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MONTAGUE AND CAPULET'SLOVERS COMMIT SUICIDE

The tragic deaths of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet leave families devasted and searching for answers

A G O N Y

ExclusivE intErviEw withFriar laurEncE

PARIS' NEXT GIRL Another fling or

relationship

March 2009

Jacqueline Siu Del HLevana Lam

Block G

contents

cOvEr immaturity, grudges, lies. the un-told story of Romeo and Juliet's troubled marriage- and how families are coping

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March 2009 • Vol. 1 • No.1

lEs GEns March 2009 2

Montague and capulet battle it in verona and now has to face the consequences

4 capulet Party

Paris, hottest bachelor of the year, no longer eligible? is he joining the Capulet family? Find out all the facts.

3

15 Everyone loves Feburary because it is the month of love, riGht? wrong, we do not like love.

8 the mastermind be-hind Prince charles and Prin-cess Diana's flawless marriage and relationship. Exclusive interview with Friar laurence.

4 scOOP

WEDDINGlord capulet invites you to Juliet and Paris' wedding

13 Mantua is now quarantined. no messages or parcels can be delievered to the neighbouring town.

10 what punishment is worse than death? Ban-ishment. romeo is banished from verona.

5 can love cause de-pression? romeo Montague proves this to be true as he pines after a woman.

12 Disaster strikes capulet Family. Juliet capu-let was found dead thursday morning on her bed romeo and Juliet, the two young heirs

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Desp i te unexpected ac t ions , Lord Capu le t ' s an -nua l pa r ty runs smooth ly .

6

Editor:Journalists:

Jacqueline SiuDel HajipourLevana LamJacqueline Siu

some areas of our fair verona were rocked by intense sword battles as the Mon-tagues and capulets fought the old grudge. a small brawl turned into a civil war injur-ing dozens of innocent bystanders. the Prince was able to stop this terrible fight and stated “if ever you disturb our streets again,

Strike Three, EXECUTE

Montagues and Capulets keep the streets of Verona filled with violence

this battle began with two Montague members making rude gestures to two capulets walking by. immediately the capulets retaliated and a small brawl began in the city square. Benvolio, cousin to son of lord Montague, was seen at-tempted to stop the fight before it got too far but he was unable to. Much to bystanders’ sur-prise, tybalt, a friend of lord capulets, was seen charging into the scene, sword held aloft but in-stead of stopping the fight, he said “ what, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds? turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death” to Benvolio.

as the fight became more and more dangerous, the other Montague and capulets began fight-ing each other as well. with tybalt and Benvolio involved in a master sword battle in the midst of the chaos, this civil war reached unstoppable levels. Bystanders that were attempting to help cease this fight were immediately knocked out by the skilled fighters of both families.

it seemed unstoppable until the Prince Es-calus and his attendants stepped in. the Montague and capulets immediately ceased their fighting once they saw the Prince stand-ing there, furious with them. he stated “By thee, old capulet, and Montague, have thrice distrub’d the quiet of our streets,” and con-tinued to talk about the death penalty if any

Benvolio immediately stammered out what he was attempting to do and asked tybalt to help him restore peace to the town square. tybalt, described as violence crazed man, stated that he said “what! Drawn, and talk of peace? i hate the word, as i hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. have at thee, coward!” and continued to make insults at Benvolio. Finally, Benvolio was unable to hold back his anger and lashed out at tybalt and all chaos broke loose.

third civil war, this past year has left the town questioning the motive of these two competi-tive families. is this becoming more than just a

family grudge?

Tybalt "Crazy Cat" Capulet drawing his 'sword' in Verona Square. lEs GEns March 2009 3

Prince Escalus stop-ping all the fighting with a wave of his magic baton

HAVE YOURSAY!

YEs, i totally agree. this is a problem gone on for too long and it needs to be stopped immediately.

MaYBE, if the offenders continuously dis-turb the streets and start fights.

nO, everyone should be allowed the chance to live and no one should be pun-ished with death.

Do you think the Prince's punishment (execution) is suitable?

send your opinion to havE YOur saY c/o lEs GEns or vote at www.lesgens.com

By: Jacqueline Siu

Paris, a man of wax, was seen asking lord capulet for his daughter’s, Juliet’s hand earlier today. Much to other’s surprise, lord capulet did not agree immediately with the marriage proposal instead capulet gave Paris his best wishes and left the final decision up to his Juliet. the county Paris was spotted asking for capulet’s thoughts on his re-quest at marrying his daughter. lord capulet was worried that Juliet was too young to be married but Paris argued that “Younger than she are happy mothers made.” capulet was hesitant due to the fact Earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she; she is his only child and he wanted her to be happy. lord capulet told Paris to woo Juliet and get her heart at their party later that night if he wanted to marry Juliet.

