Shakespeare Today: Romeo and Juliet - Context

This video explores the context and themes of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. It covers the historical influences on the play, including the lack of concern for plagiarism in Shakespeare's time and the inspiration from Italian novellas. The video discusses the play's genre as a tragedy with comedic elements, the portrayal of love compared to Petrarchan poetry, and the tragic elements influenced by the plague. It also examines the political and religious context, highlighting family feuds and the role of fortune. Finally, it addresses gender roles and family dynamics in Elizabethan society.

Which ancient authors influenced the story of 'Romeo and Juliet'?

• Sophocles and Euripides

• Plato and Aristotle

• Ovid and Xenophon

• Homer and Virgil

How did Shakespeare alter the original Italian version of 'Romeo and Juliet'?

• He extended the plot's time frame.

• He made the characters less complex.

• He shortened the plot's time frame.

• He removed all comedic elements.

What genre does 'Romeo and Juliet' primarily belong to?

• Comedy

• Tragedy

• Action

• Romance

What is the main difference between Romeo's love for Rosaline and Juliet?

• His love for Rosaline is more spiritual.

• He meets Juliet before Rosaline.

• His love for Juliet is more genuine and deep.

• He writes more poems for Rosaline.

Why did Shakespeare incorporate more death into his plays?

• To increase the length of the plays

• To reflect the impact of the plague

• To mimic Greek tragedies

• To appeal to a younger audience

What historical family rivalry is mirrored in 'Romeo and Juliet'?

• The Plantagenet and Valois families

• The Stuart and Tudor families

• The York and Lancaster families

• The Borgia and Medici families

How does Juliet challenge the patriarchal society in the play?

• By becoming a queen

• By leading a rebellion

• By writing her own plays

• By refusing to marry Paris