
Who is defensive about Juliet marrying?
We see a range of motivations and people adapting the way they behave to suit their situation. Take for instance Lord Capulet who is defensive about the idea of Juliet marrying given her age but in the wake of Tybalt’s death and facing her showing a rebellious side he transforms completely appearing to threaten violence against her.
Is it easy to show characters in a play?
It is not as straightforward to show characters in a play. Often the actors themselves help bring a text to life. However, having done some amateur theatre what I can say categorically is that with a dull script the talent of the actors is irrelevant. That is not an issue here. There is a range of characters and they all feel distinct from one another.
Is Shakespeare an author?
This is a slightly more complex question to answer than you might expect. Yes, Shakespeare was a phenomenal writer but he was not an author. You can read his works and get enjoyment from them but truly to see them brought to life I’d recommend going to the theatre and seeing them performed and if you can’t bring yourself to do that watch one of the movie adaptations. So yes by all means read it. But if you ever get the opportunity to see it performed, do that! Especially if it is by somebody who does it well like the RSC in the UK.
Did Shakespeare use love in Romeo and Juliet?
However, with Romeo and Juliet, he broke new ground. Of course, it wasn’t the first tragedy but it was the first to use love as the hero’s fatal flaw. Up until this point, of course, we had seen love in plays but usually in comedy. It was considered not serious enough to warrant being a factor in a tragedy. The impact of this has shaped culture immeasurably.
What is the plot of Romeo and Juliet?
" Romeo and Juliet " is a play written by William Shakespeare about love, friendship, and tragedy. The story is set in Verona, Italy where two people fall in love. However, the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are from families who despise each other. Romeo is dead-set on marrying Juliet, to the point where he'd do anything for her. This becomes a dangerous factor because he is also extremely impatient. Romeo's friend, Mercutio, has more of a level head which amplifies Romeo's flaws. Mercutio's realistic mindset highlights Romeo's dreamy, romantic thinking. Mercutio's common sense magnifies Romeo's impatience that ends up killing him in the end.
What is Romeo's role in the movie Mercutio?
Mercutio's role reminds us how friends can bring out the best and the worst in you. They can change you for the better or for the worst.
How does Mercutio compare to Romeo?
Being able to distinguish the contrasts between Mercutio and Romeo, it helps us to better comprehend Romeo's character. His flaws become highlighted and aid us in seeing where he goes wrong in the things he does. Shakespeare writes Mercutio as the one who has common sense and a level head to show what Romeo is missing as a hero. Mercutio's character has a better sense of reality, whereas Romeo ignores the negatives and charges head-on into chaos with the Capulets. He has to be constantly reminded by Benvolio, Mercutio and the Friar about his choices, making him look na? e and senseless. Mercutio's character is decisive and focuses on the realistic side of life. Romeo on the other hand is a dreamer, addicted to love. He stumbles around, fickle, looking everywhere for affection. Mercutio's role reminds us how friends can bring out the best and the worst in you. They can change you for the better or for the worst. It may seem like Mercutio is only a minor character, but he is the one who defines Romeo as a tragic hero. The diversity between Mercutio and Romeo emphasizes Romeo's defects of impatience and dreamer mentality that result in grief and suicide.
Why is Mercutio and Romeo the same?
The comparison of the two characters brings out the imperfections of our tragic hero, Romeo. Shakespeare uses Mercutio as a foil to Romeo . They are alike in many ways in the way that they talk and their conclusions. Their characters are lively and excessively dramatic in the way that they speak and act. Romeo and Mercutio also meet the same end, both because of Romeo. They also have numerous differences that show their behavioral and personality distinction. Mercutio has a way of thinking that is partially negative but more rational than Romeo's impatient, love-seeking mind.
Which is more rational, Romeo or Mercutio?
Mercutio has a way of thinking that is partially negative but more rational than Romeo's impatient, love-seeking mind. The comparison shows common sense [Mercutio] as opposed to impatient and impractical [Romeo].
Who is the one who has common sense and a level head to show what Romeo is missing as a her?
Shakespeare writes Mercutio as the one who has common sense and a level head to show what Romeo is missing as a hero. Mercutio 's character has a better sense of reality, whereas Romeo ignores the negatives and charges head-on into chaos with the Capulets.
How did Mercutio bring Tybalt's death on himself?
228) Although Mercutio's unfortunate death was primarily Romeo's fault, he partially brought it on himself by teasing Tybalt and egging him on with his attitude. An easier solution might've been to drop his sword and walk away, and then, maybe the upcoming chaos could've been avoided.
Why does Romeo and Juliet continue to thrive?
Romeo and Juliet continues to thrive because our world is constantly overrun by hate, leading to violence and tragic death. Even the innocent, pure love of Romeo and Juliet is unable to exist in such a world.
Who played Romeo in Romeo and Juliet?
