An in-depth and easy-to-understand breakdown and analysis of Romeo and Juliet with plot summary, key scene breakdown, underlying ideas, and essay prep.
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Romeo and Juliet Study Notes
and Play Analysis
This narrative can best be described as a romantic tragedy, despite its initial
presentation as a comedy. It starts off light-hearted, filled with humor and jest,
only to subtly transition into a heartbreaking tale of love, loss, and sorrow.
Genre: Tragedy
A tragedy is a drama in which a series of actions leads to the downfall of
the main character, called the tragic hero. The plot builds to a catastrophe,
or a disastrous final outcome, that usually involves the death of the hero
and many others.
The 9 Elements of Shakespearean Tragedy at a
Glance
Elements Explanation
Tragic Hero A main character cursed by fate and possessed of a tragic flaw.
A Struggle
This struggle can take place as part of the plot or exist within the main
Between Good
character.
and Evil
Hamartia The fatal character flaw of the tragic hero.
The good being destroyed along with the bad at the resolution of the
Tragic Waste play. Often played out with the unnecessary loss of life, especially of
"good guy" characters.
External This can be a problem facing the hero as a result of the plot or a "bad
Conflict guy" character.
Internal
The struggle the hero engages in with his/her fatal flaw.
Conflict
The release of the audience's emotions through empathy with the
Catharsis
characters.
Romeo and Juliet Study Notes and Play Analysis 1
, Supernatural
Magic, witchcraft, ghosts, etc.
Elements
Lack of Poetic
Things end poorly for everyone, including the "good guys."
Justice
One or more humorous characters who participate in scenes intended
Comic Relief
to lighten the mood.
1. Tragic Flaw: In classic tragic fashion, the play revolves around a fatal flaw in
the protagonists, Romeo and Juliet. Their impulsive nature and unbridled
passion lead them into a series of ill-fated decisions, ultimately culminating in
their tragic demise. Their love, while genuine and intense, is also reckless and
impetuous, contributing to their downfall.
2. Conflict and Tension: The play is rife with conflict and tension, both within
the feuding families of the Montagues and Capulets and in the broader societal
context of Verona. The violent clash between these two families sets the stage
for the tragic events that unfold, highlighting the destructive consequences of
familial strife and societal division.
3. Fate and Destiny: A pervasive theme throughout the play is the notion of fate
and destiny. From the opening prologue, which foreshadows the "star-crossed
lovers" destined for tragedy, to the numerous instances of premonition and
foreboding, Shakespeare imbues the narrative with a sense of inevitability.
Despite their efforts to defy fate, Romeo and Juliet ultimately succumb to the
forces working against them.
4. Miscommunication and Misunderstanding: Much of the tragedy in "Romeo
and Juliet" stems from miscommunication and misunderstanding. From the
misinterpretation of messages to the failure to communicate their true
intentions, the characters' inability to effectively communicate exacerbates the
conflicts and leads to dire consequences. The tragic irony lies in the fact that if
the characters had been able to communicate more openly and honestly, the
tragedy might have been averted.
5. Death and Sacrifice: Death looms large over the play, serving as a constant
reminder of the stakes involved in the lovers' forbidden romance. The deaths of
Mercutio and Tybalt escalate the tensions and set the stage for the final
tragedy. Romeo and Juliet's ultimate sacrifice, choosing to end their own lives
rather than live without each other, epitomizes the tragic dimension of their love
story.
Romeo and Juliet Study Notes and Play Analysis 2
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