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3 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Theme of fate
The obvious function of the Prologue as an introduction to the Verona of Romeo and Juliet can obscure its deeper, more important function. The prologue does not merely set the scene of Romeo and Juliet, it tells the audience exactly what is going to happen in the play. The Prologue refers to an ill-fated couple with its use of the word "star-crossed", which means, literally, against the stars. The audience therefore watches the play with the expectation that it must fulfill the terms set in the Prologue. the structure of the play itself is the fate from which Romeo and Juliet cannot escape:
"The fearful passage of their death-marked love,"
Theme of Hate
the theme of hate is clearly established int he prologue, which is surprising as the play is famous for the love between the two characters:
"From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean"
and
"Doth with their death bury their parents' strife"
Theme of Love
The love between Romeo and Juliet is also established but this is not as strong as the theme of hate. the power of this love is also shown as the Prologue advises us that:
"A pair of star of star-crossed lovers take their life,
Whose misadventures piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents' strife,"
Their love was the way to stop the family feud and their lives were part of the sacrifice. The power and strength of their love is emphasised here.