Question

Now that you have read the entire play, return to the Prologue of Romeo and Juliet and reread it.
In a paragraph or two, share your thoughts about how Shakespeare’s decision to begin the play by revealing its tragic end serves a specific dramatic purpose.

Answer 1

Shakespeare's decision to reveal the tragic end of "Romeo and Juliet" in the Prologue serves several key dramatic purposes, primarily creating a sense of inevitability and heightening the emotional stakes for the audience. By acknowledging the fate of the "star-crossed lovers" from the very beginning, Shakespeare invites the audience to engage with the unfolding narrative not as a mystery to be unravelled, but as a poignant exploration of love, conflict, and the consequences of animosity. This foreknowledge instills a sense of foreboding, prompting the audience to reflect on the choices made by the characters and the societal circumstances that lead to their doom.

Moreover, the Prologue acts as a commentary on the nature of fate and free will, encouraging viewers to contemplate the characters' decisions in the context of their predestined outcomes. As viewers witness Romeo and Juliet navigate their passionate love amidst the bitter feud of their families, the tragic foreshadowing amplifies the emotional resonance of their plight. It transforms their love story into a powerful tragedy that critiques the societal structures at play, allowing the audience to mourn not just the loss of the young lovers, but also the broader implications of hatred and misunderstanding. Ultimately, by starting with the end, Shakespeare compels his audience to embrace the richness of the journey while simultaneously confronting the weight of its tragic conclusion.