Even before this play has begun, we are told, by Chorus, of the two "star crossed lovers", who take their life! Therefore, Chorus is already preparing you for death!
Chorus tell us of the warring faction between Montague and Capulet, by stating the, "ancient grudge", (which is never explained), and broodingly pervades the play from start to finish. The play also begins with a fight, eventually involving virtually the whole cast! Before being stopped, by Escalus, Prince of Verona. The animosity is ever present, again stated by Chorus, "and the continuance of their parents rage", and by the persistent hounding of Romeo by the Capulet master swordsman, Tybalt. There is little light relief in the play, perhaps the musings of the two Capulet servants at the plays beginning, the illiterate Peter, the fond chattering of the nurse, but, overall, there is a desperate sense of ever approaching tragedy, which envelops the two lovers in the end. Throughout, Romeo and Juliet, is a by-word in English theatre for Tragedy spelt large, and Shakespeare knew full well, how to bring an audience to its knees!