PARIS BECOMING A CAPULET

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after lord capulet and Paris finished talking, Juliet, lady capulet and their nurse talked about marriage. when lady capulet asked Juliet “how stands your disposition to be married?”, Juliet answered that it was an honour that she dream not of. Both the nurse and lady capu-let were shocked since other noble ladies were already married. lady capulet then informed Juliet that Paris seeks Juliet for his love. unlike other young women who would only dream to be the love of Paris, Juliet informed her mother that she would consider him but she did not prom-ise to fall in love with him.

Find out if Paris and Juliet’s marriage or friendship as this romantic event enfolds itself later at the capulet’s annual party.


By: Jacqueline Siu

PARIS BECOMING A CAPULET

in the light of early dawn, alone near the syca-more groves, romeo of the Montague household has been spotted wandering aimlessly, apparently struck by cupid’s arrow.

For many days now, romeo Montague has been report-edly scene by many people wandering often alone dur-ing the early hours of the morning alone and apparently quite depressed. Earlier today, a conversation was over-heard between young romeo and his good cousin Ben-volio which tells of romeo’s great depression over his un-requited and seemingly hopeless love with rosaline from the capulet household. the young fourteen-year-old proclaimed he would never love another girl while Ben-volio, good man he is tried persuading his young cousin otherwise. “Be rul’d by me; forget to think of her!” he was heard saying. whether romeo will actually listen to his cousin, Benvolio and move on seems very unlikely as of the moment.

StarTracks


ROMEO becomes a Love Sick Puppy

the entire Montague family is worried about romeo says inside source. "we hope he finds a way to get out of this depression."

By: Levana Lam


Lord Capulet's

ANNUAL PARTY!The hottest and most extravagent party this year, guaranteed

Paris enjoying his most elig-able bachelor status with his favourite admirers.

romeo and Juliet enjoying their time together during the annual capulet party.


last night, lord capulet held his annual party with everyone except the Montagues invited. it was an amazing party with an Oscar-like theme includ-ing the prestigious red carpet. there was plenty of music and excitement was buzzing in the air. some of the stars that attended include rosaline who told reporters that she had to "quench the fire, the room is grown too hot" and Mer-cutio who was dressed up as a woman for half the night. Mercutio had brought some mysterious guests whose identities were not revealed until later on that night. Paris also attended the capulet party in hopes of wowing Young Juliet and marrying her later.

as Mercutio started to party, his mysterious guest began to dance with Juliet. unfortunately just when things were starting to heat up, Paris stole Juliet away from her no-name beau against her wishes and began to attempt to impress her but Juliet’s heart was already taken by this mysterious person. not sure how tybalt recognized this mysterious person but as soon as he laid eyes on Mer-cutio’s guest tybalt attempted to kill him claiming that this person was the Mon-tague prince, romeo. Much to everyone’s relief, lord capulet was able to calm tybalt down. lord capulet told tybalt that “he [romeo] shall be endur'd"since he wanted to stop the grudge and therefore allowed romeo to stay. Perhaps the violence in verona would cease as lord capulet took the first step in stop-ping the grudge. romeo, looking relieved for not being kicked out of the party, walked outside perhaps in hopes of finding Juliet. not long after romeo went outside, Paris came back in from the gardens looking disgruntled and starting dancing with rosaline. Bury the hatchet and bring out the cupid arrows. last night at the annual capu-let Party, romeo Montague was seen courting young Juliet on the dance floor. afterwards romeo went outside and they were seen talking on the balcony. will this truce develop into something more for these two young teens? if it does, it will be another step towards peace between the two houses.

Despite a Montague at the capulet Party, Paris not getting his girl, and Mer-cutio dressed up as a women the entire party was considered a success. lord capulet was extremely happy at the enormous turnout and peaceful interaction between the guests. he intends to host another party next year for his Juliet’s sweet sixteen and we hope it would be as successful as this party.

ANNUAL PARTY!The hottest and most extravagent party this year, guaranteed

Style WATCH

Mercutio dancing his way into the house dressed in a black tuexdo.

By: Jacqueline Siu

rosaline turned heads when she showed up to the capulet Party in a sultry versace leather gown. "who else could wear black leather head to toe and look sexy and not trashy?" says capulet.

romeo Montague dressed in all black left his female fans, shriek-ing and cheering.

Juliet capulet was stylishly dressed in a single shoul-der grey and red Balenciaga draped dress. she accessorized with black christina louboutin pumps, a black clutch and a dainty chanel diamond neck-lace.


