West Side Story Analysis

A lot of the social issues faced in West Side Story are still relevant in today’s society. A main theme and social issue faced in West Side Story is racism. The play revolves around two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, that are feuding over their turf. The American born Jets are intimidated by the Puerto Rican Sharks due to them being different. The Jets do not like the Sharks because they act and look different than them and same goes for the feelings the Sharks have for the Jets.

The distaste for the differences even drove the two groups of people to physically fight and even kill each other. Readers or the audience can relate to the social issues in the play due to these issues being extremely prevalent in today’s society. This can begin to make the audience and readers wonder, are we moving forward as a society or are we staying stagnant in our hateful and ignorant ways?

The social world of West Side Story has the Jets thinking they are better than the Shark and vice versa but, in the end, both groups are powerless and poor and are constantly being patrolled by cops.

In the opening scene the Sharks walk into the Jets territory and a couple of racist exchanges turn into a full-on brawl that is quickly broken up by Lieutenant Schrank and Krupke. Even though both gangs are chastised for fighting, it is obvious by the remarks made by Schrank that the police force favor the Jets over the Sharks.

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Schrank blames the Sharks for the crimes being committed on the streets ‘Boy, what you Puerto Ricans have done to this neighborhood. Which one of ’em clobbered ya A-rab’ (5). Following the rumble Krupke unsuccessfully attempts to arrest A-rab and Baby John, after this the two talk to Action and Snowbaby who soon break out in song about the inescapable juvenile delinquency they endure and how people in positions do not care or do something about it. ‘Dear kindly Sergeant Krupke, Ya gotta understand- It’s just our upbrin’ upke That gets us outta hand. Our mothers all are junkies, Our fathers all are drunks. Golly Moses, naturally we’re punks’ (114).

West Side Story falls into the genre of realism. It tells a story that could have easily occurred in real life back when it was written or even today. Turn on the news and it is everywhere, violence, gangs and hate crimes. These crimes have not changed over the years just the faces attached to them. Gangs in real life, today and back in the 50’s, have always fought over turf, racial/ethnic tensions, and cultural prejudices. It is also true to life that inter-dating and inter-marriage between gangs has happened, sometimes each side welcomes this and sometimes it ends badly. Throughout the play segregation of the gangs is extremely prevalent, this is showcased at the dance during the dance. ‘The line between the two gangs is sharply defined by the colors they wear: The Jets, girls as well as the boys, reflecting the colors of the Jet jackets; the same is true of the Shark’s.’ (29). Segregation is a familiar concept in American history especially when this play was written. Non-whites, especially African Americans, were forced to use separate entries/exits, ride in the back of public transportation, and even use a different bathroom than whites. In the mid-70’s in Boston there were feuding black and white gangs that would engage with battles with each other (Daily Kos, 2017).

The final scene of West Side Story is a great example of reversal and recognition following the climax. Tony dies in Maria’s arms shortly after being shot by Chino as the members of the two gangs appear. After this moment Maria grabs the gun from Chino and begins to berate and threaten both gangs. ‘WE ALL KILLED HIM; and my brother and Riff. I, too. I CAN KILL NOW BEAUSE I HATE NOW’ (143). This causes a reversal of the situation and instead of the usual fight that would break out, or honor killing that would be made the gangs come together and reconcile. Understanding the tragedy of the loss of three loved ones over nothing brings them together. The rival gang members gather around Tony’s body along with Maria as the play ends. ‘Music starts as the two Jets and two Sharks lift up Tony’s body and start to carry him out.’ (143). A feeling of regret and sadness fills the scene.

West Side Story tackles the social issues of racism and the effect of taking ethnic loyalties too far. The play causes readers and audience members to question what is going on in or around our own lives and will it ever end? In the end, human spirit ends up triumphing over racial and cultural divisions, problems that are running rampant today.