The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, takes place during the Renaissance is set in Verona Italy. There were many societal and political transformations taken place during this time. Many of the tragic issues that were occurring during this time period are reflected in the play. For example, many families did not get along and the feuding rivals between the Capulet’s and the Montague’s make this evident. There have been many editions of Romeo and Juliet throughout the years but, Romeo and Juliet’s first edition was a quarto published in 1597, following three more quartos (Rolfe, 9). Additionally, there have also been numerous adaptations following Romeo and Juliet; such as The Notebook, West Side Story, and Twilight.
2. Major Characters
Romeo Montague: 16 years of age, a charming young man. He strives to do everything with passion. His first love was a girl Rosaline, but once he meets Juliet, he quickly falls in love with her. Despite Juliet and Romeo's family hating each other, Romeo does everything possible to be with Juliet. In the end, it is his passion for Juliet that ends his life. Juliet Capulet: 13 year old. She never thinks much of love until she met Romeo. Sheis characterized as very timid, and afraid to be adventurous. However, blinded by her love for Romeo, an adventurous side emerges. Mercutio: Romeo's best friend. He believes women should only be used for sexual pleasures. Friar Lawrence: Friend of Juliet and Romeo. Friar Lawrence is willing to marry Juliet and Romeo.
Romeo and Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's production.
3. Other Characters
Capulet: Juliet's father. Lady Capulet: Capulet's wife; Juliet's mother. Montague: Romeo's father. Lady Montague: Montague's wife; Romeo's mother. Tybalt: Juliet’s Cousin, hates the Montague's especially Romeo. Benvolio: Romeo’s cousin. Friar John: A Franciscan Friar, aids in Romeo and Juliet’s marriage. Balthasar: Romeo’s servant. Sampson: Servant of the Capulet’s; hates the Montague’s. Gregory: Servant of the Capulet’s; hates the Montague’s. Peter: Servant of the Capulet’s; hate the Montague’s. The Nurse: Cares for Juliet; wants Juliet to have true love. Prince Escalus: Prince of Verona, and wants public peace. Paris: Wants to marry Juliet, hates Romeo. Rosaline: Romeos first “love.” Abram: Montague’s servant. The Chorus: Commentary on the plays plots and themes. Similar to a narrator.
4. Plot
4.1
Prologue:Takes place in Verona where two feuding families create violence. The two children of these families fall in love, but die for each other’s love.Their death creates a stop to the feud between the two families (Shakespeare, 5).
4.2 Act 1
Act 1, Scene 1: The scene begins with a fight between Sampson and Gregory, and Abraham Balthasar. The battle starts when the people of Verona attacked the Capulet's and Montague's. The Prince threatens anyone who instagated a fight; they will be punished with death. Romeo wandered the woods, and Benvolio wonders why Romeo is troubled (Shakespeare, 6-21). Act 1, Scene 2: Paris, the one who desires Juliet, asks Capulet for her hand in marriage (Shakespeare, 24-31). Act 1, Scene 3: Lady Capulet informs Juliet of Paris's desire, and wants her hand in marriage (Shakespeare, 34-39). Act 1, Scene 4: Mercutio persuades Romeo to accompany him at the Capulet's feast (Shakespeare, 42-49). Act 1, Scene 5: Romeo sees Juliet and is distracted by her beauty and decides to pursue her. The act ends with Romeo and Juliet's first kiss (Shakespeare, 52-64).
Balcony Scene
4.3 Act 2
Act 2, Scene 1: Romeo departs from the feast and jumped Capulet's wall, leaving his friends behind (Shakespeare, 68-70). Act 2, Scene 2: Juliet embraces her love for Romeo, but is disappointed by the fact Romeo is a Montague (Shakespeare, 73-85). Act 2, Scene 3: Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to marry them. Friar Lawrence hopes the marriage would force the Capulet's and Montague's to get along (Shakespeare, 88-95). Act 2, Scene 4: Romeo tells the nurse where Romeo should meet him and Friar Lawrence (Shakespeare, 98-112).
Act 2, Scene 5: The nurse informs Juliet where to meet Romeo and Friar Lawrence (Shakespeare, 115-119). Act 2, Scene 6: Friar Lawrence and Romeo talk about what is to come, and wait for Juliet's arrival (Shakespeare, 122-124).
