1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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
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.

4. 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)!