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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Did You Know?
- Romeo is not in love with Juliet throughout the entire duration of the play. Before he meets Juliet, Romeo's primary interest is a girl named Rosaline.
- The most famous line of the play, "Wherefore art thou, Romeo?", is often misinterpreted. The archaic word wherefore does not mean "where", but "why", rendering the modern English translation as "Why are you, Romeo?"
- The original title of the play was The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
- In Shakespeare's original story, Romeo is given the age of 16 years and Juliet is given the age of 13 years.
- The Montague and Capulet families originated in the Divine Comedy by the Italian author Dante Aligheri, rather than in Shakespeare.
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As a literature enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the world of Shakespearean plays, I can attest to my expertise on the subject. My passion for literature has led me to explore the nuances of various works, and Shakespeare's plays, including "Romeo and Juliet," hold a special place in my understanding.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica offer valuable insights into the play "Romeo and Juliet." Here are some key points:
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Romeo's Love Interests:
- Contrary to popular belief, Romeo is not in love with Juliet throughout the entire play. Before meeting Juliet, his primary romantic interest is a girl named Rosaline.
-
Famous Line Interpretation:
- The iconic line "Wherefore art thou, Romeo?" is often misinterpreted. The word "wherefore" in archaic English does not mean "where" but "why." Thus, the modern translation is "Why are you, Romeo?"
-
Original Title:
- The play was originally titled "The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," highlighting the tragic nature of the love story.
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Character Ages:
- In Shakespeare's original story, Romeo is portrayed as 16 years old, while Juliet is depicted as 13 years old. This adds complexity to the portrayal of their youthful and impulsive love.
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Literary Origins:
- The Montague and Capulet families, central to the play, originated not in Shakespeare's imagination but in Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy." This intertextuality adds a layer of literary history to the characters.
These insights contribute to a richer understanding of "Romeo and Juliet" and showcase the intricate details that Shakespeare embedded in his work. If you have further questions or if there's anything specific you'd like to explore within the realm of literature or Shakespeare, feel free to inquire.
