Worksheet for West Side Story

1. Define the genre of musical. What are three of its main characteristics? Which of these can we
see in West Side Story?
Musical as a Genre - in the context of music, "musical" can refer to a genre that encompasses a broad
range of styles and forms. Generally, it includes compositions that involve the organization of sound
elements (such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre) for aesthetic or expressive purposes. This
can include classical music, jazz, pop, rock, hip-hop, and many other styles
Musical theater is a combo of four essential elements: songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance.
In „West side story” we can see different choreography, hear different songs and certainly hear
dialogue among people.
2. How is the rivalry between the two gangs communicated non-verbally in the opening scenes
of the movie?
The opening scenes of "West Side Story" effectively communicate the rivalry between the two gangs,
the Jets and the Sharks, through non-verbal cues, primarily through music, dance, and visual elements.
Here are some key ways in which this rivalry is conveyed non-verbally:
The film opens with a dynamic dance sequence in the streets of the West Side neighborhood. The Jets
and the Sharks are introduced through their distinct dance styles. The Jets' dance movements are more
angular and energetic, reflecting a sense of rebellion and youthful exuberance. In contrast, the Sharks'
dance incorporates more traditional Latin dance elements, highlighting their cultural identity. The
differences in dance styles immediately set the two groups apart and foreshadow the conflict to come.
This scene uses cinematography in a way to show the power and authority of the characters. The scene
is framed in a way that the characters in the gang are not only usually centered in the middle of the
screen but they also take up the majority of the frame. This is used to show that not only do they like
to believe that they are the center of attention but it also shows that they like to view themselves as
important and as if they are bigger than they actually are. The camera movement is also used to show
the changes of power between the two gangs, when the gang is more in power and there are more of
their members on screen the camera tracks and follows them, this is also used to show to the issues of
the battle of dominance between the two gangs.
The costuming also focusing of the gangs characters. During the scene all the characters we see in the
background are wearing dull and muted colours, in contrast the Jets and Sharks are both wearing much
brighter colours to ensure that they stand out and that all attention is on them. The Jets often wear
denim and leather, reflecting a more Americanized style, while the Sharks incorporate elements of
Puerto Rican fashion. The differences in clothing visually reinforce the cultural and social distinctions
between the two groups.
The final major use of mise-en-scene is the graffiti seen throughout the scene in multiple places, this
graffiti is used to show the ownership of certain parts of the streets to each gang.
This whistle can also be interpreted as communication between the gangs, which brings us back to the
themes of the film. Another use of diegetic sound in this scene is where the gang are seen snapping
their fingers, the synchronicity of this act correlates directly with the synchronicity of the two gangs,
who throughout the scene move and dance completely in time, showing the trust within the two
groups.
 3. What is the YMCA? When did it first come to America? Why did it play such an important
role in suburban USA in the 1960’s and 70’s? What is the significance of the dance taking
place there? What is a „JD”?
1.YMCA, nonsectarian, nonpolitical Christian lay movement that aims to develop high standards of
Christian character through group activities and citizenship training. It originated in London in 1844,
when 12 young men, led by George Williams, an employee in, and subsequently the head of, a drapery
house, formed a club for the “improvement of the spiritual condition of young men in the drapery and
other trades.”
2.The YMCA first came to North America in 1851,
3.YMCA programs include sports and physical education, camping, counseling, formal and informal
education, public affairs, and citizenship activities. Among other activities, the YMCA sponsors
hotels, residence halls, and cafeterias. In the United States it operates several degree-granting
institutions as well as many other schools at all levels, including night classes for adults. In 2010 the
U.S. movement changed its name to “the Y,” though specific branches continued to use YMCA in
their name.
The YMCA began providing service to the armed forces, in the United States, during the
Civil War, and it continued giving service through all wars thereafter. By the Geneva Convention of
1929, it was charged with promoting educational and recreational facilities in many prisoner-of-war
camps.
The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) played a significant role in suburban USA in the
1960s and 1970s for several reasons:
Many of the practices of colleges and universities in America, in fact, several colleges and universities
themselves, can be traced back to YMCA involvement in higher education. Ys in the 19th and early
20th centuries placed much more emphasis on formal and informal classes and teaching than they do
now. The first institution of higher learning organized by the YMCA national organization was the
School for Christian Workers in Springfield, Mass. Later known as the International YMCA Training
School and finally as Springfield College, the School was to train Y workers in all aspects of business
and management.
The YMCA served as a community and social center in many suburban areas. It provided a gathering
place for families and individuals to engage in recreational activities, fitness programs, and social
events. The YMCA's facilities often included gymnasiums, swimming pools, meeting rooms, and
other spaces for community activities.
The YMCA offered family-oriented programs and activities, making it attractive to suburban families.
Family memberships provided access to a variety of recreational and educational opportunities,
fostering a sense of community and well-being.
The YMCA has a long history of focusing on youth development. In the 1960s and 1970s, it continued
to offer programs for children and teenagers, including sports leagues, summer camps, and educational
activities. This made it a popular choice for families looking for constructive and wholesome activities
for their children.
While the YMCA is rooted in Christian principles, it has been open to people of all faiths and
backgrounds. The organization's commitment to instilling positive values and ethics in individuals,
especially young people, made it appealing to parents seeking an environment that aligned with their
moral and ethical beliefs.
4.”JD” means Juris Doctor
The American law degree, called a Juris Doctor (JD), is a three-year professional degree. Until the
latter half of the 20th century, the degree was called a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). However, due to the
length of study required in the United States to attain a law degree, the name was changed to reflect its
status as a professional degree. A J.D. degree confers recognition that the holder has a professional
degree in law.
4. What aspects of Puerto Rican culture are shown? What are some of the root causes of the
tensions between the two gangs? What is a „spic”?
1)"West Side Story," a musical that reimagines Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" in the context of
1950s New York City, specifically in the neighborhood of the West Side, features elements of Puerto
Rican culture through the representation of the Sharks, one of the rival gangs in the story. There are
several aspects of Puerto Rican culture depicted in "West Side Story". For example:
The writers of the musical depict Puerto Rican men as poverty-stricken, violent, uneducated gang
members and the women as loud and sassy.
The Sharks' musical numbers incorporate Latin rhythms and dance styles, reflecting Puerto Rican
musical and dance traditions. Songs like "America" and "I Feel Pretty" include elements of salsa and
mambo, bringing a distinct cultural flavor to the musical.
The Sharks, led by Bernardo, often speak in Spanish or use a combination of English and Spanish in
their dialogue. This bilingualism reflects the linguistic diversity and the influence of Puerto Rican
culture in the West Side neighborhood.
The costumes worn by the Sharks and their female counterparts showcase Puerto Rican fashion
influences. Traditional attire, as well as contemporary clothing styles of the time, are blended to create
a visual representation of the characters' cultural identity.
The emphasis on community and family is a recurring theme in Puerto Rican culture, and this is
depicted in the strong bonds among the Sharks. The relationships between characters like Bernardo,
Maria, and Anita highlight the importance of family and community ties.
The Sharks are portrayed as recent immigrants to the United States, reflecting the experiences of many
Puerto Ricans who migrated to New York City in the mid-20th century. The challenges faced by the
characters echo the broader narrative of the immigrant experience. It's important to note that while
"West Side Story" incorporates elements of Puerto Rican culture, it has also faced criticism for
perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplifications. The representation of cultural identity in the musical
is a complex topic that has been discussed and analyzed by scholars and audiences over the years.
2)Hatred and racism are the main causes of the musical’s tragic plot. For starters, the two gangs are
divided because of race. “The Sharks” are made up of Puerto Rican immigrants, while “The Jets” are
white. In most of their encounters, the rivaling gangs speak with racial slurs such as “spiks” and
“gringos”
Even though both gangs had a lot in common, they were blinded by hatred. Tensions between the two
only increased when Tony and Maria fell in love. Their love story unleashed a series of tragic events
brought about solely by racism and discrimination. The movie’s tragic ending reveals the devastating
consequences that racism can have in the lives of people.
3)A “Spic” is used as an insulting and contemptuous term for a Spanish-American persoCite at least
four lines from the verbal duel song „America”.
 5. What is the role of the song „My Country ’Tis of Thee” in the movie? What is the role of the
lieutenant? What is a „hoodlum”?
1)"My Country 'Tis of Thee," also known as "America," is a patriotic American song that has
historical significance.
2)Police Lieutenant Schrank is a supporting character in West Side Story. He is a police lieutenant
who tries to keep the peace between the Jets and Sharks, yet realistically finds them hopeless.
3) „Hoodlum” is a violent person, especially one who is member of a group of criminals
6. What aspects of the story are similar to Romeo & Juliet? What aspects are different?

