1. Introduction to Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

2. William Shakespeare Born 1564, died 1616 Wrote 37 plays Wrote over 150 sonnets Actor, poet, playwright

3. Types of Plays Shakespeare wrote: ◦ Comedies - light and amusing, usually with a happy ending ◦ Tragedies –serious dramas with disastrous endings ◦ Histories – involve events or persons from history

4. Romeo and Juliet Considered a tragedy Tells the story of two teenagers who risk everything for love Shakespeare is exploring which is stronger: love or hate

5. Background Based on Arthur Brooke's The Tragicall History of Romeus and Juliet

6. Setting Verona, Italy

7. Characters The Montagues Lord Montague – father of Romeo Lady Montague – mother of Romeo Romeo Montague – in love with Juliet Benvolio – nephew of Montague and friend of Romeo Balthasar – servant to Romeo Abram – servant to Montague

8. Characters The Capulets Lord Capulet – father of Juliet Lady Capulet – mother of Juliet Juliet Capulet – in love with Romeo Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet Nurse – takes care of Juliet Peter – servant to Juliet’s Nurse

9. Other Characters Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona Mercutio – kinsman of the Prince and friend of Romeo Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest Friar John – another Franciscan priest Count Paris – a young nobleman

10. Themes Love Hate Fate

11. Things to think about… What would you do if your parents did not approve of someone you were dating? How important is the opinion of your family in decisions that you make? Does violence solve problems?