I. Plot parallels—tragedies with conflict between two families from different backgrounds A. West Side Story—immigrant families who spoke different languages; Romeo and Juliet—Capulets and Montagues B. Intro—both begin with street brawls to set the action, followed by a dance attended by the main characters and their families II. Subplots A. Unplanned/unexpected actions follow misinformation B. Feigned deaths, suicidal responses III. Main Characters—both include archetypal young lovers whose families do not approve of their union A. Lovers meet at a dance, fall in love; maidens are wooed in a “balcony/fire escape” scene B. West Side Story—lovers mimic marriage in a bridal shop; Romeo and Juliet—lovers are secretly married by a friar IV. Supporting characters A. Female protagonists' nurse/best friend--similarities in how both are treated B. Male protagonists' friends—loyal but with tragic results Which of the following themes would readers expect to find treated with similar emphasis in both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story? humankind's powerlessness against authority humankind's capacity to love humankind's expressive nature humankind's response to acts of charity