Romeo and Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.

In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers' final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.

Scholars generally date the writing of Romeo and Juliet to 1595-96. Sources include Arthur Brooke's Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet. A version was published as a quarto in 1596; a fuller text appeared as a quarto in 1599.

Productions at the Folger

• Romeo and Juliet (Folger Theatre, 2013)
• Romeo and Juliet (Folger Theatre, 2005)
• Shakespeares R & J (Folger Theatre, 2000)
• Romeo and Juliet (Folger Theatre, 1997)
• Romeo and Juliet (Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, 1993)

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: 2e3r - 2g1r

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: 2g5v - 2i5v

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

First Quarto

LUNA: First Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22322

Second Quarto

LUNA: Second Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22323 Copy 1

Third Quarto

LUNA: Third Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22324

Fourth Quarto

LUNA: Fourth Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22325a

Fifth Quarto

LUNA: Fifth Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22326 Copy 1

Modern editions

Romeo and Juliet can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

The Folger Luminary Shakespeare App can be purchased on iTunes.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2004 copy 2 v.29

Notes

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