Romeo and Juliet is considered a tragedy for several reasons. It tells the story of two young lovers. Their relationship is doomed from the start due to their families’ feud and the forces of fate. Their untimely deaths ultimately end the feud, but this resolution comes at a high cost. The play powerfully explores themes of love, loss and consequence.

To use quotes effectively in your exam, select quotes that directly support your argument. Focus on themes or characters in the play. Make sure to explain the context of the quote, its meaning and its relevance to the question being asked. Connecting the quotes to specific themes like love, fate and conflict will strengthen your analysis.

The main themes in Romeo and Juliet include:

Youth: The impulsive, passionate nature of youth, as seen in Romeo and Juliet’s hasty decisions.

Love: The passionate love between Romeo and Juliet is key to the plot. The family love, or lack thereof, is also crucial.

Fate: The idea that the lovers are doomed from the beginning and cannot escape their destiny.

Conflict: The ongoing feud between the Montagues and Capulets that leads to the tragedy.

To remember key quotes, focus on understanding the meaning behind each one. Break them down into smaller parts and explain them in your own words. Create flashcards with the quote on one side and the explanation on the other. Practice writing essays using the quotes to reinforce your memory.

This quote, found in the Prologue, foreshadows the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet. It suggests that their love is doomed from the start due to external forces. These include their families’ feud and fate itself. It introduces the theme of destiny and highlights how the characters are powerless to change the course of their lives.