Context

• -tragedy novella

  -patriarchy-a society controlled by men

  -women belonged to their fathers, had to marry young

  -courtly love-boys do not love until they arrive at the age of maturity -Romeos lack of maturity is his tragic flaw
• what are the gender stereotypes in Romeo and Juliet?

  -Juliet acts more rational, Romeo acts with emotion

  -Juliet is presented as more masculine, she chooses to die by a dagger

  -females are supposed to be hysterical and emotional but Romeo is more like this

  -Romeo refuses to fight which is a disgrace on his name and honour
• -wrote in the Renaissance period

  -writes in sonnets to be appreciated by richer audience

  -set in Verona to allow Shakespeare to critique society and explore subversive themes (suicide, war) without being accused of treason
• England in this time was anti-Catholic due to the Spanish Armada so the Friar was seen as an untrustworthy character
• -had a strong belief in astronomy

  -women were valued less than men as in the Bible, Eve is seen as the mother of sin

  -Queen Elizabeth I was a strong female leader, Shakespeare may have been inspired by her to create a strong female character like Juliet

  -suicide was considered sinful