Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare wrote the most famous love story ever told, and it has defined how the Western world thinks about young, doomed passion for over 400 years.
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Why It Matters
Shakespeare wrote the most famous love story ever told, and it has defined how the Western world thinks about young, doomed passion for over 400 years. The play invented the idea that love powerful enough to defy your family must also be powerful enough to destroy you. "Star-crossed lovers" is Shakespeare's phrase, and every tragic romance since is in its debt.
The 
Take
Personal reviewAwesome poetry and word play. Very fun to read. A little tough in some parts so I recommend a side by side translation. Fun enough story. Mercutio was awesome. And is there a more classic expression of love than Romeo and Juliet? Also Shakespeare has a lot of fun with “opposites” in this one (how love can yield sorrow and darkness can be the light for example), top notch stuff
Notable Quotes
“These violent delights have violent ends, and in their triumph die, like fire and powder.”
“A plague on both your houses!”