Romeo and Juliet: An Overview

Written by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy about the doomed love affair between two Italian youths, Romeo and Juliet, from two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. This story was originally published in 1597. 

Below are important characters in the story:

• Romeo: a son of the Montague family.

• Juliet: a daughter of the Capulet family.

• Lord Capulet: Juliet's father

• Lady Capulet: Juliet's mother

• Lord Montague: Romeo's father

• Lady Montague: Romeo's mother

• Tybalt: Juliet's cousin

• Count Paris: a rich count who wants to marry Juliet and who is also a kinsman to the prince of Verona

• Prince Escalus: a price of Verona, Italy

• The nurse: Juliet's personal servant

• Mercutio: Romeo's best friend

• Benvolio: Romeo's cousin

• Friar Laurence: Romeo's friend; a priest

Romeo and Juliet: The author

William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor. He was the eldest son born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 into a wealthy glove maker and wool merchant. Little is known about his childhood.

In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway, the daughter of a local farmer, and they had three children. He began his career as a writer and playwright when he went to London in 1588. Four years later, he became successful. His plays were played for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I.

Most of his plays can be divided into THREE categories: histories, comedies, and tragedies. Not only did he write plays, but he also wrote sonnets - special poems about love, consisting of fourteen lines long. 

In 1616, Shakespeare passed away, but his plays and poems live on. Some of his well-known works include:

• Romeo and Juliet (1595)

• The Merchant of Venice (1595-1596)

• Hamlet (1601)

Shakespearean Language

Below is Shakespeare's language that you will encounter when reading the text.