Explore the presentation of the character of Juliet in Shakespeare's play of 'Romeo and Juliet'.

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Liam Widdows

Romeo and Juliet Coursework

Explore the presentation of the character of Juliet in Shakespeare’s play of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

The Elizabethan Era is the period associated with Queen Elizabeth I (Good Queen Bess), reigning between 1558-1603. It is also considered to be a golden age in English history.

        In the theatre, women’s parts were played by men. An example of this in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is Juliet’s part being played by a young boy whose voice hasn’t broken. Actors were considered to be second class and trouble makers. They were also called sinful. The first women actors appeared in the year of 1660.

        A lot of people died from the make-up, which was mainly lead based paint. There was no scientific knowledge in those days, so they didn’t know that the paint was causing it.

        Women were subservient to men, which meant that they were inferior or second class. Girls were considered to be the possessions of their fathers who would arrange marriages for them. They married for wealth and financial security. They did not marry for love.

        Women were not educated in Elizabethan times and they had to be skilled at sewing, the piano and entertaining if they were from rich families.

        William Shakespeare was baptised April 26th 1564, possibly born April 23rd 1564, and died April 1616. He was an English poet and playwright who was credited as the greatest writer of the English language.

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        He wrote thirty-eight plays and 154 sonnets, as well as around five poems.

        He is often considered to be England’s national poet and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Bard of Avon’ (simply ‘The Bard’) or the ‘Swan of Avon’.

        Shakespeare is believed to have produced most of his work between 1586 and 1616.

        Shakespeare’s works have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are continually performed all around the world. In addition, many quotations from his plays have passed into everyday usage in English and other languages. Over the years, many people have speculated about Shakespeare’s ...

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