Context Flashcards
Duelling and the concept of honour
Honour of your family name was very important. If you were deemed a duel and refused you would be seen as a coward. Most Elizabethan gentlemen carried swords no fought in streets
Courtly love and cures for love sickness
Where a knight was conceived with passion for an unattainable women. Romeo fts this perfectly. Doctors at this time saw unrequited love as a disease they sometimes even sent patience to church. They believed if it went untreated you would go mad.
Role of women in a patriarchal society
Society controlled by men. Women were seen as weak they were expected to be meek mild and obedient to their fathers and husband.
Arranged marriage
Marriage in wealthy families were arranged by parents in order to match or improve social status. Secret marriages were looked at as shocking and illegal.
The Italian setting of the play
Set in Italy known for its warring states. It’s a catholic country where religion was extremely important and marriage vows were seen as sacred, once made can’t be broken.
