Question

From what you have read and previewed, which statements are true of both "Pyramus and Thisbe” and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet? Check all that apply.

The children are not allowed to be together because of a feud between their families.
The children must hide their love from their families.
In the end, the children die as a result of their love.
The families make peace after they learn of the death of their children.
The love between the children is forbidden.

Answer 1

All five statements apply to both stories.

- The children are not allowed to be together because of a feud between their families. — True. In both tales the lovers are kept apart by hostile families.
- The children must hide their love from their families. — True. Both couples meet and communicate in secret.
- In the end, the children die as a result of their love. — True. Each story ends with both lovers dead.
- The families make peace after they learn of the death of their children. — True. The deaths bring the families together and end the feud (Romeo and Juliet explicitly; Pyramus and Thisbe’s parents likewise reconcile in grief).
- The love between the children is forbidden. — True. Their love is forbidden by family opposition in both stories.