B2. Romeo & Juliet: Part 1

This story of tragedy and hope was written by William Shakespeare in 1595. I have rewritten it in simpler English with love and care, so you can enjoy this classic story.

Chapter 1: The Streets That Never Sleep

Early in the morning, before the sun rose, shopkeepers often found smashed glass, broken stalls, and blood on the streets. No one was surprised anymore when another Montague–Capulet fight happened during the night.

The people of Verona were always watching, always listening. If they saw a Capulet crest or a Montague cloak, they closed their windows and whispered prayers. The peace could break at any moment.

This was Verona, Italy — a place where two wealthy families hated each other very much.

No one remembered how the gang war began, but children grew up learning the names of the families they must hate.

Every time these families met in the streets, there was violence.

Romeo was the only son of Lord Montague. Romeo didn't care for the feud between the families. While other young men practiced sword-fighting, Romeo wrote poetry. While they talked of honor and revenge, Romeo dreamed of girls and adventure.

Romeo liked a girl named Rosaline, but she didn't like him back. He wandered around the city, feeling heartbroken.

He walked to the town square and stared into the fountain. He watched the water splash around. Suddenly, he heard a voice: “Cousin!”

Romeo turned to see his cousin, Benvolio. Benvolio greeted him with a big smile.

“Forget about Rosaline,” Benvolio said. “There are many pretty girls in Verona.”

“But none like Rosaline,” Romeo said.

“I’ve got an idea!” said Benvolio excitedly. “The Capulets are having a big party tonight! Let's check it out!”

“But the Capulets hate us!” said Romeo.

“So we'll wear masks so nobody sees we're Montagues!”

Romeo's eyes sparkled; he liked this idea. “All right… maybe a party is exactly what I need!”

The two cousins laughed and high-fived. They were excited about their plan, although it was dangerous.

That night, Romeo, Benvolio, and their best friend Mercutio put on beautiful masks and snuck into the Capulets' party. They wanted to have fun, and to see what the Capulets were like.

Chapter 2: The Girl at the Top of the Stairs

The Capulet mansion was big and beautiful. There were colorful lights everywhere. A band played, and people laughed and danced. Everyone had a good time.

The three Montague boys were thrilled to be there, but they kept their masks on tight so they would not be recognized.

Romeo moved carefully through the crowd. He felt eyes watching him everywhere. Capulet eyes. Dangerous eyes.

An old man bumped into Romeo and stared at his face. “Do I know you?”

Romeo grinned and bowed. “I'm just a merchant from Mantua, sir.”

The man shrugged and walked away. Romeo laughed quietly. That was close!

Romeo looked around the grand hall. He looked up the stairs, where his eyes suddenly stopped. At the top stood the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her eyes sparkled, and she smiled warmly at everyone.

She looked down at the party below, and then her eyes found his. Time stopped. Romeo forgot where he was. He felt the world disappear around him. There was only her.

Romeo had to meet her. Right now. He walked up the stairs to her. The girl's cheeks turned pink.

Romeo bowed slightly and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

She nodded and put her small hand in his. They walked down to the dance floor. They moved to the music and held each other close. As they danced, everything else faded away — the crowded room, the music, even the danger.

After the dance, Romeo led her to the mansion gardens. It was a warm night. They walked along a path lined with colorful flowers. For a moment, neither spoke.

“You dance well,” she said finally.

Romeo smiled. “You dance like you've done it a thousand times.”

“I have.” Juliet sighed. “My father always hosts parties. Same people. Same music. Same everything.”

They stopped under an apple tree. Romeo picked a white flower from a nearby bush and handed it to her.

“Who are you?” asked the girl.

“I'll tell you, only if you don’t run away.”

“Why would I run?”

Romeo took off his mask. “Romeo, at your service.”

“Romeo Montague?” she asked, shocked.

Romeo winked.

“I shouldn't be talking to you,” the girl said playfully.

“I know.”

“If my father sees—”

“I know.”

“You must enjoy danger, coming to this party,” she said.

“Our families can fight forever if they like. I won’t,” Romeo said.

“I feel the same,” she said, looking up at him with wide eyes. She introduced herself as Juliet, the daughter of Lord Capulet.

Together, they walked and chatted. Their hands brushed against each other as they walked, until Romeo held her hand. They felt something inside they had never felt before.