☝️ Key Points
- The city of Verona portrayed as a place dominated by passion and hatred
- The Montagues and Capulets represent the law in Verona with their powerful rivalry
- The external beauty of Verona contrasts with the internal prison of souls through omnipresent hatred and violence
- Characters like Benvolio, Mercutio, and Tybalt are representatives of the constant war and struggle in the city
- War is a dominant element in the daily life of the inhabitants of Verona
Interpretation
The song 'Verona' from the musical 'Romeo and Juliet' introduces the city and the atmosphere in which it is located. It portrays a city dominated by passion and hatred, especially by the two rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets. 'Where everyone passionately hates, and love never truly fits. Here, only two make the law, the Montagues and the Capulets!'. It is made clear that in Verona, although it may seem like a paradise outwardly, with blooming gardens and beautiful women, people's souls are imprisoned due to the omnipresent hatred and violence. 'The poison of hatred flows well here, in our lives, in our blood. The gardens bloom here every year, our women are wonderful. We live here in paradise, but our souls are in prison!'. Additionally, the Prince introduces various characters such as Benvolio, Mercutio, and Tybalt, and emphasizes that in this city, everyone fights against everyone and war dominates everyday life. 'City of madmen! Everyone fights against everyone! War dominates everyday life!'.