This story was already well known in English, French and Italian, during Shakespeare's lifetime.
The play is very fast moving, taking place over a relatively shore period of time, four days.
Shakespeare virtually encompasses the play in the opening sonnet, stating two star cross'd lovers whose deaths ' bury their parents strife'.
The play opens with a fight, which eventually involves almost all of the cast in one fell swoop. First, servingmen of both Capulet and Montague taunt each other in the street.
Next, Benvolio and Tybalt get involved.
Then the citizens of the watch join in.
After them, Capulet and Montague shape up to each other.
Finally, Escalus Prince of Verona steps in, and roundly berates the lot of them!
The play is very fast moving, taking place over a relatively shore period of time, four days.
Shakespeare virtually encompasses the play in the opening sonnet, stating two star cross'd lovers whose deaths ' bury their parents strife'.
The play opens with a fight, which eventually involves almost all of the cast in one fell swoop. First, servingmen of both Capulet and Montague taunt each other in the street.
Next, Benvolio and Tybalt get involved.
Then the citizens of the watch join in.
After them, Capulet and Montague shape up to each other.
Finally, Escalus Prince of Verona steps in, and roundly berates the lot of them!
