Lord Montague writes a letter to his niece Juliet, expressing his anger that she married Romeo, a member of the rival Montague family, who also killed her cousin Tybalt. He excludes Juliet from the family and threatens to kill her nurse and Friar Laurence, who married her and Romeo. Montague tells Juliet that if she wants to be accepted back into the family, she must kill Romeo and hang his body in the town square.

1. 17/07/1453
Dear Juliet,
Why have you done this to me? I can’t believe you married
Romeo, who didn’t bribe me and even killed your cousin; you
still love him! I can’t believe that you dishonored the pride of
our family. For what you have done, I exclude you from the
family and I promise to kill the nurse that raised you as well
as Friar Laurence, who married the two of you. If you want
to save them and become a member of our family again, you
must kill Romeo and hang his body on a tree in the Central
Square of Verona.
Yours,
lord Montague
Mitsos Alexandros / Tsavaris Iraklis
English Through Literature 2015-2016
Class b, Teacher A. Paraskevoulakou, MA
The merchant's
letter to
his son

2. 17/07/1453
Dear Juliet,
Why have you done this to me? I can’t believe you married
Romeo, who didn’t bribe me and even killed your cousin; you
still love him! I can’t believe that you dishonored the pride of
our family. For what you have done, I exclude you from the
family and I promise to kill the nurse that raised you as well
as Friar Laurence, who married the two of you. If you want
to save them and become a member of our family again, you
must kill Romeo and hang his body on a tree in the Central
Square of Verona.
Yours,
lord Montague
Mitsos Alexandros / Tsavaris Iraklis

3. 17/07/1453
Dear Juliet,
Why have you done this to me? I can’t believe you married
Romeo, who didn’t bribe me and even killed your cousin; you
still love him! I can’t believe that you dishonored the pride of
our family. For what you have done, I exclude you from the
family and I promise to kill the nurse that raised you as well
as Friar Laurence, who married the two of you. If you want
to save them and become a member of our family again, you
must kill Romeo and hang his body on a tree in the Central
Square of Verona.
Yours,
lord Montague
Mitsos Alexandros / Tsavaris Iraklis
Imagine that you are a 16th century silk
merchant from London. You were travelling
through Verona on your way to Venice when
you saw a lot of people fighting in the street.
Task
Write a letter to your son in England and describe
what happened. Explain about the Montagues and the
Capulets. Describe the fight and tell them about the
Prince’s decision.
*Use medieval male names or even use names from
Shakespearean characters!Have fun!

4. Dear Bennet,
while I was walking down the street, just looking
at a shop window, I heard screams. When I turned around,
I saw four people fighting with swords! That was a real du-
elling! Immediately, I asked a woman next to me what was
going on and what was all that racket about. She whispered to
me that it was the Montagues and the Capulets fighting again!
Lots of people gathered around them, watching
such a fearful sight, such a despicable dispute which ruined
the peace in this wonderful city. I couldn’t tell who was who.
Finally, the Prince came and stopped the two families from
killing each other! Pew! What a day! But how about you?
Write back!
regards,
your father,
Dennis Diomidus
Savina Muzaki

5. Dearest Socrates,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city
not far away from Venice. The local wine is excellent but the
people are not peaceful. Yesterday, I came across a street fight
between two famous families, who have been hating each other
so much; they are known as the Montagues and the Capulets.
This day, two members of each family, came across as
they were walking on the same street. These two groups began
fighting and very soon everybody got involved. The end wasn’t
good because the Prince arrived. He immediately started ac-
cusing the two members that they disturbed the peace in the city
of Verona.
I think it is time to return back home. I need some peace
of mind. Take care of yourself. Give a kiss to your beloved
mother.
your father,
York Rivers
Apostolis Stratou