4.4 Act 3
Act 3, Scene 1: While Tybalt is looking for Romeo, he challenges Mercutio to fight. Romeo then fights Tybalt and kills him. Lady Capulet originally wants to kill Romeo, but then the Prince decides to exile Romeo instead (Shakespeare, 128-143). Act 3, Scene 2: The nurse finds out about Tybalts death and Romeo's banishment. Juliet defends Romeo, and is upset that Romeo is banished (Shakespeare, 146-153). Act 3, Scene 3: Romeo is upset by the pain he has caused Juliet (Shakespeare, 156-166). Act 3, Scene 4: Capulet promises Paris that Juliet will marry him (Shakespeare, 169-171). Act 3, Scene 5: Lady Capulet believes that Juliet is unsatisfied with Romeo's punishment, and informs her that she must marry Paris. The nurse encourages Juliet to marry Paris. She decides that she will seek Friar's help, and if he is not able to help her, then death is the only option (Shakespeare, 174-189).
4.5 Act 4
Act 4, Scene 1: Friar makes a plan for Juliet to drink poison that mimics the effects of death for 42 hours (Shakespeare, 192-200). Act 4, Scene 2: Juliet informs Capulet that she will marry Paris, and the weddingis moved (Shakespeare, 203-206). Act 4, Scene 3: During the preparation of the wedding, Juliet consumes the poison (Shakespeare, 209-212). Act 4, Scene 4: Preparations for the wedding are still taking place, and the nurse tries to wake Juliet (Shakespeare, 215-217). Act 4, Scene 5: The nurse finds Juliet "dead" and Friar Lawrence informs everyone of her passing (Shakespeare, 220-228).
4.6 Act 5
Juliet stabs herself with Romeo's dagger
Act 5, Scene 1: Romeo finds out that Juliet is "dead" and decides that he will join her in death (Shakespeare, 232-236). Act 5, Scene 2: Friar John informs Friar Lawrence that the message never got relayed to Romeo, and Juliet will be awakening soon (Shakespeare, 239-240). Act 5, Scene 3: Romeo kills Paris, takes the poison and dies. Juliet awakens, and finds them dead, in the heat of the moment Juliet takes Romeo's dagger and kills herself. Finally in the end, the Montague's and Capulet's come to an agreement (Shakespeare, 243-264).
5. Themes
Romance: The romantic attraction between Romeo and Juliet lead the two love birds to sneak around behind their parents back and disobey their wishes. When confronted with the issue that they should not be together, the two do not follow their parent’s suggestions, and instead decide to follow their hearts. For example, in the play Romeo believes he only loves Rosaline, but is taken back by Juliet's beauty. Romeo broadens his horizons and falls madly in love with Juliet. This is also a common theme because Paris, wants to marry Juliet, but she does everything imaginable to dodge that situation, because of her love for Romeo. Tragedy: There is a fatal attraction between the two main characters. At the end of the story, both Romeo and Juliet end their lives because they know they will never be able to be together in the physical world. They feel death is the only viable option. Another tragic event taken place in Romeo and Juliet is the the start of the banishment of Romeo, and the killings throughout the play; such as Tybalt.
6. Famous Productions
Romeo and Juliet is widely famous around the world. The first production was in 1594 (Rolfe, 9).
Nancy Meckler produced Romeo and Juliet in 2006. It took place as a festival in the Sicilian village, while performers danced freely (RSC).
David Garrick Produced Romeo and Juliet in 1748 (RSC).Garrick made sure to keep his audience on edge throughout the play. The role of Juliet was idolized from teens during this age.
Another production that Romeo and Juliet is famous for is is Henry Irving and Ellen Terry's roles in the play, in this play fast-pace roles were in effect (RSC).
John Gieluguds production in 1935 at the new theatre made critics admire Italian Renaissance (RSC).
The most well known production is by Franco Zeffirelli, he used his Italian heritage to make a beautiful setting for the Italian scenery at the Old Vic (RSC). Romeo was John Stride and Juliet was Judi Dench.
7. Adaptations
West Side Story is the most famous musical film produced by Robert Wise that is most similar to Romeo andJuliet. This story is set in the Upper West Side neighborhood in NYC (IMBD.com). There is rivalry between the two street gangs; the jets and the sharks. The jets are a Polish-American working class group, and the shakes are from Puerto-Rico. One of the jets, Tony falls in love with Maria, from the sharks. The two have difficulty being together just like Juliet because of the two separated groups.
Twilight produced by Wyck Godfrey and Karen Rosenfelt has a similar story line like Romeo and Juliet.The vampire and citizen can't be together because of the differences in creatures (IMBD.com). They do everything and anything to dodge all complications to be together, just like Romeo andJuliet. Stella wants to become a vampire, so she could be with Edward. This is very similar when Romeo says he will change his name for Juliet.
