Religion

• Religion is a powerful force in the play

Friar- represent the church in Verona 

Church 

Church had a big influence in the 16^thCentury. Romeo and Juliet have to live by moral rules set by the church 

Audience 

Contemporary audience may have felt some sympathy for Romeo and Juliet but may have also judged them for committing a number of sins throughout the play

16th Century 

• At the time Shakespeare wrote the play, Italy was a Catholic country and there was a strong belief of damnation and mortal sin

Suicide and Bigamy 

• People thought that suicide and bigamy were mortal sins

Juliet would have been terrified of being condemned to hell for marrying Paris after she had secretly married Romeo. Romeo and Juliet knew that they risked being condemned to hell