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Notes 4

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Literature Class Notes: Romeo and Juliet

Date: December 28, 2024 Instructor: Mrs. Kumar

Introduction to "Romeo and Juliet"


Author: William Shakespeare
Genre: Tragedy
Published: First published in 1597
Setting: Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance

Plot Overview

Act I: The play begins with a street brawl between the servants of the feuding noble families of Capulet and Montague. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet meet at a C
Act II: Romeo and Juliet profess their love for each other and decide to marry secretly the next day.
Act III: Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, kills Mercutio, Romeo's friend, leading Romeo to kill Tybalt in revenge. Romeo is banished from Verona.
Act IV: Juliet takes a potion that makes her appear dead, hoping to escape with Romeo.
Act V: Romeo, believing Juliet is truly dead, takes poison and dies beside her. Juliet awakens, finds Romeo dead, and kills herself. The families, mourning their children

Main Characters

Romeo Montague: The play's male protagonist, a young man who falls deeply in love with Juliet.
Juliet Capulet: The play's female protagonist, a young woman who falls in love with Romeo.
Mercutio: Romeo's close friend, known for his wit and humor.
Tybalt: Juliet's hot-headed cousin, antagonist to Romeo.
Friar Laurence: A priest who helps Romeo and Juliet in their quest to be together.
The Nurse: Juliet's faithful confidante and loyal intermediary in Juliet's affair with Romeo.

Themes

Love vs. Hate: The intense love between Romeo and Juliet contrasts with the hatred between their families.
Fate: The concept of fate and destiny is prevalent throughout the play, with references to "star-crossed lovers."
Youth and Passion: The impetuosity and passion of youth are highlighted, leading to both beautiful and tragic outcomes.
Conflict: The destructive nature of feuds and the impact of family conflict are central to the play.

Symbols

Light and Darkness: These symbols represent the dual nature of love and the secrecy of Romeo and Juliet's relationship.
Poison: Represents both the destructive nature of love and the means by which the lovers meet their tragic end.

Important Quotes

1. "A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life..." (Prologue) - Introduces the theme of fate.
2. "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." (Act II, Scene II) - Romeo's admiration for Juliet.
3. "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" (Act II, Scene II) - Juliet's lament over Romeo's identity as a Montague.
4. "A plague o' both your houses!" (Act III, Scene I) - Mercutio's curse as he dies, highlighting the destructive feud.

Summary

"Romeo and Juliet" is a timeless tragedy that explores themes of love, fate, and conflict.

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