Baz Luhrmann’s movie, Romeo + Juliet, takes the play to modern day Las Vegas, where swords are replaced with guns and Romeo is played by a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Though the dialogue remains the same, the change in setting transforms the story for viewers.
How does the state of modern politics relate to Romeo and Juliet?
How does the state of modern politics relate to Romeo and Juliet? Replace Capulet with Democrat and Montague with Republican, or Capulet with Christian and Montague with Muslim, and the story feels eerily familiar. Romeo and Juliet continues to thrive because our world is constantly overrun by hate, leading to violence and tragic death. Even the innocent, pure love of Romeo and Juliet is unable to exist in such a world. “Romeo and Juliet is a picture of love and its pitiable fate in a world whose atmosphere is too sharp for this, the tenderest blossom of human life (Bates, 1906).” Romeo and Juliet is not a warning against spontaneous young love, but against the hate of their elders, which ultimately leads to their destruction.
How many characters died in Romeo and Juliet?
Through the course of their supposed “love story,” six characters are killed. Tybalt, Mercutio, Paris, Lady Montague, Romeo, and Juliet’s deaths are all the direct result of the relationship between Romeo and Juliet, though many of the characters are not even aware that it exists. The plot does not ring true to modern audiences today, ...
Where is Romeo and Juliet on the West Side Story?
Stephen Sondheim’s West Side Story similarly places Romeo and Juliet on the streets of modern New York. Unlike Luhrmann, Sondheim changes the script, adding songs and new plot points. However, the basic story remains the same.
What is the title of the book The Drama?
Bates, A. (Ed.). (1906). The Drama: Its History, Literature, and Influence on Civilization, 6-13. London: Historical Publishing Company. From http://www.theatrehistory.com/british/romeoandjuliet001.html
Is Romeo and Juliet a love story?
Romeo and Juliet is constantly misunderstood. While it is often refer red to as the greatest love story of all time, to the modern audience, it does not seem to be a love story at all. Many have spoken to the sheer ridiculous nature of the plot. Two teenagers, aged thirteen and eighteen years old, meet at a dance, fall in love, and get married. Through the course of their supposed “love story,” six characters are killed. Tybalt, Mercutio, Paris, Lady Montague, Romeo, and Juliet’s deaths are all the direct result of the relationship between Romeo and Juliet, though many of the characters are not even aware that it exists. The plot does not ring true to modern audiences today, and can easily feel foreign. As Susannah Clapp explained in her critique of a recent London production, “…it [the production] can easily go wrong. The plot is slapdash; the coincidences preposterous; the main characters not interestingly conflicted, just doomed. The play must be ardently spoken and bewitchingly choreographed. If not, it ends up looking less like a tragedy and more like an accident” (Clapp, 2016). Unlike the production seen by Ms. Clapp, The Actors from the London Stage succeeded in bringing this play to life for a modern audience. As most good productions of Romeo and Juliet do, the actors did not focus on the so-called “love” of these two young teenagers. They instead focused on the hate of the Capulets and Montagues and the devastating consequences brought about by this prejudice.
What happened to Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo then kills Tybalt and is banished. He spends that night with Juliet and then leaves for Mantua. Juliet’s father forces her into a marriage with Count Paris. To avoid this marriage, Juliet takes a potion, given her by the friar, that makes her appear dead.
What is the title character in Romeo and Juliet?
The prologue of Romeo and Juliet calls the title characters “star-crossed lovers”—and the stars do seem to conspire against these young lovers. Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet. Their families are enmeshed in a feud, but the moment they meet—when Romeo and his friends attend a party at Juliet’s house in disguise—the two fall in love ...
Who is Romeo's friend in Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo and his companions almost immediately encounter Juliet’s cousin Tybalt, who challenges Romeo. When Romeo refuses to fight, Romeo’s friend Mercutio accepts the challenge and is killed. Romeo then kills Tybalt and is banished.
How many down with the capulets?
75 Down with the Capulets! Down with the Montagues!
What is Romeo and Juliet about?
Romeo and Juliet is a play with something for everyone: romance, intrigue, sword-fighting, wonderful poetry, comedy and tragedy. But it's the romance between the youngsters that Romeo and Juliet is most remembered for. The word "Romeo" has become a synonym for lover. Everyone can quote a few lines from the balcony scene.
What does Romeo and Juliet capture?
The movie captures what Romeo and Juliet captures: that first genuine love that makes all previous amorous feelings seem like childish crushes, as though one has suddenly become grownup and has discovered eternal youth at the first time. It's the time when each twinge of one's feelings appears a matter of life and death, when the very fullness of what one is experiencing seems to self-righteously justify sweeping away all other considerations, including all the moral concerns with which you had been inculcated since birth.
Is Romeo and Juliet a tragic figure?
He would never again be so innocent in tragedy: Romeo and Juliet are the only tragic figures I can think of in Shake speare's canon who are not done in by their own fatal flaws. Unless love is a character flaw. But in Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare is several years short of that kind of cynicism.
