Final answer:
William Shakespeare wrote the play Romeo and Juliet, a classic of English literature deeply ingrained in the high school curriculum for its dramatic and poetic mastery. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The play Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare. This is not only a staple in classical literature but also an essential play studied across high schools worldwide. Shakespeare's work, including Romeo and Juliet, has been performed countless times since its inception in 1597. The tale encapsulates the perennial story of two star-crossed lovers whose relationship defies the bitter feud between their families, inevitably leading to their tragic end. Each production of Romeo and Juliet tends to be unique, with variations springing from the actors' interpretations, the director's vision, and the creative team's conceptualization.
Notably, Shakespeare was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Theatre, with contemporaries like Christopher Marlowe contributing significantly to Elizabethan drama. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet stands out for its masterful use of language and dramatic structure, being an exemplary showcase of the poetic language prevalent during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The story's climax, where the misinformed Romeo and the awakening Juliet meet their fates, is a stark reminder of the consequences of haste and misunderstanding. Despite similar themes found in other playwrights' works, Shakespeare's unparalleled mastery of language distinguishes his plays, making them a timeless study even in modern educational curricula.