Romeo and Juliet context

• What is the historical basis for the play Romeo and Juliet?

  It is based on a real Italian love story.
• Which families are depicted in Romeo and Juliet?

  The Capeletti and Montecci families.
• In what year did Shakespeare write his version of Romeo and Juliet?

  1594
• What poem did Shakespeare base his version of Romeo and Juliet on?

  Arthur Brooke's poem of 1562.
• What era is associated with the setting of Romeo and Juliet?

  • The Elizabethan Era
  • Also known as The Renaissance
  • Significant changes in religion, politics, science, language, and arts
• What was the religious context during the setting of Romeo and Juliet?

  It was a time of religious and political turmoil.
• What was the traditional belief about suicide and bigamy in the society of Romeo and Juliet?

  Both were considered mortal sins.
• What significant event influenced Shakespeare's writing of Romeo and Juliet?

  The Reformation and England becoming Protestant.
• How did life change in Protestant society compared to Catholic society?

  Life became more open and less oppressed.
• Who was the head of the household in the society depicted in Romeo and Juliet?

  The father
• What rights did women have in the society of Romeo and Juliet?

  Women had no rights or authority in law.
• How were children regarded in the society of Romeo and Juliet?

  Children were regarded as property.
• What was the common practice regarding marriages in the society of Romeo and Juliet?

  Marriages were often political or financial transactions.
• At what age were children often married in the society of Romeo and Juliet?

  Very young
• How were children raised in high society during the time of Romeo and Juliet?

  Often raised by a wet nurse.
• What are the characteristics of courtly love in the context of Romeo and Juliet?

  • Polite and ceremonious
  • Restrained and intellectual
  • Courteous with no physical contact
  • Involves gifts, letters, and poems
  • Divorce was impossible
• Why was family honour important to the Elizabethans?

  It was tied to personal pride and reputation.
• What was the belief regarding avenging wrongs in Elizabethan society?

  Insults must be avenged for honour.
• What beliefs did most Elizabethans hold about fate and astrology?

  They believed in fate and consulted astrologers.
• What did wealthy families often pay for regarding their children?

  Horoscopes
• What was the common belief about free will among Elizabethans?

  Many believed they had no free will.
• What was the role of theatre in Elizabethan England?

  • A popular source of entertainment
  • Audiences included all social classes
  • Performances could be rowdy
• How were audience members arranged in Elizabethan theatres?

  Poor people stood in front, wealthy sat above.
• What was illegal regarding acting in Elizabethan theatres?

  Women were not allowed to act.
• Who played female roles in Elizabethan theatre?

  Young boys played female roles.
• "Their parents' rage shall so destroy their hate"