FINAL EXAM FACTUAL READING

WRITTEN BY : FAIZ NAUFAL FALAH (22101050016)

SASTRA INGGRIS – A
A. Questions

1. What is the theme of Romeo and Juliet? How do you relate the theme to the plot or character
in the story?
2. What are the conflicts in Romeo and Juliet?
3. What are the conflicts in Layla Majnun?
4. Does both stories end the way you expected? How? Why?
5. What is the main topic of these stories?
B. Answer
1. The main theme of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is love and its various manifestations. The
play explores the powerful and intense nature of love, its ability to transcend societal
boundaries, and the tragic consequences that can arise from its passionate and impulsive
nature. In the story, the theme of love is closely intertwined with the plot and the characters.
The central characters, Romeo and Juliet, fall deeply in love at first sight and become
entangled in a forbidden romance due to their feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets.
Their love is characterized by its intensity, purity, and desire to be together despite the
obstacles they face. The theme of love is also reflected in the actions of other characters. For
example, Mercutio, Romeo's close friend, shows a different form of love through his loyalty
and willingness to defend Romeo's honor, even to the point of sacrificing himself. Juliet's
nurse, on the other hand, exhibits a more maternal form of love by providing guidance and
support to Juliet. The theme of love is further enhanced by the contrast between romantic love
and familial love. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets highlights the societal
barriers that prevent Romeo and Juliet from freely expressing their love. The conflict between
their families ultimately leads to a series of tragic events, ultimately resulting in the untimely
deaths of the young lovers. Additionally, the theme of love is explored through the language
and poetic imagery used throughout the play. The poetic dialogues between Romeo and Juliet,
filled with metaphors and symbols, emphasize the intensity and passion of their love.
Shakespeare's choice of language adds depth and richness to the theme, allowing the audience
to connect with the emotions and experiences of the characters. Overall, the theme of love in
Romeo and Juliet is deeply interwoven with the plot and characters, driving the actions and
decisions that ultimately lead to the tragic conclusion. It highlights the complexities of love
and its ability to both unite and divide individuals, demonstrating the enduring power and
consequences of passionate and impulsive emotions.
2. The conflicts in Romeo and Juliet are
• Familial Conflict: The feud between the Montagues and Capulets creates a hostile
environment and serves as the backdrop for the conflicts in the play.
• Forbidden Love: The love between Romeo and Juliet is forbidden due to their families' hatred
for each other. This conflict puts their relationship in jeopardy and leads to secrecy and
deception.
• Social Conflict: The societal expectations and norms of Verona place constraints on Romeo
and Juliet's love. Their union is seen as inappropriate due to their feuding families and the
expectations tied to their social status.
• Internal Conflict: Characters like Romeo and Juliet experience internal conflicts. They
struggle with conflicting emotions and choices, torn between their love for each other and their
loyalty to their families.
• Miscommunication: Miscommunication and misunderstandings lead to tragic consequences.
Messages are not delivered, leading to misunderstandings that shape the events of the play.
• Fate vs. Free Will: The conflict between fate and free will is explored. Despite their efforts,
Romeo and Juliet seem destined for tragedy, and their actions contribute to their untimely
demise.
3. The conflicts in Layla Majnun are
• Social and Cultural Conflict: Layla and Majnun come from rival tribes or families, creating a
social and cultural divide that prevents them from being together. The societal norms and
expectations of their community pose a significant obstacle to their love.
• Family Opposition: Layla's family opposes her love for Majnun, and they try to separate them.
They arrange for her to marry another man, resulting in emotional turmoil and conflict for
Layla and Majnun.
• Inner Conflict and Madness: Majnun's intense love for Layla drives him to the brink of
madness. He becomes consumed by his longing and is torn between his desire for Layla and
the societal expectations placed upon him.
• Love vs. Duty: Layla and Majnun face a conflict between their love for each other and their
obligations to their families and society. They must choose between following their hearts and
conforming to societal expectations.
• Miscommunication and Tragic Circumstances: Miscommunication and misunderstandings
between Layla and Majnun lead to tragic consequences. Their inability to be together due to
societal constraints and external circumstances fuels their longing and intensifies their
conflicts.
• Internal Struggle and Devotion: Layla and Majnun experience internal struggles as they
