The Prologue
The prologue is one of the shortest segments of the play, yet it has a lot of useful information throughout it. Shakespeare also decided to write the prologue in sonnet form. The handout below explains the format and rhyme scheme of a sonnet (abab, cdcd, efef, gg), and lists how they are organized (4 lines, 4 lines, 4 lines, 2 lines)
Sonnets are an important element to Shakespeare's plays, which often contain references to love and affection. It's clear why Shakespeare chose to have the first element of his play about two "star-crossed lovers" be a sonnet! As we continue through the play we will see more sonnets, and touch on them as well. For now I want to make sure you understand the format of the sonnet, and it's purpose (poetic dialogue or imagery centered around the theme of love)
As a class we will read through the prologue, then you will be given some time to fill out the sheet below.
Sonnets are an important element to Shakespeare's plays, which often contain references to love and affection. It's clear why Shakespeare chose to have the first element of his play about two "star-crossed lovers" be a sonnet! As we continue through the play we will see more sonnets, and touch on them as well. For now I want to make sure you understand the format of the sonnet, and it's purpose (poetic dialogue or imagery centered around the theme of love)
As a class we will read through the prologue, then you will be given some time to fill out the sheet below.
- Make sure you save the document onto your laptop/on a usb stick. Throughout the play we will be writing "journal" entries such as this one, so be sure to label the documents and keep them organized!! You may want to create folders for each act or scene to help you find the entries
- If you're unsure what some of the words mean (setting/theme) please google them!
- Give examples from the prologue in your answers when explaining the information you gathered