HUM 100 Human Expression and Culture Over Time
Perspectives in the Humanities (Southern New Hampshire University)
3-3 Short Answer
1: How do you think the new and old versions represent different aspects of their societies/times?
What are the similarities and differences?
Romeo and Juliet 1968 and West Side Story 1961 both take place in their respective
settings. Romeo and Juliet was set in medieval times, and West Side Story in New York City.
Romeo and Juliet 1996 was a mix of the two older movies. The lines and the story stayed more
or less the same, but the setting was more modern to reflect a change in interpretation of the
story.
2: How does each version reflect the culture and time period in which it exists?
Romeo and Juliet 1968 is set in medieval times in Italy. The cast is wearing historically
accurate clothing and using appropriate speech. West Side Story is set in Manhattan and the cast
is wearing casual clothing that anyone would wear. Romeo and Juliet 1996 uses more modern
clothing and makes the story feel that is in present day.
3: After considering the examples presented, think about the artifact that you chose for Project 1.
Pose one question regarding the relationship between human culture and expression in relation
to your artifact. Explain one approach you may take to find the response to the question posed.
A question about the rainbow LGBTQ+ flag is do people feel they have more expression
and voice with the flag? One approach I can take is researching to see if people were more
vocal before or after the creation of the flag.
