Humanities

Paper Summary:

The paper compares the era of "Romeo and Juliet" with the times of "Bonnie and Clyde". The paper, by comparing the two works, speaks of the bloody environment in the times of Romeo and Juliet and the desperate economic circumstances during the 'Bonnie and Clyde' era in American history. The paper continues with a discussion on the similarities between these two time periods, noting the similar themes of "romantic outlaws", "passionate lovers", an emphasis on youth, and the anger at society. The paper concludes that the tales of both lovers show how, in a society that seems to have no future, desperate young people seeking validation and autonomy, resort to desperate measures.

From the Paper:

"Although Shakespearean love may be beautiful, especially love forged out of passion and the laws of a society that denies the freedoms of the young, it is not the society of Renaissance Italy that is beautiful and romantic. The fact that love can exist even in an atmosphere that a modern audience can identify as hopeless, crime-ridden, and decadent like Depression-era America will underline the most important aspect of Shakespeare's play, elements that might remain hidden in a production set in the Renaissance. Adult society and the laws of the land are corrupt in "Romeo and Juliet," likewise America ignores the suffering and despair of Americans living in the dustbowl during the Depression. Bonnie and Clyde rob banks, but during that era before banking reform many Americans lost their money in the stock market, or in bank runs, thus showing a lack of regard for the laws was something that was endemic to society and government, not just the outlaws."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bell, John. (2004). "Great Lovers: Episode 4. Romeo & Juliet." Radio National Interview. Retrieved 28 Jun 2007 at http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bigidea/stories/s906672.htm
• Brians, Paul. (2000). "Study Guide for Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (1591?)." Last updated Feb 2000. Retrieved 28 Jun 2007 at http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/love-in-the-arts/romeo.html
• "Bonnie and Clyde." (1967). Starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunway.
• Ebert, Roger. (25 Sept 1967). "Bonnie and Clyde." Chicago Sun Times. Movie Review. Retrieved 28 Jun 2007 at http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19670925/REVIEWS/709250301/1023
• Shakespeare, William. (1591). "Romeo and Juliet." The Shakespeare Homepage. Retrieved 28 Jun 2007 at http://shakespeare.mit.edu/romeo_juliet/

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