Historical Context of Romeo and Juliet
Elizabethan England: The World of Shakespeare
When Shakespeare penned Romeo and Juliet (believed to be around 1595-1596), England was experiencing a cultural renaissance under Queen Elizabeth I. This period significantly influenced both the play's themes and its reception.
NoteThe play wasn't Shakespeare's original story - he adapted it from Arthur Brooke's poem "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" (1562), but transformed it into something far more dynamic and complex.
Social Structure and Family Dynamics
The Elizabethan era was marked by strict social hierarchies and family structures:
- Arranged marriages were common, especially among wealthy families
- Children (particularly daughters) were expected to obey their parents without question
- Family honor and reputation were paramount
- Blood feuds between noble families were not uncommon
When Capulet arranges Juliet's marriage to Paris without her consent, he's acting entirely within the normal social expectations of the time:
"I think she will be ruled In all respects by me; nay, more, I doubt it not"
The Italian Setting
Shakespeare set the play in Verona, Italy, which was significant for several reasons:
- Italy represented romance, passion, and danger to English audiences
- The Mediterranean setting justified the hot-blooded nature of the characters
- Verona was known for its political rivalries between powerful families
Understanding the Italian setting helps explain why the characters seem to move so quickly from love to violence - this was part of the English stereotype of passionate Italians.
Theater in Shakespeare's Time
The play was written for performance at:
- The Globe Theatre
