prologue

• From forth the fatal loins of these two foesA pair of star-crossed lovers take their life. . . .
• Who enters as a prologue to the play?

  The Chorus
• What do the two noble households in Verona hold against each other?

  An ancient grudge
• How many lines are in the Chorus's sonnet?

  Fourteen lines
• What will the two "star-crossed" lovers do?

  Mend the quarrel by dying
• What is the deeper function of the Prologue in the play?

  It foreshadows the events of the play
• What does the term "star-crossed" imply about the lovers?

  Their fate is controlled by the stars
• What does the Prologue reveal about the outcome of Romeo and Juliet?

  They will die
• How does the audience's knowledge of the lovers' fate affect their viewing of the play?

  It creates an expectation of tragedy
• What does the structure of the play represent in relation to Romeo and Juliet's fate?

  It symbolizes their inescapable destiny
• What background information does the Prologue provide about the play?

  • Location: Verona
  • Conflict: Ancient grudge between two families
  • Main characters: Two noble households
• What themes are introduced in the Prologue of Romeo and Juliet?

  • Fate and destiny
  • Love and conflict
  • Tragedy and consequence
• From forth the fatal loins of these two foesA pair of star crossed lovers take their life (Prologue)
• the continuance of their parents’ rageWhich but their children’s end naught could removeIs now the two hours’ traffic of our stage (Prologue)