There is a fine line between the emotions of love and hate. Far too often that line is crossed between the persons we like the most. Sometimes there is no reversal but deep down within us is the suppressed desire to reconcile; whether we admit it or not, it surely must exist.


This story is a dramatic account that dates back as far as the Middle Ages. It is well known but still tells the tale of how futile disagreements between families or friends might lead to physical blows and murder.


Two families of significant prominence had their problems for many years. Often, feuds such as the modern stories of the Hatfields and McCoys still feud and possibly have forgotten what they are fighting about. This could be the case between two powerful families that were once very close friends. However, a street brawl breaks out in Verona, Italy between the families Capulets and Montagues. It became so violent the Prince of Verona intervenes and declares further breach of peace would be punishable by death!


The years around l500’s often had the questionable decision about the marital future of their beautiful daughter.  Capulet had been approached by Count Paris for his daughter’s hand in marriage. This seemed very acceptable to Capulet but the daughter was only thirteen years of age. “Wait two more years and she will be yours”, was Capulet’s decision.


Oh but wait! Young and handsome Montague has eyes on the daughter as the two years come closer. When the daughter’s eyes first met Montague’s eyes it was instant love never to be lost. However, there was still the problem with Capulet’s final promise to the Count Paris for his daughter’s hand. The daughter was quite aware of this but the two lovers must find a solution to an insurmountable problem.
Capulet planned a colossal event which some might know today as a debutante ball. But it was actually a common known fact that Capulet would announce the coming marriage of his daughter to a prince. She was most depressed as she had fallen deeply in love with Montague.


The families Montague and Capulet were still virtual enemies so the invitations sent out far and wide did not include any of the Montague clan. But young Montague has another plan in order that he may again be in the presence of the young lady he loves. He dresses in disguise. He is discovered and a kinsman of Capulet pulls his sword and Montague kills the kinsman in a violent sword fight.


It was unknown the young lovers had discussed with their priest they wanted to be together forever. He agreed to marry them and possibly unite the feuding families. After the sword fight, Montague must leave in exile. The priest fears the marriage to Count Paris would reveal the lover’s plan. He talks with the daughter and told her he had a potion that would put her in a deep coma and she would seem dead. She collapsed from the potion and was placed in a tomb.


Word got to Montague of her “death”. He returns and enters the tomb without knowledge of the potion she had taken. In such despair he then takes poison and is dying with her in his arms. She awakes and sees Montague is dying. She draws his dagger and kills herself.


Though a tragedy, it is one of the greatest love stories ever told. In later years it was written in plays and an opera in 1887. The full name of the dying lover was Romeo Montague. The daughter’s first name was Juliet. Thus the play, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare will remain a classic story of boundless time.


Bob Jamison is a freelance writer and columnist.
jbobalong@yahoo.com