Romeo and Juliet, a timeless tragedy by William Shakespeare, explores the intense love between two young lovers from feuding families in Verona. The play delves into themes of love, fate, and the consequences of family conflict. Key characters include Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose secret romance leads to tragic outcomes. This study guide provides insights into the play's major scenes, character motivations, and critical analysis, making it ideal for students and literature enthusiasts. It includes key excerpts, character analyses, and thematic discussions relevant for understanding this classic work.

Key Points

  • Analyzes the key themes of love and conflict in Romeo and Juliet.
  • Explores character motivations and relationships throughout the play.
  • Includes important excerpts from Act II, Scene II, highlighting the balcony scene.
  • Discusses the historical context of Shakespeare's work and its impact on literature.
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THE AUTHOR
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
William Shakespeare was an English poet,
playwright, and actor. He was born on 23 April
1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His father was a
successful local businessman and his mother
was the daughter of a landowner. Shakespeare
is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the
English language and the world’s pre-eminent
dramatist. He is often called England’s national
poet and nicknamed the Bard of Avon. He
wrote about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long
narrative poems, and a few other verses, of
which the authorship of some is uncertain. His
plays have been translated into every major
living language and are performed more often
than those of any other playwright. His early
plays were mostly comedies and histories, he
then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608,
including Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and
Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in
the English language. In his last phase, he wrote
tragicomedies, also known as romances, and
collaborated with other playwrights.
Many of his plays were published in
editions of varying quality and accuracy
during his lifetime. In 1623, John Heminges
and Henry Condell, two friends and fellow
actors of Shakespeare, published the First
Folio, a collected edition of his dramatic
works that included all but two of the plays
now recognised as Shakespeare’s. This
collection was prefaced with a poem by Ben
Jonson, in which Shakespeare is addressed
as a playwright not of an age, but for all
time. His plays remain highly popular today
and are constantly studied, performed, and
reinterpreted in diverse cultural and political
contexts throughout the world.
Shakespeare • Romeo and Juliet
Module 4 ADVERTISING
playwright: drammaturgo
landowner: proprietario terriero
nicknamed: soprannominato
pre-eminent: preminente
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THE PLAY
ROMEO AND JULIET
An ongoing feud between the Capulets and
the Montagues breaks out again on the streets
of Verona. Both sides are warned by Prince
Escalus, the ruler of Verona, who attempts
to prevent any further conflict between the
families by declaring death for any individual
who disturbs the peace in the future.
Romeo, the son of Montague, confides to his
cousin Benvolio that he is in love with Rosaline.
They know of a party being held by the Capulets
and decide to go there masked to see her.
Meanwhile, Paris, a relative of the Prince,
asks for Juliet’s hand in marriage. Her father
Capulet, though happy at the match, asks Paris
to wait for two years, since Juliet is not yet even
fourteen.
Once inside the party, Romeo sees Juliet from
a distance and instantly falls in love with her.
Romeo speaks to Juliet, and the two experience
a profound attraction. They kiss, not even
knowing each other’s names.
When Mercutio and Benvolio leave the
Capulets’ house, Romeo jumps over the orchard
wall into the garden and from his hiding
place he sees Juliet at a window and hears her
speak his name. He calls out to her, and they
exchange promises of love. Romeo turns to his
old friend Friar Lawrence and tells him of his
intention to marry the daughter of his family’s
enemy. The friar agrees to marry the young
couple, and that afternoon Romeo and Juliet are
secretly married in Friar Laurence’s cell. Romeo
sneaks into Juliet’s room that night, and they
consummate their marriage and love. Morning
comes, and the lovers say goodbye, unsure
when they will see each other again. In the
middle of a fight between Mercutio (his cousin)
and Tybalt (Juliet’s cousin), Romeo tries to be a
peacemaker and puts a stop to the fighting, but
Mercutio is mortally injured. Romeo, furious,
challenges Tybalt and kills him. The situation
is now desperate, and Romeo is banished to
Mantua. When Juliet learns her father has
anticipated her marriage to Paris in three days’
time, she runs to Friar Lawrence, who offers her
a mixture that will give her the appearance of
death for two days. He will inform Romeo about
it. She agrees to the plan and takes the potion
before going to bed. Juliet’s nurse finds her
apparently dead the next morning. Romeo hears
of Juliet’s reported death, but the messenger
from Friar Lawrence never arrives to tell him
the truth. Devastated by sorrow, he purchases
some poison and rushes back to Verona and the
tomb. Here, Romeo finds his wife apparently
dead, drinks the poison, and dies by her side.
When Juliet awakes, she sees her dead husband
and attempts to join him by drinking the
poison he brought but, finding the vial empty,
kills herself with his dagger. The families of
Montecchi and Capulets arrive at the tomb and
there they discover the truth from the Friar.
Finally, the two families find peace after the
tragic death of their two heirs.
feud: faida
kinsman: parente
orchard: frutteto
to sneak: entrare di nascosto
vial: fiala
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THE TEXT
ROMEO & JULIET: Act II Scene II - Capulet’s orchard
At the end of the party, Romeo climbs over the high wall that leads to the garden of the Capulets’ house
where Juliet’s room is. Hidden under the trees and plants in the garden, Romeo, undisturbed, can observe
Juliet who, at that moment is on the balcony. She talks to herself aloud, making her thoughts known.
[Enter ROMEO]
ROMEO. He jests at scars that never felt a wound.
[JULIET appears above at a window]
But, soft! what light through yonder window
breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
It is my lady,
O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold, ‘tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those
stars, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!
[…]
ROMEO. [Aside] She speaks.
O, speak again, bright angel! For thou art
As glorious to this night, being o’er my head,
As is a wingèd messenger of heaven
Unto the white, upturnèd, wondering eyes
Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
When he bestrides the lazy-puffing clouds
And sails upon the bosom of the air.
[Entra ROMEO]
ROMEO. Ride delle cicatrici altrui chi non ebbe a soffrir
mai ferita.
[JULIET appare al balcone]
Oh, quale luce vedo sprigionarsi lassù, dal vano di quella
finestra?
È l’oriente, lassù, e Giulietta è il sole!
Sorgi, bel sole, e l’invidiosa luna
già pallida di rabbia ed ammalata spegni,
perché tu, che sei sua ancella, sei di gran lunga di lei più
splendente.
Non restare sua ancella, se invidiosa essa è di te;
la verginale sua veste s’è fatta ormai d’un color verde
scialbo e non l’indossano altre che le sciocche. Gettala via!
Oh, sì, è la mia donna,
l’amore mio.
Ah, s’ella lo sapesse!
Ella parla, senza dir parola. Come mai?
È il suo occhio che parla, ed io a lui risponderò.
Oh, ma che sto dicendo... Presuntuoso ch’io sono! Non è a
me, che parla.
Due luminose stelle, tra le più fulgide del firmamento
avendo da sbrigar qualcosa altrove, si son partite dalle loro
sfere e han pregato i suoi occhi di brillarvi fino al loro ritorno.
E se quegli occhi fossero invece al posto delle stelle, e quelle
stelle infisse alla sua fronte?
Allora sì, la luce del suo viso farebbe impallidire quelle
stelle, come il sole la luce d’una lampada; e tanto
brillerebbero i suoi occhi su pei campi del cielo,
che gli uccelli si metterebbero tutti a cantare credendo
finita la notte.
Guarda com’ella poggia la sua gota a quella mano!
Un guanto vorrei essere, su quella mano,
e toccar quella guancia!
[…]
ROMEO. [tra sé] Lei parla. Oh, parla di nuovo, angelo
luminoso. Sei glorioso
come un angelo stasera. Brilli sopra di me,
come un messaggero alato dal cielo che fa cadere
sulla schiena uomini mortali
per guardare il cielo, guardando
l’angelo che cammina sulle nuvole
e naviga nell’aria.
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FAQs

