Question

Read this line from the prologue of Romeo and Juliet.
A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life;

What is the most likely reason the prologue reveals this detail about the play?

to engage the audience in the tragic story
to warn the audience about the bloodshed
to raise audience sympathy for the parents
to build suspense about how the story ends

Answer 1

to engage the audience in the tragic story

The prologue tells the outcome to create dramatic irony and focus the audience’s attention on how and why the tragedy happens, increasing emotional engagement rather than preserving the ending as a surprise.