Romeo and Juliet - Context

Question 1

When was Romeo and Juliet written ?

Answer 1

Shakespeare wrote it in 1594, in the elizabethan era, also known as the renaissance - time of significant change in fields of religion, politics, science, language and arts.

Question 2

Where is the play set ?

Answer 2

Generally believed it’s based on a real Italian love story form the 3rd century - the real families are the Capeletti and Montecci families.

Question 3

What changes in religion occurred around the writing of the play ?

Answer 3

Following the ‘reformation’, when england became a protestant nation, having broken away from the control of the Catholic church.