Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

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How does Shakespeare maintain our interest in his play, "Romeo and Juliet" when we are told in the prologue how the play is going to end? How does Shakespeare maintain our interest in his play, "Romeo...

How does Shakespeare maintain our interest in his play, "Romeo and Juliet" when we are told in the prologue how the play is going to end?

How does Shakespeare maintain our interest in his play, "Romeo and Juliet" when we are told in the prologue how the play is going to end?

Please consider language and technique, structure and dramatic features, characterisation and themes.

Thanks! =]

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litteacher8 eNotes educator | Certified Educator

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write15,968 answers

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I have a theory on the prologue.  I think Shakespeare wanted to tell us that things were going to end in tragedy so that we would be prepared, and we would know what was going to happen and therefore follow his message a little better.

Shakespeare prepares us for the story.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes(5)

A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;

Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows

Doth, with their death, bury their parents’...

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e-martin eNotes educator | Certified Educator

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