / The more I spend, the more vast and richer I become,” says Juliet about the feeling that struck her. “Holy night, holy night... / So immeasurable happiness...” Romeo echoes her. From this moment on, Romeo and Juliet act with extraordinary firmness, courage and at the same time caution, completely submitting to the love that has consumed them. Childhood involuntarily disappears from their actions, they suddenly transform into people wise by higher experience.

But it’s still a hot summer in Verona, and “the blood boils in your veins from the heat.” Especially those who are already hot-tempered as gunpowder and are looking for a reason to show their courage. Mercutio whiles away the time in the square and argues with Benvolio which of them likes quarrels more. When the bully Tybalt appears with his friends, it becomes clear that there will be a clash. The exchange of caustic barbs is interrupted by the arrival of Romeo. “Leave me alone! “Here is the man I need,” Tybalt declares and continues: “Romeo, the essence of my feelings for you can all be expressed in the word: you are a scoundrel.” However, proud Romeo does not grab his sword in response; he only tells Tybalt that he is mistaken. After all, after his wedding with Juliet, he considers Tybalt his relative, almost a brother! But no one knows this yet. And Tybalt continues his bullying until the enraged Mercutio intervenes: “Cowardly, despicable submission! / I must wash away her shame with blood!” They fight with swords. Romeo, horrified by what is happening, rushes between them, and at that moment Tybalt, from under his hand, deftly strikes Mercutio, and then quickly disappears with his accomplices. Mercutio dies in Romeo's arms. The last words he whispers: “Plague take both of your families!”

Romeo is shocked. He lost his best friend. Moreover, he understands that he died because of him, that Mercutio was betrayed by him, Romeo, when he defended his honor... “Thanks to you, Juliet, I am becoming too soft...” Romeo mutters in a fit of remorse, bitterness and rage. At this moment Tybalt appears in the square again. Drawing his sword, Romeo swoops down on him in “fiery-eyed anger.” They fight silently and frantically. A few seconds later Tybalt falls dead. Benvolio, in fear, tells Romeo to flee urgently. He says that Tybalt's death in the duel will be considered murder and Romeo will face execution. Romeo leaves, depressed by everything that has happened, and the square is filled with outraged townspeople. After Benvolio’s explanations, the prince pronounces a sentence: from now on, Romeo is condemned to exile - otherwise he will face death.

Juliet learns about the terrible news from the nurse. Her heart contracts with mortal melancholy. Grieving over the death of her brother, she is nevertheless adamant in acquitting Romeo. “Should I blame my wife? / Poor husband, where is a good word for you to hear, / When even the wife does not say it in the third hour of marriage...”

Lady Capulet, entering her daughter’s bedroom, finds Juliet in tears and explains this with grief over the death of Tybalt. The news that the mother reports makes Juliet go cold: Count Paris is in a hurry with the wedding, and the father has already decided on the wedding the next day. The girl begs her parents to wait, but they are adamant. Or an immediate wedding with Paris - or “then I’m no longer your father.” After her parents leave, the nurse persuades Juliet not to worry: “Your new marriage will outshine the first one in its benefits...” “Amen!” - Juliet remarks in response. From that moment on, she no longer sees the nurse as a friend, but as an enemy. The only person left whom she can still trust is brother Lorenzo. “And if the monk does not help me, / There is a means to die in my hands.”

“It’s all over! There is no more hope! - Juliet says lifelessly when she is alone with the monk. Unlike the nurse, Lorenzo does not console her - he understands the girl’s desperate situation. Sympathizing with her and Romeo with all his heart, he offers the only way to salvation. She needs to pretend to be submissive to her father’s will, prepare for the wedding, and in the evening take a miraculous solution. After this, she must plunge into a state resembling death, which will last exactly forty-two hours. During this period, Juliet will be buried in the family crypt. Lorenzo will let Romeo know about everything, he will arrive by the time she awakens, and they can disappear until better times... “This is the way out, if you don’t become timid / Or confuse something,” the monk concludes, without concealing the danger of this secret plan . “Give me the bottle! Don’t talk about fear,” Juliet cuts him off. Inspired by new hope, she leaves with a bottle of solution.

