: It establishes the setting (Verona), the conflict (an ancient feud), and the theme (fate vs. choice) before the first scene even begins.
In many ways, the acts as the play's internal subtitle. Spoken by a Chorus, it provides the essential context for the "two households, both alike in dignity" and famously labels the pair as "star-cross'd lovers" . subtitle Romeo and Juliet
: It is written as a Shakespearean sonnet, signaling to the audience that this is specifically a love story. Modern Subtitling and Translations : It establishes the setting (Verona), the conflict
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For modern viewers and students, "subtitles" often refer to translated or simplified versions of the text: : It establishes the setting (Verona)