Lecture Notes: "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare

Introduction

• Folger Shakespeare Library
  • Offers a trusted resource for Shakespeare's plays.
  • Provides free digital versions known as The Folger Shakespeare.
  • Edited by Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine, reflecting extensive scholarship.

Textual Introduction

• Multiple Versions of Texts
  • Shakespeare's plays have multiple published versions: Quartos and First Folio.
  • Editors choose base texts and make amendments for accuracy.
  • Transparency in Folger editions with editorial interventions marked.

Synopsis

• Plot Overview
  • Romeo (Montague) and Juliet (Capulet) fall in love despite family feud.
  • Secret marriage by Friar Lawrence aiming to end the feud.
  • Series of tragic events: Tybalt kills Mercutio; Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished.
  • Miscommunication leads to both lovers' deaths.
  • Their deaths reconcile the feuding families.

Characters

• Montagues
  • Romeo, Lady Montague, Benvolio, Abram, Balthasar.
• Capulets
  • Juliet, Lady Capulet, Nurse, Tybalt, Petruchio.
• Others
  • Prince Escalus, Paris, Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, Friar John.

Key Scenes & Themes

Act 1

• Prologue: Introduces the "star-crossed lovers."
• Scene 1: Street fight between Montagues and Capulets.
• Scene 5: Romeo and Juliet meet at the Capulet's feast.

Act 2

• Scene 2: Famous balcony scene; Romeo and Juliet declare love.
• Scene 6: Secret marriage conducted by Friar Lawrence.

Act 3

• Scene 1: Fight leading to Mercutio's death and Romeo's banishment.
• Scene 5: Romeo and Juliet's final farewell before Romeo's exile.

Act 4

• Scene 1: Juliet's desperation leads to Friar's dangerous plan.
• Scene 3: Juliet takes a potion to mimic death.

Act 5

• Scene 1: Romeo learns of Juliet's "death" and buys poison.
• Scene 3: Tragic ending in the Capulet's tomb; deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

Conclusion

• Reconciliation Theme: The feud ends with the tragic loss of the young lovers.
• Editorial Notes: Transparency in editing is highlighted, revealing the complexity of bringing forth Shakespeare's intent.

Study Recommendations

• Understanding Versions: Explore the differences between Quartos and Folio.
• Character Relationships: Focus on the dynamics between main characters.
• Thematic Exploration: Consider themes of fate, love, and family conflict.
• Literary Devices: Note Shakespeare's use of language and dramatic techniques.