"West Side Story" is a modern musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," and
while the two works share a fundamental theme of tragic love, there are both similarities and
differences between them.
Similarities:
1.Both stories central theme the forbidden love. In "Romeo and Juliet," the love between Romeo, a
Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, is hindered by the longstanding feud between their families. In "West
Side Story," the love between Tony, a member of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader,
is complicated by the rivalry between the two gangs.
2.Both stories conclude with tragic endings. The protagonists of each tale face untimely deaths as a
result of their love, contributing to the overall sense of tragedy.
3.The central conflict in both stories involves two different groups. In "Romeo and Juliet," it's the
Montagues and Capulets, while in "West Side Story," it's the Jets and the Sharks.
Differences:
1."Romeo and Juliet" is set in Renaissance Verona, Italy, and centers around the feud between two
noble families. In contrast, "West Side Story" is set in 1950s New York City and portrays the conflict
between the Jets, a white gang, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang. The cultural and social context
differs significantly between the two works.
2."West Side Story" is a musical with a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Music and dance play a central role in conveying emotions and advancing the plot. However "Romeo
and Juliet" is a play without musical elements, relying on spoken dialogue.

7. Do you think the fact that the story is told through the medium of musical enhances or detracts
from it? Why?
In my opinion, it significantly enhances that the story is told through the medium of musical. As for
me the musical effects made it really special and spellbinding, because it was a simple action movie
without musical properties. It is very interesting how they solve different conflict situation with the
help of music, dance and different sound effect. I think the musical solution made it so unique and
unforgettable.