II. Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare : tragedy based on the legend of Verona

  "Romeo and Juliet" tragedy is based on the legend of Verona. "Romeo and Juliet" and opera "Vedi's Aida" came from Verona which has amphitheater and Adige river in Roman era. Lombardia dominated Verona and it prospered in 12~13 centuries.

  There was power struggle between Guelfi and Ghibellines in 13~14 centuries. This struggle made "Romeo and Juliet" tragic.

  

  Verona designated one of mansions in 14 century as Capulets' to protected the beautiful and sorrow play, "Romeo and Juliet". When people visited this house, they used to rubbed right breast in Juliet bronze. Nobody, however, explained the reason why they did like that.

  I would like to tell about the power struggle between Guelfi and Ghibellines. The feud between two parties has gone for a long time because of conflict of interest. Feudal nobleman classes belonged to Guelfi and rich trading classes belonged to Ghibellines. Verona in Italy had power struggle same as other cities.

Each family belonged to Guelfi or Ghibellines and it was very often that they killed and banished each other from Verona. In addition, this situation would get worse if both families couldn't hold dominant position.

 

  Because "Romeo and Juliet" was written in this era, it seems that many political factors made two families mutual enemies. Romeo and Juliet, born in their feuding families, fell in love each other. And their tragic death made two familes reconciled. Because Shakespeare's original play was based on love and death, two main character is regarded as the archetype of couple.