5. Romeo and Juliet & "Love Story"

About the Book: 

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written early in the career of William Shakespeare about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.

The Link with the Song:

The song “Love Story” by Taylor Swift is related to Romeo and Juliet. It is a tragedy written early in the career of William Shakespeare about two young lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families.

In the own lyrics, it is possible to see references to the tragedy and we can use the song in the class to bring the story of Romeo and Juliet to something more contemporary.

Activity in class:

- present William Shakespeare;
- the students read an adapted version of Romeo and Juliet;
- present Taylor Swift song, which narrates the tragedy story but it doesn't reveal the end. The students imagine an ending to the story, using their own criativity;
- exposition of the endings created by the students. 

"Love Story" - Taylor Swift

from the album Fearless (2008)

Written by Taylor Swift 

We were both young

When I first saw you

I closed my eyes

And the flashback starts

I'm standing there

On a balcony in summer air

I see the lights

See the party the ball gowns

I see you make your way

Through the crowd

And say Hello

Little did I know

That you were Romeo

You were throwing pebbles

'Till my daddy said Stay away from Juliet

And I was crying on the staircase

Beggin' you Please don't go

And I said

Romeo take me

Somewhere we can be alone

I'll be waiting

All that's left to do is run

You'll be the Prince

And I'll be the Princess

It's a Love Story

Baby just say Yes

So I sneak out

To the garden to see you

We keep quiet

Cause were dead if they knew

So close your eyes

Just keep this down for a little while

Cause you were Romeo

I was a Scarlett Letter

And my daddy said Stay away from Juliet

But you were everything to me

And I was beggin' you Please don't go

And I said

Romeo take me

Somewhere we can be alone

I'll be waiting

All that's left to do is run

You'll be the Prince

And I'll be the Princess

It's a Love Story

Baby just say Yes

Romeo save me

They're trying to tell me how to feel

This love is difficult

But it's real

Don't be afraid

We'll make it out of this mess

It's a Love Story

Baby just say Yes

I got tired of waiting

Wonderin' if you were ever comin' around

My faith in you was fading

When I met you on the outskirts of town

And I said

Romeo save me

I've been feelin' so alone

I keep waiting for you

But you never come

Is this in my head?

I don't know what to think

He knelt to the ground

And pulled out a ring

And says

Marry me Juliet

You never have to be alone

I love you

And that's all I really know

I talked to your dad

Go pick out a white dress

It's a Love Story

Baby just say Yes

Oh oh

Oh oh oh

Cause we were both young

When I first saw you