At the Capulet house they are preparing for the wedding. The parents are happy that their daughter is no longer stubborn. The nurse and mother tenderly bid her farewell before going to bed. Juliet is left alone. Before the decisive action, she is overcome with fear. What if the monk deceived her? Or will the elixir not work? Or will the action be different from what he promised? What if she wakes up early? Or even worse - she will remain alive, but will lose her mind from fear? And yet, without hesitation, she drinks the bottle to the bottom.

In the morning, the house is filled with the heart-rending cry of the nurse: “Juliet is dead! She died! The house is filled with confusion and horror. There can be no doubt - Juliet is dead. She lies in bed in a wedding dress, numb, without blood on her face. Paris, like everyone else, is depressed by the terrible news. The musicians invited to play at the wedding are still awkwardly stomping around, waiting for orders, but the unfortunate family is already plunged into inconsolable mourning. Lorenzo, who arrives, utters words of sympathy for the loved ones and reminds them that it is time to take the deceased to the cemetery.

… “I had a dream: my wife came to me. / And I was dead and, dead, I watched. / And suddenly from her hot lips I came to life...” - Romeo, who is hiding in Mantua, does not yet suspect how prophetic this vision will turn out to be. So far he knows nothing about what happened in Verona, but only, burning with impatience, awaits news from the monk. Instead of the messenger, Romeo's servant Balthazar appears. The young man rushes to him with questions and - oh woe! - learns the terrible news about Juliet's death. He gives the command to harness the horses and promises: “Juliet, we will be together today.” From the local pharmacist he demands the most terrible and fastest poison and for fifty ducats he receives the powder - “pour into any liquid, / And if you have the strength of twenty, / One sip will put you to death instantly.”

The last scene takes place in the tomb of the Capulet family. Here, next to Tybalt, the dead Juliet had just been laid in the tomb. Paris, lingering at the bride's coffin, showers Juliet with flowers. Hearing a rustle, he hides. Romeo appears with a servant. He gives Balthazar a letter to his father and sends it away, and he opens the crypt with a crowbar. At this moment, Paris comes out of hiding. He blocks Romeo's path and threatens him with arrest and execution. Romeo asks him to leave kindly and “not tempt the fool.” Paris insists on arrest. The duel begins. Paris's page rushes in fear for help. Paris dies from Romeo's sword and before his death asks to be taken to Juliet's crypt. Romeo is finally left alone in front of Juliet's coffin. He is amazed that in the coffin she looks alive and just as beautiful. Cursing the evil forces that took away this most perfect of earthly creatures, he kisses Juliet for the last time and with the words “I drink to you, love!” drinks poison.

But, as the prince correctly noted, the story of Romeo and Juliet will still remain the saddest in the world...

The Montague and Capulet families are at odds. The prince's relative, Paris, expressed a desire to marry 13-year-old Juliet from the Capulet family. In honor of this, the family gave a ball, where Romeo, from the Montague family, entered in a mask. Seeing each other, Romeo and Juliet fell in love. They began to meet, and soon Friar Lorenzo married them. Mercutio and Benvolio, friends of Romeo, after an accidental quarrel, fought in a duel with Tybalt, Juliet's brother. Romeo tried to stop them, but Tybalt killed Mercutio, after which Romeo killed Tybalt. Romeo had to flee the city, and Juliet began to be prepared for an urgent wedding with Paris. Friar Lorenzo suggested that Juliet drink one solution that would put her to sleep, and everyone would think that she had died. She will be buried in the crypt, and he will summon Romeo, thus avoiding her wedding to Paris. Romeo's servant, Balthazar, managed to inform Romeo about Juliet's death before Lorenzo's letter. Romeo bought poison and decided to take it at Juliet's tomb. When he arrived at the crypt, he found Paris at the tomb, whom he killed in a duel. After this, he took poison and died. Then Juliet woke up, saw dead Romeo and, in grief, killed herself with a dagger. Soon after these tragic events, the Montague and Capulet families made peace.