navigate the challenges of their love. Their unwavering devotion to each other conflicts with
the reality of their circumstances, leading to heartbreak and despair.
4. In Romeo and Juliet, the story does not end the way one might expect or hope for. Despite
their efforts to be together and overcome the conflicts they face, Romeo and Juliet both
tragically die. Their deaths result from a series of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and
impulsive actions driven by their intense love for each other. The ending is unexpected in the
sense that the audience may hope for a resolution that allows the young lovers to be together
and find happiness. However, the tragic conclusion reinforces the themes of fate, societal
constraints, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions. The ending serves as a reminder
of the consequences that can arise from conflicts and the inability to bridge divides.
In the case of Layla Majnun, the ending is more aligned with the expectations of a tragic love
story. Layla and Majnun are ultimately unable to be together due to the social and cultural
conflicts that separate them. Majnun's madness and despair over their separation persist until
his death, and Layla dies of a broken heart shortly after learning of Majnun's passing. The
ending reflects the tragic and ill-fated nature of their love, highlighting the themes of
unattainable love, societal barriers, and the power of devotion. While the outcome may be
anticipated given the context of their love being hindered by societal norms, it is still poignant
and heartbreaking. Both stories share a similar tragic element in their endings, highlighting
the impact of conflicts and external forces on the protagonists' fates. Despite the differing
cultural and historical contexts, the unexpected or anticipated endings serve to evoke strong
emotions in the audience and underscore the themes of love, fate, societal constraints, and the
consequences of conflict.
5. The main topic of Romeo and Juliet is love, particularly the intense and passionate love
between the titular characters. The story explores different facets of love, such as romantic
love, familial love, and the conflicts that can arise from it. The play delves into the themes of
love at first sight, forbidden love, and the power of love to transcend societal boundaries. It
examines the consequences and complexities of love, ultimately presenting it as both a force
of unbridled joy and profound tragedy.
In Layla Majnun, the main topic is also love, specifically the tragic and unattainable love
between Layla and Majnun. The story portrays a love that is hindered by societal norms, family
opposition, and the challenges posed by external forces. It explores themes of devotion,
sacrifice, and the power of love to drive individuals to extremes. Layla Majnun delves into the
depths of love's intensity and the impact it has on the lives of the characters, showcasing the
complexities and heart-wrenching aspects of love. While both stories center around love, they
explore different aspects and present contrasting perspectives. Romeo and Juliet focuses on
the tumultuous nature of young love and the conflicts that arise from it, while Layla Majnun
delves into the theme of forbidden love and the tragic consequences that can arise when
societal constraints prevent two souls from being together.
Fill The Table Below With The Similarity And Differences Between The Story Of
“Romeo And Juliet” And “Layla Majnun”.
Similarities
Both stories tell about the couple who cannot
be together in the end.
Both stories revolve around a forbidden love.
Both stories involve societal constraints that
prevent the couples from being together.
Both stories explore the themes of love,
devotion, and tragedy.
Both stories have tragic endings for the main
characters.
Both stories have had significant cultural and
literary influence.
Both stories explore the complexities of love
and the consequences of societal barriers.
Differences
Both parents of Layla and Majnun do not
fight each other.
The setting of the stories is different:
"Romeo and Juliet" is set in Verona, Italy,
while "Layla Majnun" takes place in Arabia
and Persia.
The central conflicts in the stories are
different: "Romeo and Juliet" centers around
the feuding families of Montagues and
Capulets, while "Layla Majnun" focuses on
social and cultural divisions.
The cultural origins of the stories are
different: "Romeo and Juliet" is from
English literature by William Shakespeare,
while "Layla Majnun" originates from
Arabian and Persian literature.
The characters and their backgrounds differ:
"Romeo and Juliet" features Romeo, Juliet,
Mercutio, and Tybalt, while "Layla Majnun"
centers around Layla, Majnun, Layla's
family, and Majnun's madness.
The languages and styles of the stories
differ: "Romeo and Juliet" is written in
poetic verse with rich imagery, while "Layla
Majnun" incorporates lyrical poetry,
symbolism, and mysticism.
The historical and cultural contexts of the stories
differ: "Romeo and Juliet" reflects Western literary
canon, while "Layla Majnun" is considered a
classic tale in Arabian and Persian literature.
 TEXT A

Theme : love and its various manifestations.

