Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Artwork

Classic Stories Summarized

7-10 minute audio summaries of classic literature you didn't have the time or attention span to read :-)

Classic Stories Summarized

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

September 23, 2025 • Steven C. Shaffer

"Romeo and Juliet", written by William Shakespeare around 1594–1596, is one of the most enduring tragedies in English literature, first published in a 1597 quarto edition. Likely inspired by Arthur Brooke’s 1562 poem "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" and Italian novellas, the play tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, whose passionate romance ends in their untimely deaths, ultimately reconciling their warring houses. Performed during the Elizabethan era, it became a cornerstone of Shakespeare’s early career, showcasing his mastery of poetic dialogue and dramatic structure. Its universal themes of love, conflict, and fate have ensured its lasting popularity, with countless adaptations in theater, film, and literature across centuries, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.

Hi fans! This stream will be going off the air soon -- please go to Classic Stories Summarized dot com for links to our YouTube podcast. That's CLASSIC STORIES SUMMARIZED DOT COM - Thanks!

Please like, share, follow and subscribe!

Also, check out all our great offerings at ShafferMediaEnterprises.com!