Question

Read the following excerpt from Romeo and Juliet. In a response of four to six sentences, identify the cultural practices and language that illustrate the play’s historical context. How does the historical context depicted in this excerpt compare with our world today? Use proper spelling and grammar. CAPULET But Montague is bound as well as I, In penalty alike; and 'tis not hard, I think, For men so old as we to keep the peace. PARIS Of honourable reckoning are you both; And pity 'tis you lived at odds so long. But now, my lord, what say you to my suit? CAPULET But saying o'er what I have said before: My child is yet a stranger in the world; She hath not seen the change of fourteen years, Let two more summers wither in their pride, Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride. PARIS Younger than she are happy mothers made.

Answer 1

In this excerpt of Romeo and Juliet readers can tell that girls often were married at a young age and was a cultural practice. Paris tells Capulet that girls younger than Juliet are mothers and are happy, however Capulet says to let two years go by before asking for her hand. Furthermore, the language being used is Old English. Its is generally showed throughout the book that people from high status speak in a poetic way while the lower class and servants speak in prose.There are many difference between our world today and the world depicted in the context. For example, Juliet is going to participate in an arranged marriage with Paris. One is less likely to see that in the 21st century.

Answer 2

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their battling families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers. They are considered the perfect model for the young love.

The play is set in Verona, Italy, begins with a street fight between Montague and Capulet servants who, like their masters, are sworn enemies. Prince Escalus of Verona mediates and declares that further rupture of the peace will be punishable by death. Later, Count Paris talks to Capulet about marrying his daughter Juliet, but Capulet asks Paris to wait another two years and invites him to attend a planned Capulet ball. Lady Capulet and Juliet's nurse try to persuade Juliet to accept Paris's courtship. But contrary to everyone’s wishes and better fate Juliet fall in love with one of the Montagues, Romeo, and the tragedy properly starts.

Romeo and Juliet belongs to a tradition of tragic romances stretching back to antiquity. Shakespeare's use of his poetic dramatic structure has been praised as an early sign of his dramatic skill. The play assigns different poetic forms to different characters, sometimes changing the form as the character develops. Romeo, for example, grows more proficient at the sonnet over the course of the play.