Summary (details)

The tragedy covers five days of one week and includes a series of fatal events. In the first act, the servants of Montague and Capulet quarreled. Everyone in Verona knows that these two noble families have been at enmity for a long time. It is unknown what caused the next brawl, but passions in the square were heating up. The townspeople had difficulty breaking up the fighting. Meanwhile, the duke and supreme ruler of the city appeared, who ordered the suspension of this clash, threatening execution. Romeo Montague came to the square. He had already heard about what happened, but it didn't bother him much. His thoughts were occupied with the unapproachable Rosalind. He seemed to be seriously in love, as he told his friend Benvolio. He just laughed at his friend and advised him to turn his attention to other girls.

Count Paris, a relative of the prince, arrived to visit Capulet. He expressed a desire to marry young Juliet, who was not even fourteen at the time of the events. Since Paris was noble and rich, Juliet's father immediately gave his consent. At the same time, the Capulets invited the young man to the annual ball organized by their family. Juliet's mother shared this good news with her daughter. Everyone, including the nurse who raised Juliet from the cradle, was incredibly happy. For now, the girl relied on her parents’ choice in everything. In search of adventure, Romeo and his friends showed up to the masked ball. They were distinguished by their hot temper and sharp tongue, especially Mercutio. Romeo himself was a little sad. He was tormented by vague feelings of anxiety. An inner voice told him that there was no need to come to this celebration.

At the height of the celebration, among the noisy crowd, Romeo saw Juliet. When their eyes met, he realized that he had never loved before. Everything that came before it was not real. The world for both has changed dramatically and transformed. When he uttered words of admiration out loud, Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, recognized his voice. He immediately grabbed his sword, but his hosts stopped him in time and asked him not to cause a commotion at the holiday. Moreover, everyone knows that Romeo is noble and kind, and one should not expect trouble from him. Tybalt retreated, but harbored a grudge in his soul. In the monk's costume, Romeo's face was not visible. He managed to exchange a couple of phrases with Juliet, after which she left. Her mother was looking for her. From the nurse he learned that this was the daughter of the owners. From her, Juliet learned that Romeo was the son of their sworn enemy.

Romeo's friends quietly left the ball, and he hid in the garden to secretly look at Juliet. At the call of his heart, he found her balcony. Freezing, he heard her talking about him. He came out of hiding and entered into conversation. Their speech was full of timid exclamations, and then they swore an oath of eternal love and expressed a desire to immediately unite their destinies. From that moment on, they were completely absorbed in their love for each other, acting confidently but with great caution. Childish naivety disappeared in their behavior and maturity quietly appeared. They were wholeheartedly supported by the monk Brother Lorenzo, Juliet's nurse and Romeo's confessor. Lorenzo was ready to secretly marry the young people in the hope that thanks to this reunion, their families would soon reconcile. The secret wedding ceremony took place in his cell. The young people were incredibly happy.

Summer in Verona turned out to be extremely hot, and the blood began to boil faster in the veins of local residents. One day Mercutio was passing the time in the square with Benvolio when the rude Tybalt appeared with his supporters. It became clear that a clash could not be avoided, but then a peaceful and happy Romeo appeared. He tried not to respond to Tybalt's provocations. After all, now he is like a brother to him, although few people know about it. Talking was not enough for Tybalt, he continued his taunts to provoke conflict. Then the enraged Mercutio stood up for Romeo and a serious brawl began. Romeo, trying to separate them, caused the death of his best friend. Tybalt meanly stabbed Mercutio from under his hand. Dying, the young man cursed both families. Romeo, in despair, drew his sword and killed Tybalt in a short fight. Frightened, Benvolio advised his friend to flee the city. When Romeo left, a crowd of indignant townspeople gathered in the square. Benvolio explained everything to the Duke, who pronounced his verdict. From now on, Romeo was condemned to exile, and if he appeared in the city, he would die.

Juliet learned about this terrible incident from the nurse. She was very upset. She was tormented by bitterness over the death of her brother and fear for the life of her husband. Brother Lorenzo persuaded Romeo to hide for a while and promised to write him regular letters. The young man was very upset that he had to part with his beloved. This exile became like death. At night, he secretly made his way into his beloved’s room, and they managed to communicate briefly. At dawn it was time to leave. When Lady Capulet appeared in the room, she found her daughter in tears, to which Juliet replied that it was because of the death of her brother. Her mother brought her terrible news. Count Paris asked to hurry up with preparations for the wedding, and his father agreed to marry them the very next day.

