Walter Dean Myers based his novel in verse Street Love on William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Written and performed in the late 16th century, Romeo and Juliet was inspired by a Arthur Brooke narrative poem; Brooke, in turn, was inspired by a Matteo Bandello story (“Romeo and Juliet,” Britannica). In Romeo and Juliet, two renowned families in Verona, Italy—the Montagues and the Capulets—are bitter enemies. Historically, both families existed and vied for the attention of the Italian king to obtain political influence (“Montagues and Capulets: What’s the Story?,” No Sweat Shakespeare). In the play, the families’ disdain for one another is passed down, forbidding future generations from associating with their rivals. Thus, when the titular teenagers—Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet—fall in love, their fate is sealed. They meet at a masquerade ball, but upon learning Romeo is a Montague, Juliet despairs. Still, he devises a plan for her to escape fiancé Paris, and the couple wed in secret. Later, when her attempt to fake her death goes wrong, both lovers die.

Filial loyalty and true love are essential to Romeo and Juliet, as Romeo and Juliet must decide what lengths they are willing to go for each other—and if these lengths will harm their families.