context

• What is the significance of context in studying "Romeo and Juliet"?


  It helps to understand the historical and cultural background of the play
• What tradition was prevalent in Italy during Bandello's lifetime?

  Italian vendettas or family blood feuds
• What was the consequence of family vendettas in Italy?


  Innocent bystanders could often be killed or injured
• How did Shakespeare adapt the feuding families in "Romeo and Juliet"?


  He modeled them after the Montechi and Capello families
• Where did William Shakespeare come from?


  Stratford-upon-Avon
• Why is it believed that Shakespeare never traveled outside of England?


  He is thought to have gained knowledge about Italy and France from foreigners and books
• What role did patriarchy play in "Romeo and Juliet"?


  Women were not allowed to perform as actors and were often treated as property
• How does Shakespeare portray Juliet's beauty through Romeo?


  He describes it to make the attraction believable despite the male actors
• What was expected of women in 16th century England?


  To marry and have children
• What was the status of women regarding property ownership?

  Women were not allowed to own property except for widows
• Why is Queen Elizabeth thought to have never married?


  She did not want to give up her power to a man
• What is courtly love?


  A medieval tradition of love between a knight and a married noblewoman
• How does Romeo's maturity affect his character in the play?


  His lack of maturity is his tragic flaw leading to his death
• What does Shakespeare suggest about the value of love in "Romeo and Juliet"?


  Difficulty of attainment makes love more valuable
• How does Romeo react when he first meets Juliet?


  He gets excited and quickly forgets Rosaline
• What does a true lover experience according to the play?


  A true lover is constantly possessed by thoughts of their beloved
• What does Romeo's distraction signify in the play?


  It signals the doomed fate of the star-crossed lovers
• What was expected of children in Elizabethan times?


  To obey their parents
• How does Capulet react when Juliet refuses to marry Paris?


  He flies into a rage and threatens her
• What was the role of dueling during the early Renaissance?


  Dueling established the status of a respectable gentleman
• How does Tybalt view Romeo's presence in Act 1, Scene 5?


  As a significant slight on his honor
• What type of weapon is a rapier?


  A status symbol associated with the aristocracy
• How does Mercutio describe Tybalt's fighting style?


  As pretentious and highly stylized
• What does Mercutio's death signify in the play?


  It escalates the conflict and foreshadows tragedy
• What was the expectation of men regarding violence during Shakespeare's time?


  Men were expected to be violent to preserve their honor
• What does Romeo's initial refusal to fight Tybalt represent?


  A legitimate legal response but against masculine expectations
• How does Mercutio view Romeo's submission to Tybalt?


  As vile and dishonorable
• What are the key themes to consider when studying "Romeo and Juliet"?


  • The impact of family feuds
  • The role of patriarchy
  • The nature of love and desire
  • The consequences of violence
  • The expectations of society
• How does Shakespeare use the character of Juliet to reflect societal expectations of women?


  • Juliet's lack of autonomy
  • Her relationship with her father
  • The pressure to marry
  • The consequences of disobedience
• What are the characteristics of a tragic hero as seen in Romeo?


  • A tragic flaw (lack of maturity)
  • A noble birth or status
  • A downfall due to their flaw
  • Evokes pity and fear in the audience
• What are the implications of urban violence in "Romeo and Juliet"?


  • Reflects societal norms
  • Consequences of honor and reputation
  • Impact on innocent bystanders
  • Escalation of conflict leading to tragedy
• What type of love is characterized as intense, melodramatic, and often fleeting in the Elizabethan court?


  Courtly love
• How is Romeo's attitude towards love portrayed in the play?


  As obsessive and impulsive, which is presented as his "fatal flaw"
• What does Shakespeare suggest about fickle love through Romeo's actions?


  That it is superficial and fleeting
• What was common within the culture of courtly love and arranged marriages?


  Unrequited love
• How would Romeo's grief over Rosaline be perceived by Elizabethan audiences?


  As familiar and entertaining
• What does Shakespeare illustrate about courtly love when Romeo falls in love with Juliet?


  That it is superficial and fleeting
• What type of affairs were common in the culture of courtly love?


  Secret and forbidden affairs
• Who is said to have had a secret affair with the Earl of Leicester?

  Queen Elizabeth I
• What is the primary theme of "Romeo and Juliet"?


  A forbidden and secret love