Do you think now that you are more famous, it’ll present more challenges setting up secret marriages?

No, it’s exciting! I’m always up for a challenge. It is basically the same procedure with some extra twists and turns. I always look back and see what I’ve done and it’s always been fun. It brings back so many memories and it shows how love can change everything. It’s a really amazing experience.

What kind of work do you do?

I like to work with young adults with their problems especially when it comes down to family and relationships. I also want to start helping adults with their problems. I enjoy working with different people because everyone has a different personality. I believe that sometimes it is better to look at things in a broader view and act for the greater good. "In one respect I'll thy assistant be, to turn your households' rancour to pure love."

In just one short year, Friar Laurence has gone from a simple town priest to nationwide guardian angel thanks to his mastermind in the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Di. Earlier this year, the genius arranged the most unexpected marriage, and it has become 100% success. The well-known priest took a break from his plotting for Verona Special to chat about his ambitions and his future plans.

FRIAR LAURENCENOT JUST ANOTHER

PRIEST

Why did you decide to help young adults?

Really, it was to be able to give back to the community. Obviously I’m here because I want to help. Everything with Princess Di and Prince Charles is for more love and peace in our world and I just wanted to get out there and be able to get that message across. They didn’t have to pay anything — it was all for peace. I get to meet and greet and be with the commun-ity and I love to help. I love listening and giving advice. Obviously my next goal will be bigger. I just felt it was a great steppingstone and it was really fun for me to do. Hopefully next time, one of my marriages would be able to bring peace in a town. That would be awesome!

Did you ever have a parent away from a parent when you were younger?

I didn’t. I didn’t need one, my parents were very supportive. Friar Joe’s done it. It’s a really great way to be out there and hang out with your community. And it’s not too difficult. I think I was basically listening to others rambling and give comfort. It was difficult to not tell them what to do, instead to give them suggestions. Every day I’d be in my cell work-ing but it is just great to be there and know that people want come to see me and listen to my advice. It is an amazing feeling — knowing that they’re there to listen to your advice.

Any fun vacations that you’ve taken recently?

Not yet! Hopefully soon, though. It’s the holiday season coming up so I’m excited for Christmas.

“Friar Laurence is an easy-going, friendly guy.`̀̀̀̀̀̀̀̀̀” an insider comments on Friar Laurence

FRIAR LAURENCENOT JUST ANOTHER

PRIEST


Do you want to focus more on helping couples or helping sin-gles find love?

It’s all about balancing it out I think. At first it was really, really hard when I was trying to keep peace between Charles and Di’s family and showing Prince Charles and Princess Di what it means to love. That was very hard to balance. But I think that you just find time and they’re both equally important to me. I’m focusing on helping couples with their families —but I am willing to help those who need it. So I think it’s just a balancing act.

What's your favourite type of marriage?

I love marriages and I love romance. I work in a romance filled atmosphere all the time, I feel like cupid but when I’m not I enjoy a peaceful day. I really believe that love can solve everything and with love, it can conquer hate. My favourite marriages can be totally random, from traditional to underwater. It just depends on how I’m feeling that day.

Prince charles and Princess Diana's happily ever after at their royal wedding

Is it difficult when you know that what you suggest as a per-fect date might be followed by everybody the next day?

Yeah, you have to think about it. A lot of my friends would pre-fer to be a trend setter; I’m so glad I don’t have that all the time. I want everyone to be happy and I don’t want what I suggest to be declared law since everybody is different. Sometimes "virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied, and vice sometime's by action dignified."

Photograph by Mr. smith from People

By: Jacqueline Siu

“For that offence immediately we do exile him, i have an interest in your hate’s proceeding, my blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding; but i’ll amerce you with so strong a fine that you shall all repent the loss of mine.” the Prince who was accompanied by Montagues and capulets asked what occurred from Benvolio, a Montague who was at the scene. after find-ing out which exactly happened at the time, he announced romeo’s banish-ment from verona and announced that none can change his discussion.

according to Benvolio’s story, all this occurred the day after the capulet party. while Mercutio, Benvolio and others were hanging around, tybalt and his men arrived in a hostile manner. Benvolio was worried but not Mercutio. Mercutio seemed ‘blood thirsty earlier’ which did not help the situation, said others who had been around earlier. tybalt and his men had gone to find romeo because he went to the capulet party when they were not invited. however romeo was not there at the time but once he arrived he passed on the offer for a duel and asked the capulet’s to hold off as well until they can understand why. however Mercutio was disgusted by the pledge for peace and jumped to fighting tybalt himself instead. romeo tried to get between the two men to stop them from their foolish acts while trying to calm the two men down. tybalt took advantage of this perfect moment to stab romeo but missed and got Mercutio from under romeo’s arm. Mercutio, finding the scratch as a bigger wound, knew his death was about to come and cursed the two houses for such an act. later on a bit after he died. romeo in a rage went after tybalt and showed him a sword while they fought against each other. romeo won and tybalt feel and also died. romeo fled the scene. the prince alongside with the capulet’s and Montague’s were there when Benvolio told them what happened that day. romeo has not been seen since but it is rumoured that he is currently residing in the neighbouring town.