Orientation
Character
• Romeo
• Juliet
• Friar Launrence
• Tybalt
Where : Verona, Italy.
When : Renaissance Era
Complication
- Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love at a party.
- They secretly marry with the help of Friar Laurence.
- Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel, resulting in deaths.
- Romeo is banished from Verona for killing Tybalt.
- Juliet fakes her death to avoid marrying Paris.

Resolution
Romeo and Juliet both die by suicide, unable to be together.

Moral value
-The story highlights the destructive consequences of
-impulsive actions driven by passion and family conflicts.
-It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of
-unchecked emotions and the cost of hatred and prejudice.
 TEXT B

Theme : Forbidden Love

Orientation
Character
• Layla
• Majnun
• Layla’s Family
• Society
Where : Arabia and Persia
When : Ancient Times.
Complication
• The social status and family disapproval create obstacles.
• that prevent Layla and Majnun from being together.

Resolution
Layla and Majnun die without being able to unite in love.

Moral value
- The story portrays the intensity and power of love
- highlighting the sacrifices and tragedies that can result
- It emphasizes the enduring nature of love and
- The willingness to overcome societal barriers for love.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, the stories of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Layla Majnun" share similarities in their
portrayal of forbidden love and tragic endings. Both narratives explore the complexities of love,
the consequences of societal barriers, and the power of fate in shaping the lives of the characters.
Despite the differences in cultural origin, setting, and specific plot elements, these stories have left
a significant impact on literature and continue to resonate with readers across different cultures.
One of the key similarities between the two stories is the central theme of forbidden love. In both
"Romeo and Juliet" and "Layla Majnun," the protagonists find themselves entangled in a love that
is deemed unacceptable by society.
The couples face numerous obstacles and societal constraints that prevent them from being
together. This theme highlights the universal nature of love, its ability to transcend societal
boundaries, and the challenges faced by individuals who dare to defy societal norms for the sake
of love. Another striking similarity is the tragic ending in both stories. Romeo and Juliet, as well
as Layla and Majnun, meet a devastating fate that ultimately leads to their untimely demise. These
tragic endings evoke a sense of melancholy and highlight the destructive power of love when
confronted with insurmountable obstacles.
The tragic conclusions serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the consequences of forbidden love
and societal divisions. Despite the shared themes, there are notable differences between the stories.
"Romeo and Juliet" is rooted in Western literature and is considered one of William Shakespeare's
most iconic plays. On the other hand, "Layla Majnun" originates from Arabian and Persian
literature, carrying cultural significance in those regions.
These cultural differences shape the storytelling styles, language, and settings of the two
narratives. The conflicts in the stories also differ. "Romeo and Juliet" focuses on the feud between
the Montagues and Capulets, which intensifies the forbidden love between the title characters. In
contrast, "Layla Majnun" explores the social and cultural divisions that separate Layla and
Majnun, making their love even more unattainable.In conclusion, the stories of "Romeo and Juliet"
and "Layla Majnun" exemplify the power of love, the complexities of human relationships, and
the tragic consequences of forbidden love.
These timeless tales continue to captivate audiences with their emotional depth, cultural
significance, and thought-provoking themes. Through their similarities and differences, they
remind us of the universal nature of love and the profound impact it can have on individuals,
families, and societies. Whether it is Shakespeare's iconic play or the Arabian and Persian classic,
these stories serve as enduring reminders of the enduring power of love and the consequences that
can arise when love defies societal expectations.