6. Dear William,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far
from Venice. The local wine is excellent but people here are
not very peaceful. Also, I would like to mention an unusual
street scene, just as I was walking around the streets of the city
this morning.
I got sight of a street fight between two families in the
middle of the main street. Both of them were very angry and
nobody wanted to get in the middle. Luckily, the principles
stopped them in the right time.
The reason of their fight is unknown to me but I hope
they won’t carry it on since I’ve travelled all the way up here
for selling my merchandise.
Keep well,
your father,
William Ford
George Papadopoulos

7. Dear Shylock,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not
far from Venice. The local wine is excellent but the people are
not very peaceful. Yesterday, I was surprised in experiencing a
street fight.
The Montagues and the Capulets were the main oppo-
nents. There was always so much hatred between the two fam-
ilies, more like a vendetta. I heard that only Romeo wanted
peace but after what happened I don’t think there is a chance.
To put it in a nutshell, well, it is that Romeo, as he
was roaming in the streets, he came across Tybalt, who had
already been arguing with Mercurio, Romeo’s friend. In the
end, Tybalt killed Mercurio but then Romeo killed him to
take revenge.
Everyone thinks that Romeo had to escape from the city,
but there are rumors going on that he is in love with a mystery
girl so he’ll have to return.
Take care of yourself,
your father,
Edward Eglamour
Elina Kosmadopoulou

8. I came across a street fight. Somebody told me that the people
involved represented two families that had hated each other for
hundreds of years. I was scared! Suddenly, one sturdy man
hurt another young man with his sword.
I could not keep the local authorities in dark any more.
I started screaming for help. Some people who were calmer
than me realized what was going on, and came closer. When
they approached them, they finally witnessed the terrible scene.
In a few moments, the prince Escalus arrived on his white
horse.
They stopped fighting and apologized for their actions,
leaving the place. It was an amazing experience. How about
you dear son? Let me know how are things.
Greetings,
your father,
Francis Flute
George Tsiroukis

9. Dear Walter,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far
from Venice. The local wine is excellent but the people are not
very peaceful. Yesterday I came across a street fight. There
were two men fighting. Someone, whose name I’m not aware
of, made them stop. Besides, he promised to kill them if he ever
saw them fighting.
Later on, I found out that one of the fighting men was
a Montague and the other one was a Capulet. The Montagues
and the Capulets are two big families who live in Verona.
They’ve been fighting for many years. It’s a long, long story.
Now, I have to take care of my merchandize and make sure it
is sold in the open market.
How about you? How do you spend your time? Any
news from your sweetheart? Write soon!
Your father,
Escalus
Nickolas Sioutas

10. Dear Richard,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far
from Venice. The local wine is excellent but the people are not
very peaceful. Yesterday, I came across a street fight. As I
was walking along the street, I saw two men fighting.
Finally, I found out that they were the Montagues
against the Capulets. It is known that the Montagues and the
Capulets have had a conflict for many years.
I hope things are running smoothly over there. I miss
you all!
your father,
Flavius
Themistoklis Sarikopoulos

11. Dear Henry,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city
not far from Venice. The local wine is excellent, but the people
are not very peaceful. Yesterday, I came across a street fight
between the Montagues and the Capulets.
They are two wealthy families with a lot of
power, who don’t get along well. Two servants, one from the
Montagues and one from the Capulets, were fighting just in
the middle of the main street. A lot of people were watching the
fight, looking forward to knowing who’s going to win the fight.
I tried to stop them, but the people around the merchants didn’t
let me pass.
Write back as soon as possible with more news
from Verona.
See you soon,
your father,
Seacoal
Anna Bentzia

12. Dear Adam,
I am writing to you all the way from Verona, a beau-
tiful city not far from Venice. The local wine is excellent but
the people are not very peaceful. Yesterday I saw a street fight.
Many people were there and they were involved in a row.
When I got closer, I saw two young men fighting. Firstly,
they stared at each other, then they exchanged bitter words; no
sooner than that they got into a fight. When the sword fighting
started, the situation became tough. I had to leave though since
I had to meet with a few local merchants to discuss the price of
leather purses. Don’t worry about me. I’m safe!
Looking forward to meet you!
your father,
Brabantio
Dimitris Samoulikos

