Act 1, Prologue Summary

The prologue tells exactly what is the play is going to be about. It explains that there are two families that are feuding. The two lovers in this story are from opposing households. This raises two questions for the audience. The first is if Romeo and Juliet's deaths could have been avoided if their families had stopped their feud. The second is will their deaths show the families that there has been enough bloodshed and maybe help them find peace. The chorus begs the audience to stay and find out.

Act 1, Prologue Analysis

Many plays in Shakespeare's time would start one or more acts with prologues to tell the audience what is going to happen. Many people in Shakespeare's time were illiterate. Therefore, playbills were ineffective and this was only way the people would know what the play was about.