Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tragic teen love story stands the test of time.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say that this classic tale of star-crossed lovers is simultaneously a remarkable piece of literature and a challenging read due to its outdated language, with many expressing frustration over its complexity. While some praise its poetic nature and timeless themes of love and tragedy, others criticize its portrayal of characters and find the content inappropriate for younger audiences.
- outdated language
- complex themes
- tragic love story
- mixed reviews
- educational value
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet takes place in Verona, Italy, where the houses of Capulet and Montague are in conflict. Each of these older men commands the loyalty of numerous friends and family members, and the factions battle in the city streets. The town is ruled by Prince Escalus, who warns the citizens that he will not tolerate any further bloodshed and mayhem from the opposing factions. Capulet's daughter, Juliet, and Montague's son, Romeo, meet at a feast held by Capulet and fall in love. The two are sweethearts are determined to be together despite the division between their families, and they secretly marry. Romeo is later goaded into fighting with Capulet's cousin Tybalt, who is stabbed and killed. Romeo is then banished from Verona. Meanwhile, Capulet wants Juliet to marry another man, and Juliet knows she can't tell her parents whom she has already married. She conspires with the friar who married them to deceive her family so that she can steal away and be with Romeo. It's not until that plan ends tragically that the two families realize how foolish they have been.
Is It Any Good?
Not surprisingly, Romeo and Juliet has it all: clever dialogue, passionate romance, violent conflict, and plenty of poetry. Modern readers might have to suspend their disbelief to accept Romeo and Juliet's grand passion, but with a little patience, readers will be transported by the epic beauty of one of the world's best-loved plays.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the love between Romeo and Juliet -- two tenagers who have known each other for only about one day. Is this love at first sight? Is their love heightened by the obstacles they face?
The Capulets and Montagues hate each other, but we don't know why. Does it matter?
Do you think Shakespeare's play glamorizes suicide?
Why do you think this play is considered a classic and is often required reading in school?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Literary Fiction
- Topics : History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : January 1, 2004
- Number of pages : 336
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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