After Lady Capulet left, the nurse tried to console her and asked her not to be so upset, because a marriage with Paris could be even better than with Romeo. From that moment on, she also saw an enemy in the nurse, and now only brother Lorenzo could help her. Left alone with the monk, she admitted that there was no more hope. He understood the girl’s hopeless situation and sincerely sympathized with Romeo. There was only one way out. She had to pretend that she agreed to marry Paris, and on the eve of the wedding, drink one powerful solution that would plunge her into a deep sleep, similar to death, for three days. During this time, she will be buried in the Capulet family crypt. Lorenzo will write Romeo a letter asking him to appear urgently. He would have to arrive at the crypt by the time she woke up, then they could run away together and hide until better times. Juliet agreed to this plan. After all, there was no other way to be with my loved one.

In the Capulet house, preparations for the wedding were in full swing. Left alone in her room, Juliet decided to take the sleeping pills that Brother Lorenzo gave her. Before this, she doubted for a long time, she wasn’t sure whether everything would work out as they had planned, but she still drank. The next morning the nurse discovered her and raised a heart-rending cry. The girl lay on her bed in her wedding dress, pale and numb. There was no doubt, she was dead. Paris, like all of Juliet's relatives, was depressed and upset by this news. Brother Lorenzo came, expressed words of sympathy and said that it was time to bury the deceased in the family tomb. Romeo, meanwhile, was hiding in Mantua and had a terrible prophetic dream in which he was dead. He was looking forward to news from brother Lorenzo, but instead his servant Balthazar came to him with the terrible news of Juliet's death.

In desperation, he ordered the horses to be harnessed and set off. On the way, he bought the most powerful poison from a local doctor. Out loud, he promised his beloved that he would join her today. The last scene shows the Capulet crypt where Tybalt is buried. The “dead” Juliet was also placed there. Paris stood at the bride's coffin. At that moment, a grief-stricken Romeo appeared. Paris blocked his path with threats. Romeo, not wanting to get into a fight, asked him to leave in peace, but he refused. In the duel of young people, the innocent Paris died. Romeo, left alone, could not get enough of his beloved. It seemed that she was as beautiful as alive. After kissing her, he drank potent poison. Lorenzo was late and did not have time to save him.

When Juliet woke up, she saw a monk. She assured him that she felt good and cheerful, and asked where her husband was. Lorenzo did not want to tell her the truth and asked her to leave this place as soon as possible. But Juliet's gaze fell on the dead Romeo and life lost all meaning. Seeing a dagger next to his body, she took it and boldly plunged it into her chest. Those who entered the tomb found the bodies of the dead Romeo, Juliet and Paris. Lorenzo was in tears and told everything as it happened. The Montagues and Capulets mourned their unfortunate children for a long time and inconsolably and decided to put an end to many years of enmity. It was decided to erect golden statues on their graves. Much time has passed since then, but the story of Romeo and Juliet remains the saddest in the world...

Verona, where passions raged, has long become a place of pilgrimage for lovers. And the strong love of young characters is the standard of fidelity. You want to read William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet” again and again, experiencing with the characters their short but full of love life.

"Romeo and Juliet"

The tragedy of the English playwright William Shakespeare tells the story of the love of two young heroes. It is believed that the events of the famous book are fictional. However, the motives and historical facts taken as the basis of the plot indicate the plausibility of the story.

William Shakespeare is not the first who wrote "Romeo and Juliet". The author used the plot of Arthur Brooke's poem “The Tragic History of Romeus and Juliet” and divided the actions into acts. But even in ancient poetry there was a similar story about the sad lovers Pyramus and Thisbe - a description of the ancient Roman poet Ovid in “Metamorphoses”.

The theme was successfully developed in European literature of the 16th century. Both the extended retelling of the Italian writer Matteo Bandello, and the short story by Luigi Da Porto, and the play by the Spanish playwright Lope de Vega illuminate the tragic story of love.

