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6 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life |
The words "star-cross'd" shows that they are made for each other and that this was destined to happen. We know from the prologue that they are both doomed from the beginning. The audience knows what is coming up, so this builds up lots of tension throughout the play. Romeo and Juliet live in a religious society, and they both commit suicide in the end and suicide was a sin.. |
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A dog of the house that moves me |
The word "dog" suggests that Sampson says to Gregory that he's weak, further down and he can't fight. However, on the other hand Gregory answers back saying "I will take the wall". This quote shows that Gregory thinks that he's bigger, better and more powerful. The fight is dramatic and it shows the strength of the violent conflict between the 2 families. Starting the play with physical violence makes the audience aware that more fighting could happen. In Act 1, Scene 3 it gets worse-people die. The violence here in this scene shows that honour is more important to the Capulets and Montagues than saving lives |
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But now, my lord, what do you say to my suit |
Here Paris asks Capulet is he can marry Juliet. Paris and Juliet's relationship shows a different side of love-its for financial reasons, as she'll "share all the doth that she possess". In Act 1, Scene 1, 2 and 3 these scenes hint that Romeo and Juliet may become lovers as they both have experience of romance but they are either unhappy or unenthusiastic about it. Rosaline is "chaste"-her character contrasts with Juliet's passionate behaviour later on. Paris is polite which contrasts with Romeo's innapropriate kissing in Act 1, Scene 5. The characters of Rosaline and Paris make Romeo and Juliet even more passionate and loving in contrast. Sometimes marriage was about money not love. In the 16th century, rich people like the Capulet's didn't get married for love. Their parents arranged a marriage with someone rich and powerful. It was a business deal-a way of getting money or power |
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I fear too early, for my mind misgives |
Romeo and Benvolio shouldn't go to the party because they're Montagues. This creates suspense-the audience can see it's a bad idea. The tension increases when Romeo says he had a bad dream about his fate that makes him afraid to go to the party. Here, Shakespeare is using foreshadowing-hinting about a future event to the audience. Romeo's worries about the party foreshadow that something bad will happen. There are lot's of times in the play where Romeo gets warnings of terrible events through dreams or visions. This is the first. Romeo's premonition seems to be keeping with what the Chorus tells us in the prologue. In the end the family feud ends after Romeo and Juliet die. |
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My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand |
Romeo and Juliet's first conversation is an extended metaphor. The conversation is a sonnet-a very structured, traditional love poem. Shakespeare uses the sonnet form to show how well Romeo and Juliet understand each other. Their language slots perfectly together and they immediately match each others rhymes and rhythms. Romeo's choice of using religious imagery suggests that their love is pure, passionate and innocent-approved by God and as a result of this he moves toward the more divine/romantic love with Juliet and away from the artificial love with Rosaline. Shakespeare also uses religious imagery to show that they are already worshiping each other. The noun "pilgrim" relates to a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a journey that pleases God. Romeo sees Juliet as his God and worships her defying religion. This could be seen as dangerous and sinful-you weren't supposed to worship anyone except God. |
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And I'll no longer be a Capulet Bright angel |
Juliet's speech on the balcony is a soliloquy. She's talking to herself, but Romeo overhears her-she doesn't know he's beneath her window. Shakespeare does this because it allows Juliet to speak openly about her true feelings to Romeo. It also shows that she is modest and honest about her feelings for Romeo. "And I'll no longer be a Capulet". This quote shows that she is also willing to give up her identity as a Capulet just for her love. Romeo also calls her a "bright angel" and worships Juliet. But Juliet wants something more real and moves the relationship towards marriage. But because of the family feud Romeo and Juliet can't be together. The contrast between the violent conflict and their love makes their love seem even more passionate-the harder it is for them to be together, the more they fight and struggle to get what they want. Family and marriage are usually positive things-but Shakespeare uses the feud to show how strong feelings like love and honour can sometimes lead to conflict. |
