Write a detailed analysis of the way in which Romeo and Juliet has been interpreted.

Authors Avatar

Media Coursework

Write a detailed analysis of the way in which Romeo and Juliet has been interpreted.

The Prologue to ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare is written in the form of a sonnet which provides information about the setting of the play, the status of the Montague and Capulet families and the nature of the romance suggested by words like ‘fatal’ and ‘star crossed’. These words create an image of death and unfortunate, fateful destiny this producing a tragic atmosphere.

This Prologue begins with the setting of the play, which is situated in Verona. This was seen as an exotic place for the Elizabethans. The Prologue also emphasises the status of the Montague and the Capulet families “Two households both alike in dignity.” (Line 1) This means that the families both                    have high status in Verona. The Prologue talks about the ‘ancient grudge’ between the Montague’s and the Capulet. This suggests to us that the grudge between the two households have been for a very long time. The word ‘mutiny’ suggests that the war between them has been renewed.

The word is "civil," and the phrase "civil blood" is irony. The townspeople are supposed to be civil towards each other and they’re supposed to show respect for one another and get along. Instead, they are impolite towards each other very often. They engage in wars and shed "civil blood," which wouldn't happen if they were civilized. This ironic situation exists in "fair Verona," but the following phrase "where we lay our scene," implies that it could happen anywhere. The households are "alike in dignity," and the "grudge" doesn't belong only to one or the other. It's "ancient," beyond memory. In addition, as the two sides share the grudge, they share the guilt. Both sides mutiny against the peace of the town, making their "civil hands unclean."

Join now!

The "cross'd" in "star-cross'd" means hindered, frustrated, saddened, and defeated. Such will be the love of Romeo and Juliet, because of the stars. This is like a horoscope because when you read it, it predicts your destiny. In the stars is the destiny that causes "misadventured piteous overthrows." A "misadventure" is a twist of fate or misfortune. By the misfortunate death of Romeo and Juliet, the sadness between the two families ends the feud between them. The rest of the prologue repeats the message that the lovers will die and their deaths will stop the feud, and then tells us ...

This is a preview of the whole essay