'Romeo and Juliet': The Origins of the Play

Summary

This video explores the fascinating origins of Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*. While Shakespeare is credited with the play, its story has roots in Italy, with the original tale written by Matteo Bandello in the 16th century. English translations by Arthur Brooke and William Painter further shaped the narrative, leading to Shakespeare's adaptation in the late 16th century. The story, possibly inspired by real events, evolved over time, eventually becoming a global cultural phenomenon. The video illustrates how this iconic story has been retold through various mediums, from literature to film adaptations, highlighting its enduring appeal.

Takeaways

• 😀 The origins of *Romeo and Juliet* can be traced back to an Italian writer, Mateo Bandello, who wrote the story in the 16th century.
• 😀 Shakespeare's version of *Romeo and Juliet* was heavily influenced by Bandello's Italian novella, but it was not entirely original.
• 😀 In 1562, English poet Arthur Brooke translated the story into English poetry, altering some parts of the plot, including the endings of certain characters.
• 😀 After Brooke's translation, the story was further adapted into prose by William Painter in 1567, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
• 😀 Shakespeare's adaptation, written around 1590 to 1595, stayed close to the core of the story while expanding on certain characters like Mercutio and Paris.
• 😀 The story of *Romeo and Juliet* has been a part of public domain for centuries, allowing multiple adaptations and retellings.
• 😀 There is speculation that Bandello's version of the story could be based on real-life events, though it was fictionalized by the time it reached Shakespeare.
• 😀 Shakespeare's decision to set the play in Italy aligns with the story's original Italian roots, making the setting historically appropriate.
• 😀 The play has influenced many subsequent works in various media, including films like Baz Luhrmann's 1996 adaptation.
• 😀 The lack of copyright constraints during Shakespeare's time allowed for the free adaptation of the story, creating a rich tradition of reimaginings over centuries.

Q & A

Who is credited with writing the original version of the Romeo and Juliet story?

The original version of the Romeo and Juliet story was written by Italian writer Matteo Bandello, who lived from 1480 to 1562.

How did Shakespeare become involved with the story of Romeo and Juliet?

Shakespeare adapted the story of Romeo and Juliet after it had been translated and modified by various writers, including Arthur Brooke and William Painter, into English before he created his own dramatic version.

What role did Arthur Brooke play in the development of Romeo and Juliet?

Arthur Brooke, an English poet, translated Bandello's Italian story into an English poem titled 'The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet' in 1562, slightly altering the ending for certain characters.

What happened to Arthur Brooke after he published his version of the story?

Arthur Brooke tragically drowned in a shipwreck the year after publishing his version, and his story entered the public domain.

Who translated the story into prose, and what was the title of their work?

William Painter, an English novelist, translated the story into prose in 1567, and his version was titled 'The Palace of Pleasure.'

Why did Shakespeare set the play in Italy?

Shakespeare set the play in Italy because the original story, written by Bandello, was set in Italy. This choice was influenced by the historical and cultural context of the source material.

What are the two main sources of inspiration for Matteo Bandello's stories?

Matteo Bandello based his stories on either famous historical events or classical poetry, as well as stories passed down to him by his contemporaries and friends.

What does the video suggest about the authenticity of the Romeo and Juliet story?

The video suggests that Romeo and Juliet could be based on a true story, as Bandello often wrote about real-life events. However, by the time the story reached Shakespeare, it had become more fictionalized.

How has the story of Romeo and Juliet evolved over time?

The story of Romeo and Juliet has evolved through various translations, adaptations, and re-interpretations by different writers and artists, with Shakespeare's version being one of the most significant. It has also been adapted into numerous mediums, including films and plays.

What is the significance of the 1996 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet mentioned in the video?

The 1996 film version of Romeo and Juliet by Baz Luhrmann is highlighted as a modern adaptation of the story, showcasing how the tale has been translated into a new medium, continuing its long-standing popularity and relevance.