Romeo and Juliet Writing Assignment: 4

The greatest myths of all time will never die. Whether someone has read the story of Hercules or not, they know of his renowned strength. So it is with the infamous tragedy of the love between Romeo and Juliet. Not only did their deaths influence the society within the story, but its influence has also transcended generations, breaking the barriers of time and culture.

At the discovery of their children's death, Capulet and Montague settle their differences and agree to get along. Montague, wanting to give Capulet even more, stated that he would “raise her statue in pure gold, that whiles Verona by that name is known, there shall no figure at such rate be set as that of true and faithful Juliet.” By Juliet’s name, Verona’s name would become known worldwide. The Prince declares the morning of their death to have brought a gloomy peace. Though the town and previously feuding families are mourning this loss, a change has come of the city. Peace has returned, and the tragic couple will remain as a nearly mythical memory.

The influence of Romeo and Juliet's story doesn't not remain stagnantly a memory of Verona within the story. Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, whether they have read Shakespeare's masterpiece or not. Their tale is the archetypal love story. A "special someone" is often referred to as a "Romeo" or "Juliet." The modern view of love, as opposed to the idea of courtly love, has been largely shaped by their story. It practically birthed the idea of "love at first sight." People today expect to find the perfect person and know it immediately. They want a short-lived, passion filled escapade just like Romeo and Juliet. People think that love is always exciting and always completely fulfilling.

One hundred years from now, people will still know of "Juliet and her Romeo," as they still know of the Greek myths today. Never will their story be forgotten or lose significance. It is a tale that was remembered long after their deaths in both the literary town of Verona and still today is influencing the modern world's view of love.