But William Shakespeare's play “The Most Excellent and Sorrowful Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet” gained stunning popularity. In London in 1599, the official full text of the author was published. At different times, the plot of “Romeo and Juliet” and the genre of the work continue to be taken as a basis not only in literature, but also in the following areas of creativity:

Russian translation versions and annotations of the story began to appear in the 19th century. The list of playwrights is quite long, here are some of them:

T.L. Shchepkina-Kupernik.
Ekaterina Savich.
I. Raskovshenko and others.

The premiere of S. Prokofiev's ballet in Leningrad in 1940 received particular fame in world art. The ballet of the same name in 3 acts with a prologue, epilogue and libretto became one of the most popular productions of the twentieth century.

Why is the story where the heroes decide to die at a young age so popular if they are not given the opportunity to live together?

Plot of the play

The plot of the play “Romeo and Juliet” is difficult to describe briefly, but it is quite possible. Shakespeare's main characters were the very young offspring of two noble Verona families. But enmity has been going on between the two ancient families of the Montagues and the Capulets for many centuries.

Characters in the play:

Romeo is the son of Signor and Signora Montague, a noble family of Verona.

Benvolio is Montague's nephew and Romeo's friend.
Abram, Balthazar - servants of Montague.

Juliet is the daughter of Signor and Signora Capulet, a noble family of Verona.

Tybalt is Juliet's cousin.
The Nurse is Juliet's nanny.
Pietro, Samson, Gregorio - servants of the Capulet.

The situation between the heads of noble families became more complicated when the Capulets' servants started a quarrel in Verona Square. This is how Act 1 of William Shakespeare's play begins. Benvolio, the nephew of Mr. Montague, trying to reconcile the warring parties, aroused the anger of the relative of Signora Capulet, Tybalt.

Duke Escalus of Verona tried to stop the fight. But there is no truce between noble families. Then Duke Escalus declares that from now on the one who started the bloodshed will pay with his life.

Mr. Montague's son, Romeo, did not participate in the brutal showdown. He was passionately in love with the beautiful Rosaline from the Capulet family and missed her very much. Only his cousin Benvolio and friend Mercutio distracted him from his sad thoughts.

The head of the Capulet family organizes a holiday for the Verona nobility. He is preparing the ball and sends a servant to invite guests. Signora Capulet reminds her only thirteen-year-old daughter, Juliet, about her upcoming meeting with her fiancé, Count Paris. Here the author makes it clear to the reader how old Romeo and Juliet were.

Further events in the play develop rapidly, and exciting actions occur in each act. Benvolio and Mercutio persuaded Romeo to secretly sneak with them to the ball to meet Rosaline, Juliet's cousin. In the midst of a merry holiday, Tybalt recognizes Romeo and wants to punish the uninvited guest from a hostile family. But Mr. Capulet does not allow him to ruin a wonderful evening.

Romeo, seeing a girl of dazzling beauty at the ball, forgot about Rosaline and no longer noticed the enraged Tybalt. Juliet, too, cannot tear herself away from the handsome stranger. This is how the first meeting of the two main characters of the story takes place. Romeo kisses Juliet. And they find out that they can never be together.

Juliet, in love, remembered Romeo aloud when he was walking under the window. Having accidentally heard sweet speeches, he confesses his passionate love to her. That night they swore eternal love to each other. The beauty agrees to secretly marry Romeo.

Inspired by love, Romeo runs straight to Friar Lorenzo and talks about Juliet. The young man’s request to quickly marry them frightens the priest. But thinking that after their wedding the family feud might end, Lorenzo agrees. Together with the girl's nurse, they plan to hold a secret wedding ceremony for the young heroes. But their happy romance did not last very long.

At the same time, Tybalt quarrels with Mercutio. Hot-tempered heroes grab their swords. The scene of a fight between two sworn enemies ends with Mercutio being mortally wounded. An angry Romeo rushes at Tybalt and kills him in a fierce battle. Having learned about what happened, the Duke decides to expel Romeo from Verona, but Lorenzo sends the young hero to hide in the neighboring city of Montua.

