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:
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In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, how does Shakespeare let you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning?
- In the prologue, Shakespeare refers to Romeo and Juliet as "star-crossed lovers," indicating that their fate is doomed from the start. He also states that their deaths ultimately end the feud between their families, foreshadowing the tragedy that will unfold.
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What is the Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets? Why is this important?
- The Prince decrees that further public disturbances caused by the feuding families will result in severe punishment, specifically that offenders will be put to death. This establishes the seriousness of the feud and sets the stage for the conflict's consequences, emphasizing the need for peace.
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When we first meet Romeo, what kind of mood is he in? What is the reason for his mood?
- When we first meet Romeo, he is melancholic and lovesick, pining for Rosaline, who does not return his affection. His mood reflects his unrequited love and emotional turmoil.
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Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?
- Romeo wants to attend the Capulet party primarily to see Rosaline, as he hopes to catch a glimpse of her among the guests, despite the fact that it's a Capulet event and his family is sworn enemies with them.
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How could Montagues Romeo and Benvolio go to the Capulet’s party when their families are enemies?
- Romeo and Benvolio manage to go to the party because they disguise themselves, so their identity is hidden. Additionally, Benvolio encourages Romeo to go as a means to help him overcome his unrequited love for Rosaline.
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How does Juliet respond to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris?
- Juliet responds to her mother's suggestion by saying that she has not thought about marriage and is open to considering Paris, but she indicates that she will only marry if she finds true love.
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What does Juliet's attitude towards marriage tell us about her character?
- Juliet's attitude towards marriage shows that she is young, naive, and open-minded. She is not obsessed with the notion of marriage but is willing to explore the possibility of love, demonstrating her practicality and innocence.
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What themes do you see developing in these opening scenes?
- Key themes that begin to develop in these opening scenes include love and its complexities, the impact of fate, the conflict between family loyalty and personal desire, and the inevitability of conflict due to societal expectations and family feuds. The tension between youth and age is also hinted at, as the younger characters seek true love while their families' rivalries complicate their desires.