Romeo and Juliet

Rooted in a tradition of tragic romances, the narrative draws from an Italian tale and was adapted into verse by Arthur Brooke in 1562. Shakespeare enhances the original story by adding depth to supporting characters like Mercutio and Paris. Written between 1591 and 1595, the play was first published in a poorly produced quarto in 1597, with subsequent editions refining the text to better reflect Shakespeare's intentions. This classic work explores themes of love and fate, making it a timeless piece of literature.