Who wrote the play "Romeo and Juliet"?

The play "Romeo and Juliet" was written by William Shakespeare, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language. He penned this iconic tragedy in the late 16th century, and it explores themes of young love, fate, and the feud between two families. Shakespeare's rich language and profound insights into human nature have made this play a cornerstone of literary study and performance.

The works of Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Jane Austen, while influential in their own rights, focus on different themes and styles. Dickens is known for his social commentary in novels like "A Tale of Two Cities," Twain for his sharp wit and reflection on American life in works such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and Austen for her keen observations of the social dynamics of early 19th-century England in novels like "Pride and Prejudice." None of these authors wrote "Romeo and Juliet," which firmly places Shakespeare as the correct answer.