Eng R&J Prologue and Themes Throughout

• How does Shakespeare present the conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets?


  As unjust and outdated
• Why does the narrator use the term “ancient grudge”?

  To highlight that the dispute has been ongoing for too long
• What connotations does the adjective "ancient" carry in the context of a ”grudge”


  It suggests age and that the grudge is irrelevant to the modern day (negative connotations)
• How does the term "grudge" contribute to the portrayal of the conflict?


  It contributes by creating connotations of violence and irrelevance for the conflict
• What is the purpose of Shakespeare highlighting the long-standing grudge between the families?


  To emphasize the absurdity of the conflict
• What does the quote “in never was a story of more woe” reflect in the play?

  It reflects the pain and anguish of the stories end
• What themes are highlighted by the conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets?


  • The conflict is unjust and outdated
  • The absurdity of long-standing grudges
  • The impact of family loyalty on individuals
• How does Shakespeare's language enhance the portrayal of the feud?

  • Use of the adjective "ancient" to imply age
  • The abrasive term "grudge" to suggest childishness and irrelevance
  • Sensory and auditory elements to emphasize the conflict's depth
• What are the two households described in the prologue of "Romeo and Juliet"?

  The Montagues and the Capulets
• What does the phrase "star-crossed lovers" imply about Romeo and Juliet?


  It suggests that their love is doomed by fate
• What does the phrase "civil blood makes civil hands unclean" suggest about the conflict in Verona?


  It indicates that the feud between the families leads to violence and bloodshed
• What is the significance of the "fatal loins" mentioned in the prologue?


  It refers to the offspring of the feuding families, Romeo and Juliet
• What do the "two hours' traffic of our stage" refer to in the prologue?


  It refers to the duration of the play
• What does the prologue suggest about the outcome of the lovers' story?


  It foreshadows their tragic deaths
• How does the prologue set the tone for the play "Romeo and Juliet"?


  It establishes a tragic and somber tone through its language and themes
• What does the phrase "What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend" imply about the play's presentation?


  It suggests that the actors will work to fill in any gaps in the story
• What are the main themes running throughout Romeo & Juliet? 


  Tragedy, conflict, family, love