Prologue:
- The Prologue gives information to the reader/viewer. What does it suggest the play is about? What does it say about the plot and the length of the play?
- two families alike in dignity(honor and respect)
- Verona
- both equal rank to Prince Escalus
- Montagues(Romeo) and Capulets(Juliet)
- feud: “ancient grudge break to new mutiny”
- “civil” bloodshed
- “fatal loins” born by destiny/fate to be “foes”
- “star-crossed” lovers – bad luck
- Romeo = star #1
- Juliet = star #2
- Triva: What human was the first “moon-watcher”?
- Suicide- “take their life”
- sorta like Pyramus and Thisbe
- “misadventured piteous overthrows”
- Doth =does
- parents’ strife = “continuance of their parents’ rage”
- “fearful passage oftheirdeath-mark’d love”
- What happens after death?
- What happens after death by suicide?
- Do we have immortal soul?
- My soul is made of stuff not made of stuff.
- What is eternity?
- “nought” = nothing can prevent the death of R&J
- “patient ears attend” = shut up and listen
- What is missing from the prologue will be in the play – duh!
- Something about boats as metaphors – allusion to Greek mythology Charron, Styx, Hades
- length of the play
- 2 hours “traffic of our stage”