The Notebookproduced by Mark Johnson is also similar because they cannot be together because of their social and economic status (IMBD.com). The characters in Romeo and Juliet cannot be together because of the family rivals. This indicates that all relationships have some sort of complications.
8. Famous Quotes
“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse they name; or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” (Act II, Scene II, Lines 33-36) - Juliet (Holland, 39).
“With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls; for stony limits cannot hold love out, and what love can do, that dares love attempt. Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me.” (Act II, Scene II, Lines 66-69) - Romeo (Holland, 40).
“This day’s black fate on more days both depend; this but begins the woe other must end.” (Act III, Scene I, Lines 118-119) - Romeo (Holland, 67).
9. Works Cited
Creed, Thomas. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1891. http://www.imbd.com
Holland, Peter. Romeo And Juliet. London: Penguin Books, 2000.
RSC, Royal Shakespeare Company Shakespeare Quatros. 2010. 29 November 2012 <http://www.bl.uk/treasurers/shakspeare/backrounds.html>.
William, Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet. New Jersey: Globebook Company, 1992.
4.1: Prologue
4.2: Act 1
4.3: Act 2
4.4: Act 3
4.5: Act 4
4.6: Act 5
1. History
The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, takes place during theRenaissance is set in Verona Italy. There were many societal and political transformations taken place during this time. Many of the tragic issues that were occurring during this time period are reflected in the play. For example, many families did not get along and the feuding rivals between the Capulet’s and the Montague’s make this evident. There have been many editions of Romeo and Juliet throughout the years but, Romeo and Juliet’s first edition was a quarto published in 1597, following three more quartos (Rolfe, 9). Additionally, there have also been numerous adaptations following Romeo and Juliet; such as The Notebook, West Side Story, and Twilight.
2. Major Characters
Romeo Montague: 16 years of age, a charming young man. He strives to do everything with passion. His first love was a girl Rosaline, but once he meets Juliet, he quickly falls in love with her. Despite Juliet and Romeo's family hating each other, Romeo does everything possible to be with Juliet. In the end, it is his passion for Juliet that ends his life.Juliet Capulet: 13 year old. She never thinks much of love until she met Romeo. Sheis characterized as very timid, and afraid to be adventurous. However, blinded by her love for Romeo, an adventurous side emerges.
Mercutio: Romeo's best friend. He believes women should only be used for sexual pleasures.
Friar Lawrence: Friend of Juliet and Romeo. Friar Lawrence is willing to marry Juliet and Romeo.
3. Other Characters
Capulet: Juliet's father.Lady Capulet: Capulet's wife; Juliet's mother.
Montague: Romeo's father.
Lady Montague: Montague's wife; Romeo's mother.
Tybalt: Juliet’s Cousin, hates the Montague's especially Romeo.
Benvolio: Romeo’s cousin.
Friar John: A Franciscan Friar, aids in Romeo and Juliet’s marriage.
Balthasar: Romeo’s servant.
Sampson: Servant of the Capulet’s; hates the Montague’s.
Gregory: Servant of the Capulet’s; hates the Montague’s.
Peter: Servant of the Capulet’s; hate the Montague’s.
The Nurse: Cares for Juliet; wants Juliet to have true love.
Prince Escalus: Prince of Verona, and wants public peace.
Paris: Wants to marry Juliet, hates Romeo.
Rosaline: Romeos first “love.”
Abram: Montague’s servant.
The Chorus: Commentary on the plays plots and themes. Similar to a narrator.
4. Plot
4.1
Prologue: Takes place in Verona where two feuding families create violence. The two children of these families fall in love, but die for each other’s love.Their death creates a stop to the feud between the two families (Shakespeare, 5).
4.2 Act 1
Act 1, Scene 1: The scene begins with a fight between Sampson and Gregory, and Abraham Balthasar. The battle starts when the people of Verona attacked the Capulet's and Montague's. The Prince threatens anyone who instagated a fight; they will be punished with death. Romeo wandered the woods, and Benvolio wonders why Romeo is troubled (Shakespeare, 6-21).Act 1, Scene 2: Paris, the one who desires Juliet, asks Capulet for her hand in marriage (Shakespeare, 24-31).
Act 1, Scene 3: Lady Capulet informs Juliet of Paris's desire, and wants her hand in marriage (Shakespeare, 34-39).
Act 1, Scene 4: Mercutio persuades Romeo to accompany him at the Capulet's feast (Shakespeare, 42-49).
