Asked by Sigma
In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, how does Shakespeare let you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning?
What is the Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets? Why is this important?
When we first meet Romeo, what kind of mood is he in? What is the reason for his mood?
Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?
How could Montagues Romeo and Benvolio go to the Capulet’s party when their families are enemies?
How does Juliet respond to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris?
What does Juliet's attitude towards marriage tell us about her character?
What themes do you see developing in these opening scenes?
All Answers 1
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1) How does Shakespeare let you know the tragic ending right at the beginning?
- The play opens with a prologue (a sonnet) that plainly tells the audience the outcome: the two lovers are “star-cross’d” and “take their life.” Lines such as “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes / A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life” and “Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife” explicitly foreshadow the deaths and their effect. This removes suspense about “what happens” and instead focuses the audience on how and why it happens.
2) What is the Prince’s decree after breaking up the fight? Why is it important?
- The Prince declares that if the Montagues and Capulets disturb the peace again, the offenders will pay with their lives: “If ever you disturb our streets again, / Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.”
- Importance: it raises the stakes and enforces civic order — any future violence could result in death. Dramatically, it increases tension and foreshadows the fatal consequences of later conflicts; it also shows that the feud has civic as well as personal costs.
3) When we first meet Romeo, what mood is he in? Why?
- Romeo is lovesick and melancholy. He’s depressed, sighing and brooding over unreturned love for Rosaline (who has sworn chastity). He uses contradictory images (“brawling love … loving hate,” “feather of lead”) to express the confusion and pain of unrequited love.
4) Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?
- Because he learns Rosaline will be there and hopes to see her. Benvolio also persuades him to go so Romeo can compare Rosaline with other women and be cured of his obsession.
5) How can Montagues (Romeo and Benvolio) go to the Capulet party when their families are enemies?
- They go in disguise to a masked ball (masks conceal identities). Also a Capulet servant, unable to read, accidentally invites Romeo by reading the guest list aloud and Benvolio discovers Rosaline’s name; the social setting of a masked revel allows them to attend despite the feud.
6) How does Juliet respond to her mother’s suggestion of marriage to Paris?
- Juliet replies that marriage is “an honor that I dream not of.” When later asked to consider Paris, she says, “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; but no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” In short: she hasn’t thought about marriage and will observe Paris but does not promise to love him.
7) What does Juliet’s attitude toward marriage tell us about her character?
- Juliet is young and respectful of her parents, but thoughtful and measured. She is not romanticizing marriage and shows self-control: she will consider Paris but keeps her feelings guarded rather than rushing into commitment. This prudence and discipline contrast with Romeo’s impulsive passion and hint at Juliet’s capacity for both obedience and inner strength.
8) What themes are developing in these opening scenes?
- Prominent themes include:
- Love versus hate: intense romantic love occurs within a background of violent family hatred.
- Fate versus free will: the prologue’s “star-cross’d” suggests fate, while characters’ choices drive events.
- Public order versus private desire: the Prince’s decree and the street brawl show civic stakes; Romeo and Juliet’s private love defies that order.
- Appearance versus reality: masks, a festive disguise, and characters concealing feelings all point to this theme.
- Youth, impulsiveness, and maturity: Romeo’s passion and Juliet’s measured response introduce contrasts of temperament.
- Violence and its consequences: the fight and the Prince’s threat show how destructive the feud is and foreshadow tragic outcomes.
- The play opens with a prologue (a sonnet) that plainly tells the audience the outcome: the two lovers are “star-cross’d” and “take their life.” Lines such as “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes / A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life” and “Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife” explicitly foreshadow the deaths and their effect. This removes suspense about “what happens” and instead focuses the audience on how and why it happens.
2) What is the Prince’s decree after breaking up the fight? Why is it important?
- The Prince declares that if the Montagues and Capulets disturb the peace again, the offenders will pay with their lives: “If ever you disturb our streets again, / Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.”
- Importance: it raises the stakes and enforces civic order — any future violence could result in death. Dramatically, it increases tension and foreshadows the fatal consequences of later conflicts; it also shows that the feud has civic as well as personal costs.
3) When we first meet Romeo, what mood is he in? Why?
- Romeo is lovesick and melancholy. He’s depressed, sighing and brooding over unreturned love for Rosaline (who has sworn chastity). He uses contradictory images (“brawling love … loving hate,” “feather of lead”) to express the confusion and pain of unrequited love.
4) Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?
- Because he learns Rosaline will be there and hopes to see her. Benvolio also persuades him to go so Romeo can compare Rosaline with other women and be cured of his obsession.
5) How can Montagues (Romeo and Benvolio) go to the Capulet party when their families are enemies?
- They go in disguise to a masked ball (masks conceal identities). Also a Capulet servant, unable to read, accidentally invites Romeo by reading the guest list aloud and Benvolio discovers Rosaline’s name; the social setting of a masked revel allows them to attend despite the feud.
6) How does Juliet respond to her mother’s suggestion of marriage to Paris?
- Juliet replies that marriage is “an honor that I dream not of.” When later asked to consider Paris, she says, “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; but no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” In short: she hasn’t thought about marriage and will observe Paris but does not promise to love him.
7) What does Juliet’s attitude toward marriage tell us about her character?
- Juliet is young and respectful of her parents, but thoughtful and measured. She is not romanticizing marriage and shows self-control: she will consider Paris but keeps her feelings guarded rather than rushing into commitment. This prudence and discipline contrast with Romeo’s impulsive passion and hint at Juliet’s capacity for both obedience and inner strength.
8) What themes are developing in these opening scenes?
- Prominent themes include:
- Love versus hate: intense romantic love occurs within a background of violent family hatred.
- Fate versus free will: the prologue’s “star-cross’d” suggests fate, while characters’ choices drive events.
- Public order versus private desire: the Prince’s decree and the street brawl show civic stakes; Romeo and Juliet’s private love defies that order.
- Appearance versus reality: masks, a festive disguise, and characters concealing feelings all point to this theme.
- Youth, impulsiveness, and maturity: Romeo’s passion and Juliet’s measured response introduce contrasts of temperament.
- Violence and its consequences: the fight and the Prince’s threat show how destructive the feud is and foreshadow tragic outcomes.
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