Romeo and Juliet

1594

When was the play written

A real Italian love story from the 3rd C

What was it based on

the renaissance

What era does the play take place during

catholic

what christianism did Europe follow

the reformation were Henry 8 made England protestant, then Edward - protestant, Mary - catholic, Elizabeth - protestant

what event in England preceded the play

Suicide

What act that Romeo + Juliet commit is sinful

fathers were head of house = patriarchy

Role of men

women had no right or authority by law, they could only influence men, to marry and give birth to kids

Role of women

they were property, children were raised by a wet nurse who would even breastfeed

Role of kids (high society)

polite, ceremonious, restrained, intellectual, courteous - no contact - letters, gifts, poems

courtly love

divorce

What marital right did exist

slightest insults had to be avenged as a matter of personal pride

How did family honour affect stuff

they believed in it, rich would get horoscopes for having kids + big decisions

What did Elizabethans think of fate + astrology

people didn’t think they had it, they thought everything was predestined

What was the Elizabethan opinion on free will