How do the gangs in West Side Story influence the plot?

The gangs in 'West Side Story' are complex. The Jets and the Sharks are the main ones. They represent different ethnic groups, the Jets being white and the Sharks Puerto Rican. Their rivalry is not just about territory but also about cultural differences and the struggle for acceptance in a changing neighborhood. Their conflicts drive much of the plot and also serve as a commentary on the social tensions of the time.

Well, the gangs in West Side Story are highly competitive. The Jets are a group of local boys who feel threatened by the arrival of the Puerto Rican Sharks. They show a sense of loyalty within their own groups. Each gang has its own style. The Jets are more rough - and - tumble American street kids, while the Sharks have a more distinct Latino flair. Their gang behavior is a way to assert their identity and protect their turf.

The Jets and the Sharks are the gangs in West Side Story. The Jets are a gang of white youths who feel threatened by the arrival of the Puerto Rican Sharks. The Sharks, on the other hand, are trying to make a place for themselves in the neighborhood. Their rivalry and the love story between Tony, who has ties to the Jets, and Maria, who is related to the Sharks, drive the plot of the musical and subsequent film adaptations.

The two gangs in West Side Story were the Jets and the Sharks.

The Jets are territorial. They're protective of their neighborhood and see the Sharks as invaders. They are rowdy and often get into trouble. The Sharks are proud of their Puerto Rican heritage. They are also aggressive in defending their new - found space. Both gangs use dance and movement as a form of expression and intimidation.

The Jets drive the conflict. Their rivalry with the Sharks is central to the plot.

The gangs in West Side Story don't end up getting along. The conflict and tensions persist throughout, and there's no resolution of friendship between them.

The setting is vital. In a city like New York in that era, the economic disparities are clear from the setting. The Puerto Rican characters in West Side Story are often in poorer areas compared to the white characters. This affects their opportunities and the way they are perceived. The setting also affects the language and the music. The sounds of the city, like traffic and people shouting, are incorporated into the musical numbers, and the use of Spanish in the Puerto Rican - dominated areas adds to the cultural richness of the story.

The real - life gang rivalries directly influenced the plot. The Jets and Sharks' battles for territory were a central part of the story. Just as in real - life New York, the musical showed the animosity between the two groups.

The 1961 'West Side Story' had a huge impact on the film industry. Its use of music to drive the story forward became a model for many musical films later. Also, it demonstrated how a film could be made on a big - scale while still maintaining a focus on character development and complex relationships.