TWO DEAD,ONE BANISHED


Tybalt "Crazy Cat" Capulet: one who killed and then was killed.

By: Del Hajipour


EVENT WATCH

Ding, dong, goes those wedding bells as the newest, and hottest couple in verona has just been announced, the ever-so-famous Paris and his wonderful soon-to-be-bride Juliet capulet!

although earlier, it was said that lord capulet had denied Paris the option of marrying his daughter, it seems the old man has finally given the green light. “she [Juliet] shall be married to this nobel earl." as of current, ser-vants and maids and scurrying everywhere to prepare for the sudden party that lord capulet is about to hold for the wedding of his one and only daughter. Get prepared for a night of fun, since lord capulet has promised this to be even better than his annual party. we have tried to interview Paris and Juliet about this upcoming event and for the former, he is very happy at the prospect of wedding the young and beautiful Juliet. we asked Paris about what he thought about their up-coming marriage but he laughed and said “till then, adieu; and keep [with Juliet] this holy kiss."Juliet was unavaliable for comment.

rumour has it that the young daughter has actually gone into a fit of depression ever since the news of tybalt and cannot feel properly joyful at the idea of getting married. For many though, this joyous event is one to look forward too, so make sure you don’t miss out! the wedding will be held this thursday at the church and will be led by Friar laurence. lord capulet has invited all of verona to the reception afterwards held at his mansion. let’s wish an early congratulation to the two new lovebirds and hope they have a happy future together!

JULIET AND PARIS' Wedding

Juliet, as she prepares for her wedding on thursday with her friends, looks stun-ning in her new dress for her photo.

TWO DEAD,ONE BANISHED

By: Levana Lam


On the morning of Juliet's wedding, the nurse woke Juliet up for her big day but upon opening the curtains to her bed she saw that the young lady had died, presumably in her sleep. as to what had killed her, it remains a mystery since there was no evidence left behind. if it wasn't for the fact that she was not breathing, the young lady could have been easily mistaken for being simply, asleep. in fact, only after a long round of yelling and nudging did the nurse finally conclude that the young girl was dead. Foul play has not been suggested and it is said that she died due to the infection that has spread. whether this is true or not has yet to be found out. (More on the infection, read Page 13) suicide has been brought up due to information about Juliet’s depression over tybalt but there is no evidence to suggest poison, nor are there any visible injuries upon the body. Many people weep for the death of the young, beautiful heir of the capulet household, her mother is said to have taken this news especially hard. authorites will continue investigating.

Juliet's funeral was held quickly and it was a private matter. her father ordered “all things that we ordained festival, turn from their office to black funeral." her body, preserved in her beautiful young state (if not slightly pale) now lies under the grounds of the church along with her beloved cousin tybalt, whom she had been mourning about for the past two days.

what a horrible fortune to befall upon this young soul. not only had her beloved cousin died but not two days ago (killed by romeo), but she also had to lose her life on the day of her very own wedding. Paris her would-have-been husband silently mourns her death, whether he will find a new wife seems unlikely.

Please give a moments silence in honour of Juliet, may she rest in peace and may her soul find its way to heaven where she rightfully belongs.

The Death of JULIET CAPULETBy: Levana Lam


MANTUA LOCK DOWN Quarantined under Black Death Response Plan

By: Del Hajipour

Black Death also known as plague has invaded many towns and villages through--out Europe. luckily, verona is has yet been invaded by such a horrible disease, but many close towns, including Mantua, have encountered and then never seen again. Many are wor-ried about their friends & family living out of verona. lord Montague is also one of the many that have loved ones outside of verona. he was recently seen without lady Montague. Many say this is a result of the Montague's son, romeo, being exiled. "i fear my son will not return from this dreaded hit since he is taking refuge in Mantua". lord Montague was heard speak-ing with a friend about his concerns but did not speak to the media and shortened the media's questions with a "no comment" reply.

