Location in "Romeo and Juliet"

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes how Shakespeare manipulates indoor and outdoor settings to drive the two different plots: the private love of Romeo and Juliet and the public feud between the Capulet's and Montague's. In doing this, public and private scenes are also intertwined to contrast the intensity and power of the young lover's passion with the folly and senseless damage of the old feud that dooms them. It also examines how Shakespeare manipulates the tension created by displaying these two plots, side by side in some scenes, to create both comedy and sorrow. Whatever the effect, Shakespeare skillfully plays with the societal meanings attached to these places to enhance the drama of the theatrical performance.

From the Paper:

"The play begins with the establishment of the families' feud by showing public conflict between Sampson and Gregory, servants of Capulet, and Abraham and Balthazar, of the house of Montague (I.i 35-55). This takes place in a public, outdoor arena, a street in Verona, which brings in two important elements of the feud between the two houses: the compulsion to fight because of family honor, which is demonstrated by the insults that preface the swordfight, and the sense of public justice holding these feuding men accountable, which hints that the feud is a legacy of the past."

More papers on Location in "Romeo and Juliet":

• Analytical Essay # 120581 : "Love in "Romeo and Juliet"
• Essay # 72370 : "Guilt, Blame and Death in 'Romeo and Juliet'"
• Essay # 85107 : "Fidelity in "Romeo and Juliet"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: