The theme of forbidden love will never grow cold. R & J is heart-wrenching and beautifully written, which makes it cathartic when someone is in the same situation. We want to read about people that feel the same way we do--it makes us feel understood and less lonely. Even if we don't share the circumstances, we all have the need to experience emotions. Badly written fiction doesn't work. Shakespeare comes close to mimicking the subtleties of the paths of human emotions. It's the difference of experiencing a real love affair, or watching a 15 minute cartoon about love.