Notes

Did you Know? Juliet is only 13 years old. The play takes place in July. “Chorus” is a character that acts as the narrator in the play. All of the events occur in 5 days. SUNDAY: Acts 1 and 2 MONDAY: Acts 2 and 3 TUESDAY: Acts 3 and 4 WEDNESDAY: Act 4 THURSDAY: Act 5

In Shakespeare’s time, it was acceptable to marry someone just to increase one’s wealth or status. It was not acceptable to marry only for love.

Paris and Juliet ~ an arranged marriage. Rich parents often set up arranged marriages to keep peace between two powerful families. The young people were expected to follow their parent’s wishes and orders, even when they had to marry someone they didn’t like. Paris and Juliet ~ an arranged marriage.

Prologue Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;

Montague Family Romeo Mercutio (Romeo’s best friend) Benvolio (Romeo’s cousin) Lord and Lady Montague (Romeo’s Parents)

Capulet Family Juliet Tybalt (Juliet’s Cousin) Paris (Juliet’s Fiancé) Nurse (Juliet’s Nanny) Lord and Lady Capulet (Juliet’s Parents)

Neutral Between The Two Prince (like the Mayor of Verona) Friar Lawrence (he marries R&J) Apothecary (supplies medicines)

VS. The feuding families of Montague and Capulet have been enemies for longer than they can remember. At a party the Capulets give one night, the daughter of their house falls in love with the son of their enemy.

These two, Romeo and Juliet, meet in secret and their love is, Friar Laurence hopes, enough to bring the two families together. However, even when they marry in secret, tragedy strikes. Tybalt kills Mercutio and Romeo turns around and kills Tybalt, which results in his banishment from the city.

Not knowing their daughter to be already married, the Capulets try to force her to wed Paris, the local guy. In horror, Juliet asks for the Friar Laurence's help, and he devises a great, but ultimately unsuccessful plan. As usual in Shakespeare's tragedies, the important and likeable characters do not survive.

(Both Romeo and Juliet die) What makes a TRAGEDY ? One main hero with an important job (Romeo) This hero has a fatal flaw that leads to his downfall (Makes split-second decisions, falls in love quickly, does not think things through) Mostly everyone dies in the end (Both Romeo and Juliet die)

Let’s watch how it all began!