The Montagues and Capulets

The Montagues and Capulets are two powerful families in Verona, Italy, who have a longstanding feud that forms the backdrop of William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.”

The rivalry between the Montagues, led by Lord Montague, and the Capulets, led by Lord Capulet, fuels the tragic events that unfold in the play, ultimately leading to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

Key Points

• The Montagues and Capulets are two noble families in Verona.
• They have a long-standing feud that permeates the entire city.
• The rivalry between the two families leads to violence and tragedy.
• Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with Juliet, a Capulet, sparking the events of the play.
• The feud between the families is ultimately resolved through the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

Key Terms

• Feud – a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute between two families or groups.
• Noble – belonging to a high social class, especially one that has a hereditary title.
• Rivalry – competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.
• Tragedy – a play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character.