We are learning about Romeo and Juliet. And its my first time learning about them. And Im just wondering about the literature that Shakepeare uses, like its so strong and so different from the literature of today.

I have a few general questions on it, I would really like to know why he has a Prologue in the starting of his plays? Is it sort of like a trailer for the audience?
Also how come Montague and Capulet do not like one another, I don't get it, they are kind of like rivals.

These lines are really important of the prologue:

A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whole misadventured piteous overthrows

Why is this line so important? Cause it points out how tragic the play is? What emotions are involved?

Also this line is also very important, The Prince is saying this to Montague and Capulet when they fight on the streets for the third time.

"If you ever disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay for the forfeit of the peace."

How come this line is known as one of the important ones?

This is the best site in the world for reading Shakespeare's plays. You'll find for each play both the original version and a modern-English version. Wonderful!

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/

And this one, too: http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/

A really good one for understanding R&J.
http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/rjfolio.cfm <~~interactive Romeo & Juliet

Other websites to put in your favorites (bookmarks) for current and future use.
http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/

http://absoluteshakespeare.com/index.htm

http://www.bardweb.net/

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/

And literary criticism:
http://www.ipl.org/div/litcrit/bin/litcrit.out.pl?au=sha-9

Your comments and questions above are very insightful, and you should have a wonderful time reading and enjoying these plays.

Yes, the beginning is like a prologue in a way. Shakespeare does something like this in every one of his plays.

The two families in this play have a long-standing feud going -- and the "star-crossed" is referring to this feud and that Romeo and Juliet come from these feuding families. It is unthinkable to their fathers that either would fall in love with a rival's daughter or son.

Enjoy the play!

Thanks those websites are great:)

COuld I know why this line is so important?

"If you ever disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay for the forfeit of the peace."

It's a form of foreshadowing -- a way to let us know where all this is going.

After you read the whole play, come back to this line, and it'll make perfect sense.

Oh alright, thank you Writeacher:D

here is a modern example of a prologue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCiTaknz5MY

Oh sweet, thanks bobpursely for the modern prologue example:)

Shakespeare's use of a prologue in the beginning of his plays serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a brief summary or introduction to the events that will unfold in the play, giving the audience a glimpse of what to expect. It sets the tone and prepares the audience for the themes and emotions that will be explored throughout the play. Think of it as a teaser or trailer for the audience, giving them a taste of what lies ahead.

Now, regarding the rivalry between the Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet, it stems from a long-standing feud between the two families. The exact cause of the animosity is not explicitly stated in the play, but it is clear that the families have been enemies for many years. They have a deep-rooted hatred for one another, and this animosity is passed down through generations. It is crucial to understanding the plot because it sets the stage for the forbidden love between Romeo (a Montague) and Juliet (a Capulet), highlighting the tragic consequences that arise from their love crossing the boundaries of this longstanding feud.

The line "A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life; Whole misadventured piteous overthrows" from the prologue is indeed significant. It hints at the central theme of the play, which is the power of fate and how it ultimately leads to the tragic ending. The phrase "star-crossed lovers" suggests that Romeo and Juliet's love is fated to have a tragic outcome, as if their destinies were determined by the stars. The words "whole misadventured piteous overthrows" further emphasize the sense of tragedy and misfortune that will unfold.

Regarding the line spoken by the Prince to Montague and Capulet, it is vital because it showcases the Prince's authority and his role as the arbitrator of peace in Verona. The Prince is essentially warning both families that if they continue to disturb the streets with their feud, there will be severe consequences. It highlights the importance of maintaining order and emphasizes the high stakes involved in their ongoing conflict.

The significance of these lines and their impact on the play lies in their ability to foreshadow the tragic events to come, evoke strong emotions such as love, hatred, and fate, and establish the themes and conflicts that will drive the story forward. Shakespeare's use of language and imagery in these lines contributes to the overall power and impact of his play, making it timeless and influential in the world of literature.