English coursework: Explain what you think Shakespeare hoped to achieve with the prologue and first scene of 'Romeo & Juliet'. To what extent do you believe that the two film versions fulfil his intentions?

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Laura Deighton

English coursework:  Explain what you think Shakespeare hoped to achieve with the prologue and first scene of ‘Romeo & Juliet’. To what extent do you believe that the two film versions fulfil his intentions?

        This essay will feature how different directors put the original text of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ into films using their own interpretations.

        In the prologue Shakespeare has given an insight into the play similar to a blurb on a book or a film trailer. The prologue sets the scene, “ In fair Verona (where we lay our scene),” making the play more believable, as in Shakespeare’s time scenery would have been minimal.  In Elizabethan theatre the prologue would have been there to catch the audience and tell them that the play was about to begin, as well as including general information, “ two hours traffic of our stage,” like how long the play would last. In order to capture the audience’s minds’ the prologue suggests treachery, “ civil blood makes civil hands unclean,” rivalry, “ parent’s strife,” action, “ ancient grudge break to new mutiny,” and love, “ star-crossed lovers,” this would make the audience hungry for more drama. The main aim of Shakespeare’s prologue was to grab the audience’s attention.

        In the opening scene Shakespeare uses talk of sex, “ my naked weapon is out,” this is also quite comical and is used in conversation between Sampson and Gregory. Sampson and Gregory are the Capulet’s guards and fit in with the codes and conventions of thugs, “I will show myself a tyrant,” suggests he is often violent and would be if necessary, yet as the conversation progresses the audience is inclined to believe that he can talk the talk but can’t follow this through with actions. Shakespeare creates the tension by using insults between the Capulet and Montague guards, “I will bite my thumb at them which is a disgrace to them, if they can bear it,” proposes the idea of approaching conflict. It also illustrates how a comical disagreement can develop into something much more serious, in this case a swordfight between Tybalt and Benvolio. Tybalt is portrayed as the villain or bad guy in the play, “ as I hate hell, all Montagues’ and thee,” leads the audience to believe he will enjoy the fight and is particularly bitter. In contrast Benvolio is the peacekeeper or good guy in the play, “ I do but keep the peace,” shows this and the audience start to emphasise with him. From a small rude gesture, a fight has developed into a mass brawl, involving the whole town. This captured the audience as they suspect there will be more conflict.

        Mid-way through the brawl the Prince intervenes and shows his authority, “and hear the sentence of your moved Prince,” shows this and suggests that the times of this play being written were still very faithful in the idea of monarchies. The Prince also threatens the Montagues’ and the Capulets’, “your lifes shall pay the forfeit of the peace,” shows the authority and seriousness of the Prince and the offence made. The Prince allows the audience to feel a sense of anticipation for further conflict and fights.

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        Romeo’s entrance immediately reduces the tension. His opening line, “is the day so young,” shows the audience he is oblivious to what has already happened that day and gives a total contrast from the violence which has just occurred. Romeo shows a different aspect of love; romance, where as loyalty and rivalry had been previously shown. Romeo’s language in the concept of love is built up if oxymoron’s, for example, “feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,” relates to this and suggests that Romeo is somewhat confused on love and his feelings towards love. Romeo suggests the main ...

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