The prologue

Question 1

The first line in the play shows the likeness of the families which makes their feud more ironic.

Answer 1

“Two households, both alike in dignity,”
“both alike in dignity” means they had the same social standing.

Question 1

Perfectly sums up the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

Answer 1

“A pair of star cross’d lovers take their life”
During the Elizabethan times, people believed in fate and that peoples lives were written in the stars.
To be “star cross’d lovers” meant that they were frustrated by the stars.

Question 2

Lover’s death ended their parent’s rivalry.

Answer 2

“Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife”
Use of bury is a play on words as by putting the words “bury” and “death” together emphasises importance of the lover’s death.