Over time we have given importance to noteworthy works from different periods, ranging from Greek mythology to the Renaissance. We called them classics, made them precious to our knowledge, and imprinted them in our society as fundamental pieces of the time. However, we must ask ourselves: what makes them classics, what is different about these publications that we decided to honor them in this way. Indeed, there are a multitude of illustrious novels and films, some of which date back to the times of Molière, Hemingway, and Shakespeare, and others to today's era of films and television programs. I therefore decided to compare The breakfast club and Romeo and Juliet. They are evidently different, almost incomparable, yet both seem to have earned the title of classic in their own right. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First let's try to define the term classic, as a cornerstone, the definition of the word in the dictionary is “a work of art recognized and established value”. So what are the criteria? One of the oldest love stories of literature could help us find the right guideline. Romeo and Juliet, a story as old as time, a tragedy written in the 16th century by William Shakespeare, is about two star-crossed young lovers, similar to the intertwining of the characters of The Breakfast Club, however, whose death ultimately reconciles their feuding families. It has become one of the writer's most performed works. Its numerous adaptations have made it one of his most enduring and famous stories. Even during Shakespeare's lifetime, it was extremely popular and now we consider their relationship as a constantly recurring symbol, it is an archetype. Thus, this only sets the tone of its universality. It indeed follows the omnipresence of powerful love and deep hatred between Romeo and Juliet and theirs respectively. families, the Capulets and the Montagues. Its potency in themes such as individualism versus society and violence make it suitable for many cultures in different time periods. Additionally, these themes explore existential and worthwhile ideas. We can draw a parallel between history and reality. For example conflicts in the Middle East, the Montagues represent Israel and the Capulets represent the Palestinians or a smaller scale example would be gang wars. As for the breakfast club, this relatively much newer John Hughes film premiered in Los Angeles on February 7th. , 1985, and has been critically acclaimed ever since. Much like the Shakespearean play, it is considered one of Hughes' most memorable and recognizable works. It follows five students in detention for the entire day on Saturday. Each of them belongs to a different "clique": Molly Ringwald as the spoiled prom queen Claire Standish, Anthony Michael Hall as the geek Brian Johnson, Emilio Estevez as the athletic wrestler Andrew Clark, Judd Nelson as the delinquent John Bender and finally Ally Sheedy as outcast Allison Reynolds. These seemingly disparate individuals will find themselves as acolytes during their time together. To this day this film has proven to be a staple, in fact even just four years ago the film was re-released theatrically, restored for a 30th anniversary edition on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as can be found today on Netflix . Although many argue that the influence of Breakfast Club director John Hughes is forever limited to the 1980s, the actors and names that lead the film are still known and new generations continue to watch it. Similar to tragedy, this is the kind of movie you will come across.