Is Romeo and Juliet a good play?
Probably the first drama in which it all came together perfectly for Shakespeare. His first truly great play. He 'd write many more even greater, but never another like Romeo and Juliet.
Is Shakespeare in Love a travesty?
In fact, you could map out the play as detailing Shakespeare's maturation. Something of this sort is done in the film Shakespeare in Love, which shows events in the struggling young bard's life that helped inspire the play. It's all made up of course and at least one of my friends considers the film a travesty. But, with the majority of film-goers, I think it captures the spirit of Romeo and Juliet itself.
Did Shakespeare crib Romeo and Juliet?
Interestingly, Shakespeare cribbed much of the plot of Romeo and Juliet from older sources that were well-known in his time, but in those sources the lovestruck kids were portrayed as misguided and deserving of their fates for going against their parents' wishes and against the social norms. Shakespeare's work was one of ...
Why should Romeo and Juliet be taught?
Although the language in Romeo and Juliet is outdated and confounding at some points, it should still be taught because the themes are relevant to students, the meaning in his plays touches the hearts of many it and relates to many situations in communities and individual people’s lives. The foremost rationalization of why Shakespeare should be ...
Why should the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet be taught in schools?
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet should be taught in schools because it is a good example of the theme, thinking and evaluating before you act. A reason for the rash decisions is their age. Juliet, daughter of the capulets has asked Romeo to marry her the day after they meet because they are so in love with each other.
Why should Shakespeare be taught in schools?
The foremost rationalization of why Shakespeare should be taught in schools is because the themes included in Romeo and Juliet are relevant to modern day society and are relatable to the students who will read them.
When was Shakespeare's first play written?
Shakespeare wrote his first play in 1590 and yet to this day in high school’s all around the world still explore his writings. In Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a great example of why these books should still be read in schools.
Why is Romeo so criticized?
Romeo is criticized by nearly everyone, including himself, for being "effeminate" and not manly enough. Even his readers seem to dislike him primarily because he prefers flowery metaphors to blood feuds, and because he's a boy who's all about the gushiest of gushy romance.
Why does Romeo forget Rosaline?
As soon as he meets Juliet, though, he forgets all about Rosaline—because yes, Romeo is a sap who's little bit in love with Love itself.
Is Romeo and Juliet the most popular play of all time?
Samuel Pepys wrote that "it is a play of itself the worst that I ever heard in my life," way back in 1662. And yet, Romeo and Juliet remains one of the most popular plays of all time. It rivals Hamlet for Shakespeare's most performed piece of writing.
Is Romeo a crybaby?
The plot is "boring," "incredibly unrealistic," and "not a love story," Romeo is "a fickle crybaby" and Juliet is naive, too young, and "way too anxious to take her panties off.". Modern readers are furious that these teenagers fall in love so quickly, furious that Romeo liked another girl before Juliet, and furious that ...
Do you have to love Romeo and Juliet?
In short, you don’t have to love Romeo and Juliet. You’re allowed to roll your eyes at the very idea of young love, and to be a general anti-kissing curmudgeon. But let’s stop bashing Romeo and Juliet as a stupid story about stupid teens. Let's stop bashing sensitive, romantic young men and frankly sexual young women.
Is Juliet mushy?
But on the whole, Juliet is the more traditionally masculine of the two: she's more rational and less mushy, and she just can't wait to bone. And if the "morning after" scene is any indication, she's pretty happy with her wedding night.
Is Juliet a masculine character?
Juliet has her moments of lovesick pining. But on the whole, Juliet is the more traditionally masculine of the two: she's more rational and less mushy, and she just can't wait to bone.

Characterization
Plot
- It is well known that Shakespeare borrowed plot ideas liberally from ancient Greek plays. However, with Romeo and Juliet, he broke new ground. Of course, it wasn’t the first tragedy but it was the first to use love as the hero’s fatal flaw. Up until this point, of course, we had seen love in plays but usually in comedy. It was considered not seriou...
Language Use
- There is no doubt that Shakespeare was a master of his craft. So much of what he has written has shaped and bled into modern society. What he always did beautifully is use speech patterns to denote class or changes in status. Or in the case of Rome and Juliet to signify love. You know how they say when people are in love they “complete one another” Shakespeare subconsciously …
Overall
- It might not be the literary critic’s favorite. That honor seems to lie with Hamlet but can you really argue with the lasting appeal of Romeo and Juliet? Here is a play that is still discussed and performed more than 400 years after it was written in an era where the language has developed so much that people struggle to understand everything which is said and yet it maintains its mys…
Should You Read It?
- This is a slightly more complex question to answer than you might expect. Yes, Shakespeare was a phenomenal writer but he was not an author. You can read his works and get enjoyment from them but truly to see them brought to life I’d recommend going to the theatre and seeing them performed and if you can’t bring yourself to do that watch one of the movies adaptations. So ye…