E-Notes Study Guide for Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Overview of the Play

• Title: Romeo and Juliet
• Author: William Shakespeare
• Familiarity: The story was well-known even in Shakespeare's time.
• Chorus Introduction: The chorus reveals the plot at the beginning, stating it's about two star-crossed lovers.

Key Themes

Love

• The love between Romeo and Juliet is intense and all-consuming.
• Their love leads them to forget about others and break societal rules.
• They are willing to die for each other, highlighting the depth of their feelings.

Pain

• The inevitable tragedy of their love story creates a sense of pain for the audience.
• Viewers are drawn in, feeling the sorrow of the characters' fate, despite knowing the outcome.

Language

• Shakespeare uses rich, poetic language to express the theme of love.
• The characters speak in a lyrical manner, showcasing various expressions of love.
• The language amplifies the emotional impact of the story, making the audience feel connected to the characters.

Conclusion

• Suspense: The play offers no suspense as the audience knows the outcome.
• Emotional Engagement: Despite the lack of suspense, the themes of love, pain, and eloquent language keep the audience engaged and connected to the story.