Catholicism- Italy was known to the English for its catholicism. Ad Englands national religion at the time was Protestantism, due to Elizabeth 1st being the reigning monarch, the audience may have viewed this setting of the play with mistrust. Catholicism was viewed negatively.
the plays exploration of love and passion, even in a religious context, could have been seen as a challenge to the social norms.
Shakespeare uses religious imagery to elevate the lovers relationship to a sacred level, portraying Juliet as a saint and Romeo as a pilgrim, whilst also reflecting the courtly love tradition where the lady is seen as a goddess.
THE FRIAR
a catholic priest
highlights the potential for human fallibility and the complexities of religion.
"this union shall turn our households rancour to pure love"
through the friar, Shakespeare criticises catholicism
attempting to reconcile the feuding families and secretly marring Romeo and Juliet.
