Lesson 5.1C: An Introduction to Romeo and Juliet
 Modern cinema has some startling contrasts to drama performed in Elizabethan England. The advent of cinematography and the growth of modern technology has resulted in a high degree of realism in modern movies, leaving little to the imagination of the audience. However, let's focus on some of the commonalities that bridge the gap between these two worlds.
What is it that makes Romeo and Juliet so appealing? Why has it remained such a popular play through the ages? Remember, Romeo and Juliet was an instant success in Shakespeare's day, and has been so ever since.
Part of the answer lies in that it is a very entertaining play with a story that captivates the audience. Consider this:
Romeo and Juliet is more than just a love story. It contains:
- humour,
- revenge,
- violence,
- lies,
- deception,
- tragic twists of fate
Think about what you like to watch on TV or see in movies. Are any of above on your list? There's probably at least one. Shakespeare's audience was not so different. They wanted to be entertained by good stories, just as you do. Shakespeare was very careful to write plays that kept his audience interested on many different levels.
The other part of the answer lies in the fact that Shakespeare used timeless themes in his plays, and he treated these themes in such a way that they gripped his audience. Consider this:
Romeo and Juliet shows:
- the conflicted nature of relationships between parents and children
- the price that is paid for hatred and rage
- the way in which a character reacts in emotionally charged situations
- the inevitability of fate
These themes are not isolated to any one era, but rather are timeless. When Shakespeare places these themes in a compelling story with memorable characters and events, the result is a narrative that is as compelling today as it was when it was first performed.
This lesson will introduce you to Romeo and Juliet, its characters, and its setting.
Journal Entry 5.1B: What’s Your Idea of Good Entertainment?
In the journal section of the assignment template, make a list and describe five standards you use to evaluate a movie. In your list, you might include such things as the type of movie, the acting, the characters, the special effects, the theme, and others. Using your list as a guide, describe at least one movie that stands out for you as your #1 pick.
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Who’s in the Play?
You might be familiar with the characters of Romeo and Juliet, the two young lovers who are the protagonists in this play.
You will meet a variety of other interesting and important characters in this play. Before you begin reading, turn to the Dramatis Personae (cast of characters) in your Romeo and Juliet text. Notice how they are organized into family groups, the Capulets and Montagues.
To get a more detailed description of some of the main characters in Romeo and Juliet, go to Dramatis Personae. Take note of what the characters look like, some of their personality characteristics, and some quotations associated with each character.
Familiarizing yourself with these characters and the connections between them will help set the stage for your reading! You may want to revisit the Dramatis Personae as you read through the play in order to keep track of the numerous characters.
 The Setting of the Play
If you recall the discussion of setting previously in the course, you will remember it is the time, place, and atmosphere of the play. Let's consider the setting for Romeo and Juliet.
Time
The play, as Shakespeare wrote, was set in the fourteenth or fifteenth century in Italy.
You need to imagine a much different time, when families of wealth and title were powerful, where these families might quarrel and fight over land and money and power.
This was also a time when the masses were uneducated and under the control of these affluent families and other men of title, and at the same time governed by religious figures. These religious figures were educated and also had influence, both in terms of religious instruction and also practical matters, such as providing medicine.
In short, this was a time when power and wealth were held in the hands of a few, while the daily lives of the common people were often harsh, relying on these powerful families for protection. This idea may not be presented specifically in the play, but it is important to know this, as it helps to clarify some of the conflicts you'll see in the play.
The actual play itself spans only four days in the lives of the two protagonists.
Place
The literal setting is in Verona, a city in north-central Italy. Verona was an important and beautiful city at this time. Shakespeare sets his play in Verona, Italy to provide an exotic and foreign location for his audience to imagine. There are a few scenes in the play set in Mantua, a neighbouring town.
Atmosphere
An important part of setting for this play is the circumstance, that there is a long running feud between the Capulet and Montague families. As the play opens, the feud runs so deep that family servants and townspeople have taken sides. Emotions are running high in Verona as the play opens, and the atmosphere is tense. Shakespeare wants to impress upon the audience how deeply this feuds runs between these families and this community's people
Summary
Completing this lesson has helped you to:
- understand the basic overview of Romeo and Juliet
- understand the characters in the play
- identify the setting of the play
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