Read the excerpt from the beginning of “The Tragicall History of Romeus and Juliet” and answer the question.
But when the prudent prince, who there the sceptre held,
So great a new disorder in his commonweal beheld;
By gentle mean he sought, their choler to assuage;
And by persuasion to appease, their blameful furious rage.
But both his words and time, the prince hath spent in vain:
So rooted was the inward hate, he lost his busy pain.
When friendly sage advice, ne gentle words avail,
By thund'ring threats, and princely power their courage 'gan he quail
In hope that when he had the wasting flame supprest, In time he
should quite quench the sparks that burned within their breast.
Read the excerpt from Act I, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet.
Both excerpts focus on the Prince’s reaction to the Capulet and Montague feud. How do the two excerpts compare? Which one holds your interest more and why? What changes did Shakespeare make in form, content, and style when he adapted Brooke’s poem? In the space provided, write a 150-word essay comparing and contrasting the two excerpts. Include at least three specific references to the text.