After all the events that took place, Juliet’s parents report that they decided to marry their daughter to Count Paris. The desperate girl decides to remain faithful to Romeo by committing suicide. But Lorenzo persuades her to drink not real poison, but a sleeping pill that will lull her into a deep sleep so that everyone will consider her dead. Juliet takes the drug and soon all of Verona mourns the unfortunate girl.

Romeo had to learn about the monk's plans through a messenger. But the messenger did not have time to deliver the letter before the news of his beloved’s death reached him. Confused and distraught over the loss of Juliet, he rushes to the Capulet family crypt. Here he encounters Paris and kills him in a desperate fight.

Not knowing about Juliet's false death, the unfortunate hero drinks poison and dies next to his beloved. At this time the girl wakes up. Seeing Romeo's lifeless body, Juliet decides to die with her beloved and kills herself.

Their parents bent over the bodies of the young lovers in deep sorrow. The last act of the play is the scene of a truce between the warring Montague and Capulet families. At what a high price this quarrel was forgotten.

“Romeo and Juliet” by W. Shakespeare is the most popular work, which is not only taught in school, but is simply known to everyone as a love story. A summary of this work can be found below.

Prologue

Act one

On the main trading square of the city, a clash occurs between the servants of two warring clans - the Capulets and the Montagues. Capulet's servant Samson begins a quarrel by saying that his masters are much worse than the Montague family. A fight begins - Samson, Gregorio, Abram and Balthazar (Romeo's servant) fight.

The protagonist's friend Benvolio tries to separate the opponents. At this time, Capulet's nephew Tybalt laughs that he got involved in a massacre with the servants. Benvolio invites Tybalt to help him separate the fighters, which completely infuriates him. Tybalt attacks Benvolio. Supporters of both join the fight, and subsequently the residents of Verona with clubs and axes. The Montague and Capulet families appear on the scene. The heads of the families want to rush into battle, but their spouses stop them.

The prince and his retinue arrive at the noise; they order the crowd to disperse, threatening violence. Lady Montague asks Benvolio if Romeo took part in the battle. He replies that he is not himself, wanders on the seashore and assures that he has fallen in love. His beloved took a vow of celibacy. Benvolio advises him to forget about her and pay attention to other beautiful girls.

Count Paris, a relative of the prince, asks for the hand of fourteen-year-old Juliet Capulet. Her father urges her not to rush and at the upcoming annual ball to find out how the prospective bride feels about Paris.

The Capulets instruct the servants to draw up a list of invitees, but the servant unknowingly turns to the young Montague for help. Benvolio invites his friend to secretly come to the festival under fictitious names and in masks and admire the best beauties.

Lady Capulet tries to find out from Juliet how she feels about marriage. Her nurse recalls the days when she weaned the girl. The baby was three years old, then the earthquake occurred on St. Peter's Day.

Juliet admits that she had not thought about marriage, but would consider it an honor. The nurse is delighted with the words of the pupil. The mother hints to her daughter about Count Paris, advises her daughter to take a closer look at him. She promises to fulfill her will.

Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio, hiding under masks, sneak into the Capulet ball. Romeo is restless. The day before he had a disturbing dream. He can’t help but feel that life will soon change, and inevitable death awaits him.

The head of the Capulet family descends into the reception hall and encourages the guests to have fun. Tybalt accidentally hears a familiar voice and recognizes it as Romeo. He wants to immediately rush at him, but Capulet, in honor of the holiday, is ordered to leave the guest alone.

Romeo, disguised as a monk, meets Juliet. Young people immediately feel mutual attraction. Romeo takes the first kiss from the girl's lips. They separate. Subsequently, Juliet learns from the nurse that she has fallen in love with the heir of a family hostile to them. Both Romeo and Juliet are horrified by the realization of what happened.

Romeo realizes that his new lover has eclipsed his past unrequited love for Rosaline.

Act two

Romeo enters the Capulet garden. Juliet appears on the balcony. Romeo secretly admires her. Juliet complains that Romeo is Romeo, that he is the son of their enemy, that if not for his name, she would be ready to marry him. Romeo responds to this, promising to change his name for the sake of his beloved. Juliet recognizes his voice and is afraid that he will be killed.

