1. Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
English 521
Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet

2. The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, society regressed; People did not venture far from their tiny villages. Local lords ruled by force and intimidation. Learning took place only in religious houses, and generations grew up ignorant, illiterate, and superstitious of outsiders.

3. The High Middle Ages:
Serfdom faded into history. Higher wages increased the standard of living for many peasants. This in turn contributed to the rise of wealthy merchants, such as the Medici family of Florence. These merchant families would provide the money, resources and the incentive for the Italian Renaissance.

4. The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned the period roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe.
It was a time of “rebirth.” Europeans experienced a reawakening of interest in the ancient classics of Greece & Rome--government, literature, art, and thought.
Crash Course: The Renaissance

5. Setting & Context Verona and other cities of Italy (late July)
a city state with a Prince; no King
Early Renaissance/ High Middle Ages
Social hierarchy (wealth & prestige = power)
Marriage an obvious economic factor
Religion (Catholicism) shapes society
Entire play spans 1 week

6. Renaissance Art

7. Verona, ITALY

8. Renaissance Architecture

9. The Cast
Escalus: Prince of Verona Paris: a kinsman of the Prince Montague, Lady Montague: Parents of Romeo; wealthy, powerful family; “at odds” with the Capulet family

10. The Cast
Murcutio: friend of Romeo; kinsman of the Prince Benvolio: Friend and cousin of Romeo; nephew of Montague

11. The Cast Capulet, Lady Capulet: Parents of Juliet;
wealthy, powerful family;
“at odds” with the Montague family
Sampson, Gregory: Capulet’s servants
Tybalt:
cousin of Juliet; nephew of Lady Capulet

12. The Cast:
Friar Laurence, Friar John: Franciscans; catholic leaders People seek their guidance and advice for almost everything! Balthasar: Romeo’s servant Abraham: Montague’s servant

13. Helpful Resource…

14. So what do I really need to know/do?
Literary Devices Scavenger Hunt Project
The Plot, Characters, Conflict
Socratic Seminar

15. Final Exam Essay #1
In a short essay, defend ONE of the following four statements:
Romeo and Juliet are truly, madly, deeply in love.
Romeo and Juliet are not in love, but merely infatuated.
Fate (bad luck, circumstances, and timing) brought about the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet.
Personal will (poor decisions, rash actions) brought about the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet.