Characterization of the Sharks
By Riley Jones and Katharina Christensen
The characterization of the Sharks is used to distinguish the two groups from one another. The characterization is effective because it shows the different cultures and behaviors of the members of the Sharks, as opposed to the members of the Jets. The most prominant example of the differences is the Sharks' accent. All of the members of the Sharks have heavy Puerto Rican accents and often interject Spanish into their dialogue. This serves to remind the audience that the Sharks are immigrants and gives them an exotic feel. In the dance scenes, the Sharks' way of dancing often includes more sexual or suggestive movements. The effect is that the Sharks seem more rough than the Jets, but also more open. This reflects the Puerto Rican culture, that they have brough to the States when they immigrated. The ties within the Sharks seem tigher, because many members of the gang are related. The members don't necessarily have to be family, but because there are many familial ties, the overall feel of the gang is more caring and close emotionally than the Jets. This is shown by the way the Sharks have less fights between gang members than the Jets. Therefore, the characterization of the Sharks is used to set them apart from the Jets, in the way they speak with an accent, dance more freely, and treat each other with respect.
Rosegg, Carol. 2012. Photograph. Dance Informa. Dance Informa, 13 Dec. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. http://www.danceinforma.com/USA_magazine/2012/12/15/west-side-story-the-gas-south-broadway-series/.
Questions
1. What are some similarities between the Capulets and the Sharks?
2. What are some parallels between Tybalt and Bernardo?
Q.1 : They are both dressed in suits, in Romeo and Juliet they had black ones in West Side Story they were more colorful. The like to provoke in West Side Story too. They easily get in fights and act more aggressive, like in Romeo and Juliet.
ReplyDeleteQ.2: Their thinking and acting on situations is exactly the same. Bernardo sees Maria and Tony dancing at the party and gets mad like Tybalt does in Romeo and Juliet. Bernardo and Tybalt have the same tragic end, they both die in a fight beet wen the two gangs or families.
Richard