Context

Question 1

Where and when is the play set?

Answer 1

It is set in northern Italy (Verona) during the 16th century

Question 2

How does Shakespeare use images to reflect the context?

Answer 2

Shakespeare uses imagery to reflect the interests at the time (16th century England)
-For example, the bird imagery (‘tassel-gentle’, ‘falconer’, niesse) link to the hunting interest at the time
-Or the link to reading, as printed pages were more common and middle-upper class families were learning to read and write

Question 3

What was the society of the play like?

Answer 3

Patriarchal - Lord Capulet has decision over who Juliet is able to marry
It reflects what life was like in the 16th century

Question 4

What were the beliefs at the time?

Answer 4

Under rule of Elizabeth I, England’s main religion turned from Catholic
Dreams were taken seriously, so Shakespeare included references that a contextual audience would recognise and relate to
There was a big belief in astrology, so there are numerous references to the stars and fate