William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet
Shakespeare's most famous tragedy is probably the tale of "Romeo and
Juliet". The immortal tale of two 'star-cross'd lovers' destined to an
early demise, originated in Italian folklore.
Shakespeare's prologue is possibly the most insightful piece of the
play regarding their death and the explanation of it. The "ancient
grudge" immediately sets the ominous tone of the play. This allows the
audience to understand that their "death" is the only way their
"parents strife" could end:
"But their children end nought could remove".
The recurring theme of fate and destiny, which frequents many
Shakespeare's plays, is seen also in the prologue. Shakespeare
introduces Romeo and Juliet through the prologue as "star cross'd
lovers" implying they are ill fated. The description of their love as
"death marked" assures the reader of the plays tragic genre and the
inevitability of their deaths.
The prologue informs the audience of the "ancient grudge" between the
Montague's and Capulet's and prepares them for the eventual bloodshed.
Although we never learn why there was a "grudge" it seemed to have
become a habit for the families to hate one another. Romeo and Juliet
suppress their love in order to keep it from their families, this is
all due to the 'ancient grudge'. Shakespeare suggests that without the
feud, Romeo and Juliet would not have had such a tragic demise:
'Two households, both alike in dignity'.
Without the feuds existence, Romeo and Juliet wouldn't have to "bury
their parents strife". The feud acts, as the most of fateful reasons
behind their tragic deaths, the reason Juliet wa...
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...ey were 'death marked' so the other
factors which feature in their death only happened because it was
fated. If Romeo and Juliet had spoken to their parent's about their
love for one another their fate would still end in death to re-unite
their 'households'. Also if the friar's plan were successful their
fate would still be to die at the 'bottom of a tomb' because of
Juliet's premonitions.
Fate in the play was how the 'grudge', premonition's, Friar's plan and
parents all contributed to their death. Without them destined to die
they could have avoided their death but because it was 'death-marked',
meaning it was out of anyone's control. Shakespeare wrote in the
prologue the reason for their death was fated, and their death was
destined to 'bury their parents strife'. The main reason for their
death was their fate.
Although they are the basis of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, these main characters are dull, undynamic, and do not specifically appeal to certain readers. Nurse could be considered as a more interesting character because she brings her wit, drama and insight into the plotline.
In all of the best works of literature, each of a writer's characters has a purpose whether the role is small or big. Even if it goes unnoticed, the small characters usually play a key role to the story's plot development. These minor characters also add depth to the story's world and also help in the development of the major characters' personality. In William Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the minor characters of Friar Lawrence, the Nurse, and Tybalt are in many ways the most pivotal characters to the play's development.
wither in their pride/ Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.” From
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet At the beginning of the play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is portrayed as
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet In act 1 scene 5 Capulet has thrown a party at his house. Romeo and
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would
two families. It was unjust of him to send Romeo away from Verona as a
His love for Rosaline is great but yet she can not say the same and
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet "Many a morning hath he been there seen /With tears augmenting the
In the play, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare reveals an underlying message that points to the contrasts between youth and age that are even apparent now today. The youth of society tend to question and then possibly disregard the rules that are important to their parents if they do not have good reason to believe in these rules. The rebellious actions of youth can eventually cause their own untimely destruction. We see today in the headlines many instances where teens have followed their own unguided course bringing about tragic results. Shakespeare shows us in his play how these factors contributed to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
The character in the play, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, that I think has the largest impact on the audience is probably the Friar. Although the Friar might not have that big of a role, he was the one with the plan that got Romeo and Juliet killed. Some people might say that it was Juliet’s fault because she was the one that was so desperate for a plan to get her and Romeo together, the Friar had no choice but to go along. But still, the Friar was the one that came up with a plan. That plan might not have worked for many reasons, but the Friar didn’t think ahead.
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet I have been studying Romeo and Juliet in class and I have watched a production on television. Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet for an audience used to sixteenth century stage conventions, we must appreciate that these conventions are very different from our own. The Elizabethan theatre was very distinctive, when a play was performed thousands of people would pack inside the theatre, the rich would be able to pay for seats in the stand sheltered from the wind and rain, while the poor had to stand and brave the elements as the theatre had no roof.
forget,' and so we don't expect that by the next act Romeo will be out
The Webster's Dictionary defines "fate" as "Predetermined and inevitable necessity; that power which is thought to determine one's future, success or failure, etc." In William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, his pair of star-crossed lovers (Juliet and Romeo) are fated to meet, fall in love, and take their lives. But does their predestined demise have an equally as important purpose? And, if so, should the Prince's final edict be carried out, and should any of those involved be punished?
Romeo & Juliet Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare's most popular play. It is the most retold and reiterated since it deals with everyday aspects of life such as love, tragedy, and in particular, family. The roles of parents and "substitute" parents are important in this play. The biological parents of Romeo and Juliet are supposed to act as role models and guides for their children, but ironically, it is the substitute parents, Friar Laurence and the Nurse, who are only seemingly supportive of Romeo and Juliet. Unfortunately, neither the biological nor substitute parents could prevent the tragic ending.