The prologue of William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" sets the tone for the tragic love story that is about to unfold. It is a sonnet with 14 lines, written in iambic pentameter, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The prologue is spoken by the play's chorus, a group of actors who appear on stage throughout the play to comment on the action.
In the prologue, the chorus sets the scene for the play by describing the feud between the Montague and Capulet families, which has been raging in Verona for years. They explain that the play is about "two households, both alike in dignity," who are "star-crossed lovers" destined to die because of their forbidden love. The chorus describes Romeo and Juliet as "a pair of star-crossed lovers" whose "misadventured piteous overthrows" will ultimately end the feud between their families.
The prologue also reveals the ending of the play, which adds to the tragic tone. The audience knows from the outset that Romeo and Juliet will both die, but they are drawn into the story nonetheless, hoping against hope that somehow the young couple will survive.
Overall, the prologue of "Romeo and Juliet" serves as a warning to the audience that the play will be filled with strife, tragedy, and love. It sets the stage for the unfolding of the story and gives the audience a framework for understanding the events that will transpire. The sonnet's poetry and rhyming scheme add to the play's lyrical and emotional impact.
