The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare, 1595 Prologue and Act I Plot Elements and Characterization

prologue – an opening speech that introduces the play’s main characters, plot, and setting. chorus – a figure or group of figures who comment on a play’s action; delivers the prologue Read the Prologue – page 807 paraphrase – to put into other words– your own

In other words… Two households, both alike in dignity. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene. – Two families, both of upper social class, from the town of Verona (Italy), where our story takes place. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. – An old, long-standing feud between them erupts in a “new” act of violence. – This violent act results in bloodshed; blood on their hands = the citizens of Verona

Prologue (cont) From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life; – The children of these two enemies fall in love doomed by fate, they take their own lives. Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife. – With the unfortunate and sorrowful death of their children, their parents’ hatred for one another ends.

Prologue (cont) The fearful passage of their death-marked love, And the continuance of their parents rage, Which, but their children’s end naught could remove, Is now the two hours traffic of our stage; – The story of their love and their parents’ on-going hatred for one another, that only came to an end with the death of their children, – Is the business for the next two hours

Prologue (cont) The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend. – If you are confused because the details aren’t clear in this prologue, be patient as we will clarify things in the course of the play. Read Act I, scene i (pages )

Plot What does the conversation between Sampson and Gregory reveal? (809) – That there is great hostility between the two houses What legal question is Sampson asking Gregory? (810) – Sampson asks Gregory if the law is on their side if he admits he has insulted Abram. – In what way does Sampson insult Abram?

What does Benvolio try to do as he enters the action? (811) – He tries to stop the fight between the servants of the Montagues and Capulets. Tybalt: What art thou drawn among these heartless hinds? Turn thee Benvolio and look upon thy death. – Tybalt wants to know why Benvolio has drawn his sword in the face of cowardly servants, when he could turn and face Tybalt, who wishes to kill him.

What does Benvolio’s response reveal about his character? – Shows restraint and a sense of reason; he is the “peacemaker” Tybalt: What drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee, coward! – Shows that Tybalt is hotheaded and vindictive; wants to fight dramatic foil: – Benvolio is Foil for Tybalt – Explain.

The Prince To whom is the Prince speaking? (811) – To the people doing the fighting– the family and servants of the Montagues and Capulets What is the Prince accusing the families of doing? – Having 3 public brawls– the citizens of Verona have been forced to defend themselves. What is the threat that the Prince makes to the feuding families? – That the next time there is a fight between them– the punishment will be death. What is this speech called? – A monologue

Characterization round character – Has many personality traits; fully developed – Usually main characters flat character – Is one-dimensional; only a single personality trait; not as complex – Usually minor character

Montague (Family & Friends) DescriptionRound or Flat Capulet (Family & Friends) DescriptionRound or Flat BalthasarFlatSampsonBoastfulFlat AbramFlatGregoryFlat Benvoliocautious, diplomatic, practical, peacemaker RoundTybaltfiery, quick tempered, aggressive Round MontagueCapulet Lady Montague Lady Capulet RomeoJuliet MercutioParis Nurse Round and Flat Characters