Setting, Character, and Theme in Romeo and Juliet

What Is Setting? Setting is WHERE and WHEN the drama takes place. Setting is WHERE and WHEN the drama takes place. What is our setting? What is our setting? –2010 –Roswell, Georgia, USA

Setting in Romeo and Juliet Setting = TIME and PLACE Setting = TIME and PLACE 14 th or 15 th Century (1300s or 1400s) 14 th or 15 th Century (1300s or 1400s) Verona and Mantua, Italy Verona and Mantua, Italy

What Is a Character? Characters are the people in a story or play. Characters are the people in a story or play. Another word for the main character is the protagonist. Another word for the main character is the protagonist. Who do you think are the protagonists in Romeo and Juliet? Who do you think are the protagonists in Romeo and Juliet? Characters can be static or dynamic Characters can be static or dynamic –Static characters stay the same –Dynamic characters change The protagonist of a tragedy is the tragic hero The protagonist of a tragedy is the tragic hero –Generally good people –Tragic flaw leads to downfall

Characters in Romeo and Juliet Montagues Capulets Montagues Capulets Romeo Juliet Romeo Juliet Mercutio Upper Class Tybalt Mercutio Upper Class Tybalt Benvolio Feuding* Nurse Benvolio Feuding* Nurse Lord and Lady Lord and Montague Lady Capulet Lord and Lady Lord and Montague Lady Capulet

What is Theme? Theme is the “big idea” in a piece of literature Theme is the “big idea” in a piece of literature What the author is really trying to say about people and life What the author is really trying to say about people and life Themes in Romeo and Juliet: Themes in Romeo and Juliet: –The power of love –Obedience to parents –The danger of violence

Verona, Italy

Juliet Romeo