Can love overcome the tradition of violence between two feuding families? Teenagers Romeo and Juliet attempt to beat the odds, overcoming prejudices and expectations that their parents and relatives cannot. William Shakespeare’s play has resonated with audiences for centuries because it explores the messy confusion of growing up in a violent world. This compelling volume presents readers with a sketch of Shakespeare’s youth and young adulthood; a series of essays exploring the theme of coming of age as it relates to Romeo and Juliet; and modern perspectives on love and adolescence in the twenty-first century, including discussion of topics such as suicide and violence among teens.