Brooke's poem served as a significant source for Shakespeare's play. It provided the main plot elements, character names, and overall story arc of Romeo and Juliet. However, there are notable differences between Brooke's version and Shakespeare's later adaptation.
One of the key distinctions is the tone and style of the narrative. Brooke's poem employs a more didactic and moralizing approach, aiming to convey a cautionary tale about the perils of excessive passion and the destructive consequences of love. The poem emphasizes the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet as a result of their impulsive decisions.
In contrast, Shakespeare's play is marked by its poetic language, dramatic structure, and vivid characterization. Shakespeare's adaptation brings greater complexity to the characters and explores their emotional depth, motivations, and internal conflicts. The play also introduces more nuanced themes related to love, fate, society, and the interplay between individual desires and societal expectations.
Shakespeare takes creative liberties in adapting Brooke's poem, adding new characters, scenes, and dialogue. He also deviates from the original ending by having both Romeo and Juliet commit suicide in the final act. These changes contribute to the heightened sense of tragedy and emotional impact in Shakespeare's play.
While Brooke's poem provided the foundational material, Shakespeare's genius transformed the story into an enduring classic of Western literature. His adaptation is considered the definitive version of the Romeo and Juliet tale, surpassing the popularity and influence of the original Old Description.