Act 1, Scene 5: Romeo sees Juliet and is distracted by her beauty and decides to pursue her. The act ends with Romeo and Juliet's first kiss (Shakespeare, 52-64).
4.3 Act 2
Act 2, Scene 1: Romeo departs from the feast and jumped Capulet's wall, leaving his friends behind (Shakespeare, 68-70).Act 2, Scene 2: Juliet embraces her love for Romeo, but is disappointed by the fact Romeo is a Montague (Shakespeare, 73-85).
Act 2, Scene 3: Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to marry them. Friar Lawrence hopes the marriage would force the Capulet's and Montague's to get along (Shakespeare, 88-95).
Act 2, Scene 4: Romeo tells the nurse where Romeo should meet him and Friar Lawrence (Shakespeare, 98-112).
Act 2, Scene 5: The nurse informs Juliet where to meet Romeo and Friar Lawrence (Shakespeare, 115-119).
Act 2, Scene 6: Friar Lawrence and Romeo talk about what is to come, and wait for Juliet's arrival (Shakespeare, 122-124).
4.4 Act 3
Act 3, Scene 1: While Tybalt is looking for Romeo, he challenges Mercutio to fight. Romeo then fights Tybalt and kills him. Lady Capulet originally wants to kill Romeo, but then the Prince decides to exile Romeo instead (Shakespeare, 128-143).Act 3, Scene 2: The nurse finds out about Tybalts death and Romeo's banishment. Juliet defends Romeo, and is upset that Romeo is banished (Shakespeare, 146-153).
Act 3, Scene 3: Romeo is upset by the pain he has caused Juliet (Shakespeare, 156-166).
Act 3, Scene 4: Capulet promises Paris that Juliet will marry him (Shakespeare, 169-171).
Act 3, Scene 5: Lady Capulet believes that Juliet is unsatisfied with Romeo's punishment, and informs her that she must marry Paris. The nurse encourages Juliet to marry Paris. She decides that she will seek Friar's help, and if he is not able to help her, then death is the only option (Shakespeare, 174-189).
4.5 Act 4
Act 4, Scene 1: Friar makes a plan for Juliet to drink poison that mimics the effects of death for 42 hours (Shakespeare, 192-200).Act 4, Scene 2: Juliet informs Capulet that she will marry Paris, and the weddingis moved (Shakespeare, 203-206).
Act 4, Scene 3: During the preparation of the wedding, Juliet consumes the poison (Shakespeare, 209-212).
Act 4, Scene 4: Preparations for the wedding are still taking place, and the nurse tries to wake Juliet (Shakespeare, 215-217).
Act 4, Scene 5: The nurse finds Juliet "dead" and Friar Lawrence informs everyone of her passing (Shakespeare, 220-228).
4.6 Act 5
Act 5, Scene 1: Romeo finds out that Juliet is "dead" and decides that he will join her in death (Shakespeare, 232-236).
Act 5, Scene 2: Friar John informs Friar Lawrence that the message never got relayed to Romeo, and Juliet will be awakening soon (Shakespeare, 239-240).
Act 5, Scene 3: Romeo kills Paris, takes the poison and dies. Juliet awakens, and finds them dead, in the heat of the moment Juliet takes Romeo's dagger and kills herself. Finally in the end, the Montague's and Capulet's come to an agreement (Shakespeare, 243-264).
5. Themes
Romance: The romantic attraction between Romeo and Juliet lead the two love birds to sneak around behind their parents back and disobey their wishes. When confronted with the issue that they should not be together, the two do not follow their parent’s suggestions, and instead decide to follow their hearts. For example, in the play Romeo believes he only loves Rosaline, but is taken back by Juliet's beauty. Romeo broadens his horizons and falls madly in love with Juliet. This is also a common theme because Paris, wants to marry Juliet, but she does everything imaginable to dodge that situation, because of her love for Romeo.Tragedy: There is a fatal attraction between the two main characters. At the end of the story, both Romeo and Juliet end their lives because they know they will never be able to be together in the physical world. They feel death is the only viable option. Another tragic event taken place in Romeo and Juliet is the the start of the banishment of Romeo, and the killings throughout the play; such as Tybalt.
6. Famous Productions
7. Adaptations
8. Famous Quotes
9. Works Cited
Creed, Thomas. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1891.http://www.imbd.com
Holland, Peter. Romeo And Juliet. London: Penguin Books, 2000.
RSC, Royal Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare Quatros. 2010. 29 November 2012 <http://www.bl.uk/treasurers/shakspeare/backrounds.html>.
William, Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet. New Jersey: Globebook Company, 1992.