Shakespeare’s Catholic Knowledge in Romeo and Juliet

Thesis Abstract

The issue of William Shakespeare and his relationship with Catholicism has become a prominent and much debated topic in recent years. This paper addresses Shakespeare’s religion through the lens of Catholic imagery in Romeo and Juliet. By analyzing the text of the play, this paper examines religious metaphors, the character of Friar Lawrence, and sacramental references, which combined serve to create one of Shakespeare’s most patently Catholic works. Although Shakespeare’s faith cannot be definitively proven, this paper finds that, based upon evidence in Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare did indeed have an intense knowledge of the forbidden religion -- one that manifests itself throughout the tragedy.