William Shakespeare B. 1564 – D. 1616 (Elizabethan Era) He wrote 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and several long poems. R & J is the most famous love story ever and Shakespeare is the greatest English playwright.

Tragedy & the 5-Act Play Tragedy: a play where a hero’s tragic flaw leads to their downfall. Act 1: Inciting Incident – event that triggers the conflict Act 2: Rising Action – conflict develops Act 3: Climax – crucial shift in the conflict Act 4: Falling Action – the climax triggers events Act 5: Resolution – the central conflict is resolved

Act 1 Scenes 1 - 3 Act 1 Scene 1 Act 1 Scene 2 Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 62-84: The Prince threatens to execute Montague or Capulets rioters if they disturb the peace again. Lines 209-219 Dramatic Foil: a character who helps bring out the personality traits of a contrasting character Benvolio: “Forget Rosaline. Look at other beauties.” (Rational) Romeo: “They will only remind me of Rosaline’s unsurpassed beauty.” (Emotional) Act 1 Scene 2 Paris asks to marry Juliet. Lord Capulet wants to wait until she is 16 and has fallen in love. Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 41-56: Lady Capulet: “What say you…no less.” Extended Metaphor = Metaphysical Conceit She compares Country Paris to a book. A pen has written his handsome features. His desire is “written” in his eyes. He only lacks “a cover” or wife.

Act 1 Scenes 4 - 5 Pages 339-340: “I fear…on, lusty gentlemen!” Foreshadowing! Romeo senses danger, but goes along anyway. Impulsive! Inciting Incident: Romeo meets Juliet at the masquerade party. He says he “ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Benvolio’s advice proves true and Romeo proves impulsive! Situational Irony: A masquerade is a superficial celebration of appearances! Suggests infatuation (foolish or unreasoning passion) instead of true love (sacrificial concern for another)!