this fear is far worst then thought. Many jobs have been held to a stop because of the black killing so many. it has disabled many towns even those not taken over by this sickness. Many people of verona have been returned with disappointing news that their parcels and messages have failed to be delievered because the messengers hired to do such have been infected with the plague. One messenger stated “here in this city visiting the sick, where the infectious pestilence did reign, seal'd up the doors, and would not let us forth; so that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd." to prevent further spread of the Black Death, all cities with this disease outbreak are quarantined and being treated with the Black Death response Plan. no packages or messages can be delivered to those towns in quarantine. hopefully no one with an important message had been waiting for it to be delivered.

romeo Montague and Juliet capulet, the two young heirs of the two well-known families were having a secret affair ever since meeting at the large capulet party earlier this month. Meeting at the capulet party, the young couple fell in love at first sight. romeo believed that he “ne'er saw true beauty till this night [at the capulet Party]" they hurriedly wed the next morning with the help of Friar laurence who “by your leaves [romeo and Juliet’s permission], you shall not stay alone till holy church incorporate two in one.” although everything seemed to be going perfectly for the lovebirds, troubles lined up one after another as Mercutio and tybalt died and romeo became banished. if that wasn’t bad enough, things just continued getting worse. Juliet was forced to marry Paris by her father and instead of going ahead with the marriage Juliet staged her “death” with help from Friar lau-rence. her ‘death’ reached the ears of a distraught romeo and immediately the devoted young man rushed to her tomb and poisoned himself to death after killing Paris moments earlier. Juliet, who had been in a deep trance, woke up with only the company of two dead bodies, her husband and fiancé. immediately, she grabbed romeo’s dagger and stabbed herself to death in order to stay with romeo.

For romeo and Juliet, their love was a violent, ecstatic, overwhelming force that overpowers all other values such as loyalties and emotions. in the course of their relationship, the young lovers are forced to go against their entire social world: families “Deny thy father and refuse thy name,” Juliet asks, “Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, / and i’ll no longer be a capulet”); friends, romeo abandons Mercutio and Benvolio after the feast in order to go to Juliet’s garden; and laws, romeo returns to verona for Juliet’s sake after being exiled by the Prince on the pain of death. Even though their families were fighting, even though they knew no one would support them, they struggled through everything in order to stay together. their love was strong and pure, and because of their devotion to each other, they were determined to stay together. no one can stop the night from becoming day and romeo could not cease being a Montague simply because he wants to; the rest of the world will not let him. the lovers’ suicides can be understood as the ultimate night, the ultimate privacy.

THEIRUNTOLD STORY


Romeo & Juliet

The famiiy is very sad for Juliet but they're also sad for Romeo" - says a Capulet relative

“

By: Levana Lam and Jacqueline Siu

the capulet’s and Montague’s have finally realized the foolishness against their feud, realizing that this hate brought the deaths of both their beloved children. Only with the death of their own children do Montague and capulet bury their hatred. the Prince states "see what a scourge is laid upon your hate, that heaven finds a means to kill your joys with love/…all are punished." the feud was the proof of the immaturity of the parents. Five of their loved ones died before the realization occurred. in honour of romeo and Juliet’s quest for love between the families, gold statues have been ordered to remind everyone of this tragic yet powerful story as time goes by and centuries pass.

THEIRUNTOLD STORY

Everyone who sells romance looks forward to valentine’s Day. romance is worth fortunes for florists and chocolate companies, not to mention greeting card manufacturers. according to the Greeting card association, more than a billion valentine's Day cards will be sent this year.

why? why all this fuss for valentine’s Day with cupid and hearts? Because we all want romance in our lives! But do we want love in our lives? Every person knows that there is more to love than just romance.

so what's up with this? why do we want romance, but fear love? i believe it is because we misunderstand the real nature of love, and so confuse ourselves about the place of love in both romance and married life. love is fundamentally not a feeling at all. no, love is a decision. we, as humans, fear the consequences of this decision.

READY OR NOT

a decision for love is a lot of work. Everyone knows this but it is worth the effort. romance is a wonderful feeling, but it can't hold a candle lit dinner to committed love.

when we love, we are willing to BrOaDEn our view of the good to include the genuine good of the other person; we come to value things that never mattered to us before. we can learn about things we never knew existed. we would sacrifice anything to continue the love. writers and artist have always understood and captured the beauty of love through sacrifice. such as shakespeare in romeo and Juliet, when romeo poisons himself to be with Juliet whom he believed to be dead and Juliet stabs herself to death to join him so they would be together for eternity.

the power of love is overpowering that we would settle for something less, romance. when it is time to take the next step, we are overwhelmed and therefore we want romance but fear love.


By: Jacqueline Siu

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