Ask a New Question
Menu

William Shakespeare was born in the town ___________________ in the center of England and was baptized in __________. He moved to _______________ in 1592 to become part of the theatre scene.

Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the _______________ _______________, and Shakespeare himself acted in some of his plays.

Romeo & Juliet:

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

1 answer

Sure! Here are the answers to your fill-in-the-blank and questions regarding William Shakespeare and "Romeo and Juliet":

William Shakespeare was born in the town Stratford-upon-Avon in the center of England and was baptized in April 1564. He moved to London in 1592 to become part of the theatre scene.

Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the Globe Theatre, and Shakespeare himself acted in some of his plays.

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, Shakespeare lets you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning by using the phrase "star-cross'd lovers" and stating that both Romeo and Juliet will die, indicating that the play will end in tragedy.

  2. The Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets states that anyone who disturbs the peace again will be punished with death. This is important because it sets a tone of severity and conflict in Verona, establishing the consequences of the feud between the families.

  3. When we first meet Romeo, he is in a melancholic mood. He is lovesick and depressed because he is infatuated with Rosaline, who does not return his affections.

  4. Romeo desires to attend the Capulet party because he hopes to see Rosaline there. Initially, his motivation is to pursue his unrequited love for her.

  5. Montague’s Romeo and Benvolio could go to the Capulet’s party because they went in disguise, allowing them to mingle without revealing their identities as enemies of the Capulet family.

  6. Juliet responds to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris by saying that she will look at him to please her mother but has no intention of falling in love with him. This indicates she is obedient to her parents' wishes but not eager about marriage at this point.

  7. Juliet's attitude towards marriage reflects her innocence and practicality. She is open to the idea of love, but she is also thoughtful and not impulsive.

  8. The themes developing in these opening scenes include love and its complications, family conflict and rivalry, fate versus free will, and the challenges of youth. The groundwork for the tragic love story is established amid these themes.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions!