QQuestionEnglish
QuestionEnglish
In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," what does the phrase "star-crossed lovers" mean in the context of the prologue?
A. Lovers who are blessed by the stars.
B. Lovers who are fated to meet each other.
C. Lovers who are opposed by fate.
D. Lovers who are extremely fortunate.
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Understand the Literal Meaning
The phrase "star-crossed lovers" literally refers to lovers whose relationship is doomed from the start. In Shakespearean and Elizabethan language, being "crossed by the stars" implies that celestial forces (astrology) are working against them.
Step 3:: Analyze the Prologue's Context
In the prologue of "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare introduces the lovers as being fundamentally opposed by fate. The phrase suggests that Romeo and Juliet are destined to fail due to circumstances beyond their control - specifically the long-standing feud between their families, the Montagues and Capulets.
Step 4:: Interpret the Metaphorical Meaning
"Star-crossed" metaphorically means: - Their love is predetermined to be tragic - Cosmic or supernatural forces are aligned against their relationship - Their romance is doomed from the beginning
Step 5:: Eliminate Incorrect Options
- Option A is incorrect: They are not blessed, but cursed - Option B is partially true but incomplete - Option D is incorrect: They are not fortunate
Final Answer
Lovers who are opposed by fate. The phrase perfectly captures the tragic destiny of Romeo and Juliet, whose love is ultimately destroyed by external forces and familial conflict.
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