What are the main themes in Romeo and Juliet?
The primary themes in Romeo and Juliet include the intensity of young love, the impact of family feuds, and the role of fate. The play illustrates how love can transcend familial conflict, yet also how it can lead to tragic consequences. The tension between love and hate is central to the narrative, as the Montagues and Capulets' animosity ultimately results in the deaths of the titular characters. Additionally, the theme of fate is evident, as the characters often refer to the stars and destiny, suggesting that their tragic end is preordained.
Who are the main characters in Romeo and Juliet?
The main characters in Romeo and Juliet are Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, two young lovers from rival families in Verona. Romeo is impulsive and passionate, while Juliet is intelligent and determined. Other significant characters include Mercutio, Romeo's witty friend; Tybalt, Juliet's hot-headed cousin; and Friar Laurence, who secretly marries the couple in hopes of reconciling their families. The Nurse, Juliet's confidante, also plays a crucial role in the story, providing comic relief and emotional depth.
What happens in the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet?
In the balcony scene, which occurs in Act II, Scene II, Romeo sneaks into the Capulet's orchard and overhears Juliet expressing her love for him despite the dangers posed by their families' feud. They exchange vows of love and discuss the challenges they face due to their names. This scene is pivotal as it captures the essence of their romance, showcasing their deep emotional connection and the theme of love versus societal constraints. Their passionate declarations foreshadow the tragic events that will unfold due to their secret relationship.
How does the feud between the Montagues and Capulets affect the plot?
The feud between the Montagues and Capulets is the central conflict that drives the plot of Romeo and Juliet. It creates a backdrop of tension and hostility that complicates the love story between Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship is marked by secrecy and danger, as they must navigate the animosity of their families. The feud ultimately leads to misunderstandings and tragic outcomes, including the deaths of both lovers, highlighting the destructive nature of familial conflict and the consequences of hatred.
What role does fate play in Romeo and Juliet?
Fate plays a significant role in Romeo and Juliet, as the characters frequently reference the stars and destiny, suggesting that their tragic end is preordained. From the outset, the prologue introduces them as 'star-crossed lovers,' indicating that their love is doomed from the beginning. The events of the play unfold in a manner that emphasizes the inevitability of their fate, with miscommunications and unfortunate timing leading to their demise. This theme raises questions about free will versus destiny, as the characters grapple with their circumstances.

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