The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare

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Biography and Historical Background

William Shakespeare (c. 1564-1616), is the most famous English playwright, who is considered as one of the greatest influences on English literature. He was born in 1564 in Stratford. His education was not very imposing as he attended the grammar school and lack of evidence suggests that he had never attended the university. His marriage with 8 years older Anne Hathaway in 1582 at the age of 18 and the early fatherhood was the first important episode in his life. For reasons unknown he abandoned his and family in 1588 and he moved to London, where he lived for 25 years and where he began his career as an actor in the theatre. He belonged to the Chamberlain's Men playing company - a group of actors who performed plays in the theatres. After the death of Queen Elizabeth, the name of the company was changed into the King's Men because of the succession of King James. In this time he wrote most of his works, especially tragedies: Macbeth, Othello, King Lear. At the midst of his career his works were published and sold, which made him extremely popular. His success allowed him to purchase the New Place as his family home in Stratford. During the years of his great success he also suffered his son's death in 1596 but his career continued and in 1599 he built the Globe Theatre together with his company's partners. His 154 sonnets were published in 1609 and in 1610 he returned to Stratford permanently. William Shakespeare died on 23 April, 1616 in Stratford and he was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church. After his death, various doubts appeared concerning his authorship. There were suggestions that many works attributed to him had been written by Francis Bacon or Christopher Marlowe. But lack of evidence which would affirm the hypothesis of their authorship means that Shakespeare is the author of such great works as Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Shakespeare had consciousness of the new age of the Renaissance and he also contributed to the development of the English language. Most of his works were produced and performed in the Elizabethan theatre during Queen Elizabeth's reign in England from 1558 to 1603. It means that Shakespeare's literary success is related to Elizabethan drama to a large extent. Elizabethan plays were of various type but the most frequently performed were historical plays, revenge dramas and comedies. The main features of the Elizabethan theatre were the action set in places, existence of the supernatural, more than 3 people on the stage - crowd scenes, and humorous scenes. Shakespearean dramas were innovative as he introduced to his works some bloody scenes; he presented his protagonists" mental condition as well.

Shakespeare's major tragedies are: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. Tragedy is a drama of a serious character that usually deals with the development of the conflict between the protagonist and the superior force, which can be destiny or society. It mostly leads to misfortune or disaster. This conflict is perfectly portrayed for two reasons in Romeo and Juliet. It is fate which rules over the young lovers, moreover the clash of their families doesn not allow them to be together. The main protagonists ultimately die, which is considered as the typical conclusion of each tragedy.

Comedies in Elizabethan times led to a happy ending often connected to the marriage between characters. The atmosphere which prevailed in comedies was rather light-hearted. Shakespearean comedies include also separation and struggle between lovers, many intertwining plots and sometimes contain blocking figures who make difficult the characters" life.

William Shakespeare

Dramatis Person?

ESCALUS, Prince of Verona.

MERCUTIO, kinsman to the Prince, and friend to Romeo.

PARIS, a young Nobleman, kinsman to the Prince.

Page to Paris.

MONTAGUE, head of a Veronese family at feud with the Capulets.

LADY MONTAGUE, wife to Montague.

ROMEO, son to Montague.

BENVOLIO, nephew to Montague, and friend to Romeo.

ABRAM, servant to Montague.

BALTHASAR, servant to Romeo.

CAPULET, head of a Veronese family at feud with the Montagues.

LADY CAPULET, wife to Capulet.

JULIET, daughter to Capulet.

TYBALT, nephew to Lady Capulet.

CAPULET'S COUSIN, an old man.

NURSE to Juliet.

PETER, servant to Juliet's Nurse.

SAMPSON, servant to Capulet.

GREGORY, servant to Capulet.

Servants.

FRIAR LAWRENCE, a Franciscan.

FRIAR JOHN, of the same Order.

An Apothecary.

CHORUS.

Three Musicians.

An Officer.

Citizens of Verona; several Men and Women, relations to both houses; Maskers, Guards, Watchmen and Attendants.

SCENE. During the greater part of the Play in Verona; once, in the Fifth Act, at Mantua