ALL of the following are true of this prologue, except for WHICH?
A It is spoken by Romeo’s father.
B It rhymes.
C It is spoken at the beginning of the play.
D It is in sonnet form.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. It is spoken by Romeo’s father.
Explanation:
The prologue of Romeo and Juliet is delivered by a chorus, not by Romeo’s father. In fact, it is one of the most famous prologues in all of literature, providing a brief summary of the events that will unfold in the play. The chorus serves as a narrator, giving the audience a preview of the tragedy and setting the tone for the rest of the play.
Now, let’s look at the other options to see why they are true:
- B. It rhymes.
The prologue is written in rhymed verse, which is a distinctive feature of many Shakespearean plays. The rhyme scheme of the prologue follows the pattern of a Shakespearean sonnet, with alternating lines that rhyme. - C. It is spoken at the beginning of the play.
This is also true. The prologue appears before any dialogue or action takes place, offering the audience an introduction to the plot and themes of the play. - D. It is in sonnet form.
The prologue is indeed written in sonnet form. Shakespeare often used sonnets in his plays, and this prologue is no exception. The 14-line structure, combined with the rhyme scheme and meter, fits the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet.
In summary, the prologue of Romeo and Juliet is spoken by a chorus, not Romeo’s father, and it is written in sonnet form with rhymed verse, spoken at the beginning of the play.