R&J - FAMILY Flashcards
“Two households…”
“…both alike in _____”
Of equal status/power that’s why naturally the feud never ends; When Shakespeare says that the two households are alike in “dignity”, he doesn’t mean that they have the same level of self-respect.
He means that both families belong to the same social class–the nobility, the upper level of Verona society. They’re alike in their nobility - he’s mocking the fact that they do not have much self-respect since they act like barbarians starting fights and brawls in the streets, however, in an Elizabethan society where worth is greatly placed on social status and wealth, they have ‘dignity’ and are powerful.
Prologue
“Should I speak ____ of him…”
“…that is my husband”
Spousal loyalty on behalf of Juliet - going against her family honour for her love - questioning the importance of innate service to family in the face of love.
Act 3 Scene 2
“Deny thy father…”
“…refuse thy name”
Imperative verbs - not only does this subvert gender stereotypes but shows Juliet’s willingness to be with Romeo.
She yearns (commands) him to abandon his family honour, showing her disregard for family honour and ‘title’.
Although here, Juliet is talking to herself - she’s naive in believing she has the power to command Romeo, or assert dominance or perhaps she’s pretending to have the courage to do so to validate her emotions, either way we can see that when alone and left to her own thoughts, Juliet wants to rebel. She has a bold character and has firm opinions.
Act 2 Scene 2
“Good Capulet, whose name…”
“…I tender as dearly as my own”
He is alluding to his still secret marriage to Tybalt’s cousin Juliet. Because he loves Juliet, Romeo values her name just as much as his own. Once again this is an example of Romeo (and in other instances Juliet) abandoning their family honour in order to be together - they honour each other, which we also witness through their blasphemous attitude.
Act 3 Scene 1
“Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized…”
“…Henceforth I’ll never be Romeo”
Here we begin to see Romeo’s impulsiveness and his dedication to Juliet - He would change his identity if it means being worthy of her love. “Baptized” reinforces the idea that the two lovers worship each other, and although this was considered blasphemous, Shakespeare shows that when deeply in love, their lover becomes their ‘idol’ their religion. Juliet is Romeo’s religion.
Act 2 Scene 2
“A plague…”
“…o’ both of your houses”
Mercutio, who likely sees things for what they are, and is significantly wiser than his friends in the play, points pbame towards the Capulets and Montagues for the violence in Verona and ultimately his untimely death. Unlike, Romeo and sometimes Juliet, he doesn’t blame fate, and is aware of the reality that the “airy” and meaningless feud between the Capulets and Montagues is what has doomed Romeo, Juliet, and even Tybalt and himself.
Act 3 Scene 1
“Green…”
“…sickness carrion”
Act 3 Scene 5
“Ancient ______”
No one remembers the sprout of the feud, why they’re fighting, what they’re fighting for, but ultimately the reason why the feud continues is due to the masculine expectation that family honour is a priority to withhold.
PROLOGUE
“I will drag thee…”
“…on a hurdle thithe”
Act 3 Scene 5
“My _____ itch”
Act 3 Scene 5
