Romeo And Juliet Prologue Translation

Unpacking Shakespeare's Prologue to Romeo and Juliet: A Line-by-Line Translation and Analysis

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet opens not with a bang, but with a carefully crafted prologue, delivered by the Chorus. This fourteen-line sonnet, written in iambic pentameter, immediately sets the scene, establishes the central conflict, and hints at the tragic fate awaiting the star-crossed lovers. Understanding this prologue is crucial to appreciating the play's themes and its dramatic trajectory. This article provides a line-by-line translation and analysis of the prologue, exploring its meaning and significance for a modern audience.

The Prologue: A Textual Examination

Here's the text of the prologue:

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; Whose misadventur’d piteous overthrows Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love, And the continuance of their parents’ rage, Which, but their children’s end, naught could remove, Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

Line-by-Line Translation and Analysis

1. "Two households, both alike in dignity,"

This line introduces the two main families, the Montagues and Capulets, establishing their social standing as equal. "Dignity" here refers to their social rank and prestige within Verona, not necessarily their moral character. The use of "both alike" hints at the symmetry of their conflict, a mirroring that will be reflected throughout the play.

2. "In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,"

This line sets the location: Verona, Italy, a city known for its beauty and romance, ironically juxtaposed against the violence and tragedy of the play. "Lay our scene" is a direct address to the audience, establishing the setting.

3. "From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,"

Here, the core conflict is introduced: a long-standing feud ("ancient grudge") that erupts into new violence ("new mutiny"). This emphasizes the cyclical nature of the conflict, passed down through generations.

4. "Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean."

This line is powerfully evocative. "Civil blood" refers to the bloodshed between citizens of the same city, highlighting the internal conflict and the devastating consequences. "Civil hands unclean" emphasizes the guilt and moral stain that violence leaves on everyone involved.

5. "From forth the fatal loins of these two foes"

This line introduces the source of the new tragedy: the children born from the feuding families ("fatal loins"). The word "fatal" foreshadows the tragic outcome.

6. "A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life;"

This is arguably the most famous line from the prologue. "Star-cross'd lovers" refers to lovers whose destinies are tragically intertwined by fate, a celestial force beyond their control. "Take their life" hints at suicide, a significant element in the play's climax.

7. "Whose misadventur’d piteous overthrows"

This line describes the tragic consequences of their love. "Misadventured" highlights the unfortunate and ill-fated events, while "piteous overthrows" emphasizes the suffering and downfall of the lovers.

8. "Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife."

This line suggests a resolution to the long-standing feud, brought about by the deaths of the lovers. Their sacrifice will, ironically, end the conflict that fueled their own destruction.

9. "The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love,"

This line describes the journey of their love, highlighting its dangerous and ultimately fatal nature. "Death-mark’d" emphasizes the inescapable tragedy.

10. "And the continuance of their parents’ rage,"

This line reinforces the stubbornness and unrelenting nature of the parental feud, which tragically fuels the lovers’ demise. The "continuance" emphasizes the cyclical and unresolved nature of the conflict before the lovers’ intervention.

11. "Which, but their children’s end, naught could remove,"

This line underscores the inevitability of the tragedy. Only the deaths of Romeo and Juliet can resolve the parental feud. "Naught could remove" emphasizes the depth and persistence of the conflict.

12. "Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage;"

This line directly addresses the audience, explaining that the play will depict the events described in the prologue. "Two hours' traffic" refers to the duration of the play.

13. "The which if you with patient ears attend,"

This line is a plea for the audience's attention and patience. The Chorus acknowledges that the play will be intense and requires focused observation.

14. "What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend."

This final line promises that any details left unexplained in the prologue will be clarified during the play. "Our toil" refers to the efforts of the playwright and actors to present a cohesive and compelling narrative.

Thematic Significance and Modern Relevance

The prologue serves several crucial functions. It immediately establishes the key themes of the play: fate vs. free will, love and hate, family conflict, and the destructive power of prejudice. The prologue’s brevity contrasts sharply with the emotional intensity of the play itself, creating a sense of foreboding and anticipation. The use of dramatic irony, knowing the tragic ending while the characters remain unaware, heightens the dramatic tension.

The prologue's relevance to a modern audience lies in its timeless exploration of human relationships and societal conflicts. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets can be interpreted as a metaphor for various forms of prejudice and division that persist in contemporary society. The play's exploration of love and its consequences still resonates deeply, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the impact those choices have on our lives and the lives of others. The tragic ending serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of hatred and the importance of communication and understanding.

The prologue also highlights the role of fate versus free will. While the lovers’ deaths are foreshadowed, their actions and choices contribute significantly to the tragic outcome. This interplay between destiny and individual agency remains a complex and relevant theme for contemporary audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the purpose of the prologue in Romeo and Juliet?

A: The prologue serves to introduce the play's main characters, setting, and central conflict. It provides a summary of the plot, establishing the tragic fate of the lovers and the resolution of the family feud. It also sets the tone and creates anticipation for the audience.

Q: Why is the prologue written in sonnet form?

A: The sonnet form, with its 14 lines and iambic pentameter structure, provides a concise and elegant way to present the key information of the play. The structure itself reflects the balance and symmetry of the play's themes.

Q: What is the significance of the phrase "star-cross'd lovers"?

A: "Star-cross'd lovers" refers to lovers whose destinies are tragically intertwined by fate or the stars. It highlights the inescapable nature of their tragic fate and underscores the theme of fate versus free will.

Q: How does the prologue foreshadow the play's ending?

A: The prologue explicitly states that the lovers will die and that their deaths will bring an end to the feud between their families. This knowledge creates dramatic irony and enhances the audience's anticipation and understanding of the unfolding events.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's prologue to Romeo and Juliet is a masterful piece of dramatic writing, providing a concise and impactful summary of the play's key themes and plot points. Through its carefully chosen words and poetic structure, it effectively establishes the tragic atmosphere and sets the stage for the ensuing drama. Understanding this prologue is essential to fully appreciating the complexities and enduring relevance of Shakespeare's iconic tragedy. Its detailed imagery and careful phrasing continue to resonate with modern audiences, proving the enduring power of Shakespeare's storytelling. The prologue's enduring popularity speaks to the timeless quality of its message and the power of language to convey profound emotion and understanding. By examining the prologue line by line, we gain a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare's genius and the lasting impact of his work.