Character Traits and Key Quotes

This section provides an in-depth analysis of the main characters in Romeo and Juliet, highlighting their key traits and significant quotes. This information is crucial for understanding character motivations and relationships within the play.

Romeo:

• Passionate: "Love give me strength, and strength shall help afford"
• Changeable: "I have forgotten that name and that name's woe"
• Headstrong: "Either thou or I, or both, must go with him"

Juliet:

• Passionate: "I gave thee mine before thou didst request it"
• Powerful: "He shall not make me there a joyful bride!"
• Stubborn: "I will not speak a word. Do as thou wilt, for I have done with thee"

Lord Capulet:

• Argumentative: "I tell thee what: get thee to church o' Thursday or never after look me in the face"

Friar Lawrence:

• Wise: "Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast"
• Religious: "I'll thy work incorporate two in one"

Nurse:

• Loving: "Thou wast the prettiest babe that e'er I nursed"
• Honest: "I think you are happy in this second match, for it excels your first"

Tybalt:

• Argumentative: "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw"
• Loyal: "Why, uncle, 'tis a shame"

Mercutio:

• Witty: "O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you"
• Loyal: "A plague o' both your houses!"

Highlight: These character traits and quotes provide insight into the complex relationships and conflicts within the play, essential for a deeper analysis of love and conflict in Romeo and Juliet.

Vocabulary: Headstrong - Determined to have one's own way; stubbornly and often recklessly willful

Prologue Analysis and Imagery

The prologue of Romeo and Juliet sets the stage for the tragic tale that unfolds:

"A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents' strife."

Shakespeare uses this opening to immediately capture the audience's attention and foreshadow the play's tragic ending. The image of "star-crossed lovers" symbolizes two people who have gone against fate to be together, with disastrous consequences.

Definition: Star-crossed - Thwarted or opposed by the stars; ill-fated.

This prologue creates anticipation in the audience, as they know they are about to witness a tragic love story and the downfall of the main characters.

Shakespeare's use of imagery is evident throughout the play. For example, Romeo describes his mood:

"I have a soul of lead so stakes me to the ground I cannot move."

Example: This metaphor compares Romeo's heavy heart to lead, illustrating the depth of his emotions and creating a dramatic effect.

The playwright's use of language and imagery enhances the emotional impact of the story, making the audience more invested in the characters' fates.

Highlight: Shakespeare's skillful use of language and imagery in Romeo and Juliet contributes significantly to the play's enduring appeal and emotional resonance.