Family Quote by William Shakespeare
““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; Whole misadventured piteous overthrows Do 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, nought 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.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare, 1597
The prologue warns that the tragic love story will resolve a long-standing family feud, but only through the lovers' deaths.
In simple terms: Love and hate intertwine, ending in tragedy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how personal sacrifice can end larger conflicts.
Themes
love
conflict
fate
family
tragedy
Mood
somber
reflective
poetic
Type
dramatic
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- theatre performance
- relationship counseling
- conflict resolution
- personal sacrifice
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
star-crossed lovers
family feud
destiny
Questions to Reflect On
- How does accepting fate affect our choices?
- Can love truly heal deep-seated hatred?
A Different Perspective
The prologue assumes the audience will accept fate as inevitable, which may limit agency.