The girl asks Romeo not to think badly of her. When she made her confessions, she did not think that anyone would hear her. They pledge their love to each other and decide to get married. The lovers cannot part until dawn.

Romeo asks the priest Brother Lorenzo to marry him and Juliet. Lorenzo is amazed at how quickly Romeo's feelings have changed. Nobody knows why Romeo didn't spend the night at home. He receives a letter where he is challenged to a duel by Tybalt.

Through the nurse, Romeo tells Juliet that he has agreed on a wedding with his brother Lorenzo, and Juliet should come to dinner. The nurse does not immediately tell Juliet the good news, but gradually gives in and sends her to Lorenzo for confession. The lovers get married.

Act three

Benvolio, Romeo and Mercutio are back in the square. Tybalt publicly insults Romeo, calling him a scoundrel. But he is in no hurry to quarrel with his wife’s brother. Mercutio does not understand his friend's timidity and enters into battle with Tybalt. Romeo is unable to stop them. Tybalt mortally wounds Mercutio. Realizing his weakness, Romeo, in a fit of hatred, kills Tybalt and flees Verona. From now on, Romeo is expelled from the city.

Juliet's anxious anticipation of her wedding night is interrupted by the news of her brother's death. Furious, she curses Romeo. But, having come to his senses, he praises the gods for the fact that he is alive. The nurse goes to the monastery to find out news about Romeo.

Romeo learns of his expulsion. Exile for him now is worse than death due to the inability to be near his beloved. Having learned about Juliet's suffering, he is ready to stab himself with a dagger. Lorenzo stops him. He promises Romeo to arrange a date with his wife. And then Romeo will go to Mantua, where he will wait for the end of the family feud and the revelation of his marriage with Juliet. Juliet was promised to Paris. The wedding is scheduled for three days later. Mother breaks the news to Juliet.

Night date of newlyweds. You can hear the lark singing - the harbinger of a new day. Romeo tries to leave, but Juliet assures him that the nightingale is singing. Romeo remains, he is ready to die, just to be close to his beloved. Then Juliet persuades him to flee to Mantua to save his life. Suddenly the mother appears to the girl, Romeo jumps out of the window into the garden.

Lady Capulet tells her daughter that Tybalt will be avenged. They will poison his killer.

Juliet refuses to marry Paris. The girl's father is furious. He gives her two days to think and then threatens to abandon her if she does not submit to his will. The nurse persuades the girl to agree. Juliet goes to confession to Father Lorenzo.

Act four

Juliet asks the priest to help her avoid marrying Paris or accept her suicide. Brother Lorenzo, wanting to calm her down, gives her a drug that will make her dead for 42 hours. She will be taken to the family crypt, where Lorenzo and Romeo will greet her awakening. Juliet agrees to marry. The family is preparing for the celebration.

The wedding day has arrived. Juliet, lying in bed in the morning, doubts for a long time whether she should drink the monk’s medicine. She is afraid to wake up among the dead, she is afraid to die. What if it's poison? But love prevails. Thinking about her upcoming meeting with Romeo, she drinks the potion. Paris comes in the morning to wake up his bride. It is impossible to wake Juliet. A mother is mortified over her dead daughter. After mourning, the girl was buried in a crypt.

Act five

Romeo has a terrible dream that he is dead and is revived by the kiss of his beloved. Waking up, he receives news of his wife's death. He buys poison from the pharmacist. And he goes to Verona, ready to die next to the body of his beloved.

Lorenzo sends a letter to Romeo warning him about his and Juliet's secret plan. But due to the plague quarantine, the letter does not reach the addressee.

Paris lays flowers on Juliet's tomb. Suddenly he hears a noise and sees Romeo. A fight breaks out between them. Romeo kills Paris.

Young Montague drinks poison. Brother Lorenzo appears. Realizing what happened and hearing people approaching, he invites Juliet, who has awakened from her sleep, to run away and live her life as a nun. But she kisses Romeo, collecting drops of poison from his lips, and stabs herself with a dagger.

Priest Lorenzo tells the crowd the love story of Romeo and Juliet. The prince points out to the warring families their fatal mistake. The Capulets and Montagues make peace and decide to erect a monument to the lovers in the form of a statue of lovers.