Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
English • Written c.1597 • Public Domain • Free to stream
Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare's most famous tragedy and one of the greatest love stories ever written. Set in the Italian city of Verona, it follows two young people — Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet — whose families are locked in a bitter, ancient feud. They meet, fall instantly and passionately in love, and secretly marry. But fate, family hatred, and a series of terrible misunderstandings conspire to destroy them both. Written around 1597, the play has never been out of performance and gave the world some of its most quoted lines — "What's in a name?", "A plague on both your houses", "Parting is such sweet sorrow." It is a masterclass in character, language, and the tragedy of lives cut short by forces beyond their control.
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About the book: Romeo and Juliet
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The plot is based on an Italian tale written by Matteo Bandello, translated into verse as The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke, and retold in prose in Palace of Pleasure by William Painter. Shakespeare borrowed heavily from these sources but expanded the plot by developing several supporting characters, particularly Mercutio and Paris. The play is believed to have been written between 1591 and 1595, and it was first published in a quarto version in 1597.
The play tells of the romance between two young Italians from feuding families. It belongs to a tradition of tragic romances stretching back to antiquity. The title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers. During Shakespeare's lifetime, the work was among his most popular plays and, along with Hamlet, it is one of his most frequently performed. Shakespeare's use of poetic dramatic structure has been praised as an early sign of his dramatic skill.
Juliet's Nurse refers in the text to an earthquake she states occurred 11 years ago, which may refer to the Dover Straits earthquake of 1580.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romeo and Juliet free to listen to?
Yes, completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, no ads. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare, first performed around 1597. It is his most famous tragedy and one of the most performed plays in history.
Is Romeo and Juliet in the public domain?
Yes, Romeo and Juliet is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is Romeo and Juliet to listen to?
Romeo and Juliet takes approximately 3 hours to listen to in full.
When was Romeo and Juliet written?
Romeo and Juliet was first published in 1597. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo and Juliet uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
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What genre is Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo and Juliet is Drama. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.