13. Geoffrey,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far from
Venice. The local wine is excellent but the people are not very
peaceful. Yesterday I saw a street fight. I was trying to stop
them but they pushed me back, saying “you stranger, stay out
of our business otherswise, you’ll be in trouble”. So, I left and
I asked for the way to the place I would spend a whole week.
Sincerely yours,
your father,
Holofernes
Spiros Strategos

14. Dear John,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far
from Venice. The local wine is excellent but the people are not
very peaceful. Yesterday, I saw street fight. The Montagues
and the Capulets were fighting again. I was really scared as I
couldn’t really take a shortcut to our house. There was a high
chance to get hurt. Luckily, the Prince of Verona arrived
and stopped the fight. Soon, the crowd dispersed. How are you
doing? I’ll be home in a month. Take care of your mother and
sisters.
Love,
your father,
Horatio
Athina Stratigou

15. Hello Arthur!
You cannot imagine what happened today, here in
the famous city of Verona. A fight for no real reason. Some-
one told me that they were the Montagues and the Capulets, the
two families who have shared hatred over five generations.
Fortunately, the prince of the town stopped such
foolish act and, then, threatened them that if they ever fought
again, they would be banished from Verona.
But let’s forget about it. How are you? And your
girlfriend? I will be back in two weeks. Take care of yourself!
Love,
your father,
Hugh Oatcake
Petros Leonte

16. Dear Robert,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far
from Venice. The local wine is excellent but people here are
not very peaceful. Yesterday, I saw a street fight . A group
of servants, representing different families, met by chance and
stated challenging each other. I’m talking about the Montagues
and the Capulets. The fight was dramatic but, guess what, no
one was winner. The prince of Verona arrived on time and
put an end to such a terrible scene. Fortunately, all is ok now.
Why don’t you visit me since I’m going to be away for a long
time? Think about it and let me know the soonest.
Regards,
Your father,
John Bates
George Zarifis

17. Dear Roger,
I’m writing to you from Verona, a beautiful city not far from
Venice. The local wine is excellent but the people are not very
peaceful. Yesterday I saw a street fight, between two big fam-
ilies the Montagues and the Capulets. It is known that people
argue because half support the Pope while the other half sup-
ports the emperor and as I heard that was the reason for the
hate between these two families.
The street fight started as an argument fired
among four slaves who argued about who was the best lord.
Then, two other men arrived. One of them, Benvolio, tried to
make peace but the other, Tybalt, wanted strongly to fight.
In short time, both lords arrived, swinging their
swords as their wives were trying to stop them. Soon, more peo-
ple gathered and they were all fighting in the street. Soon, the
prince of Verona showed very angry. He commanded them to
stop and drop their weapons aw well. He said it was the third
time the two families had a street fight. Turning to both lords,
the prince stated that they were old but not wise and, then, he
asked them to stop fighting. Finally, he threatened them that if
their families were caught on a street fight again, they would
all die. After such a mess, I got terrified and I left immedi-
ately for Venice; it was too dangerous in Verona. I’ll give you
more details when we meet.
your father,John Rugby
Chris Moraitis

18. Dear Hamlet,
You won’t believe what I witnessed during my
stay at Verona! I was walking delighted on the street as I had
just sold two necklaces for a very good price. Suddenly, I heard
men shouting and I soon realized that a sword fight was taking
place right next to me. There were only seven people and a lady
watching them. Four of them were definitely servants – I could
tell from their uniforms - but the rest were of higher class.
Only one of them was trying to make peace though
his efforts weren’t enough. The whole situation seemed very
strange to me. There was absolutely no reason for them to fight
but their thirst for war was helpless! Fortunately, the prince
of Verona arrived and stopped the fight a few minutes later.
Otherwise, it could even have led to someone being killed! I was
later told by some locals that these people were members of two
families: the Montagues and the Capulets. There has always
been hatred between them but nobody knows the reason behind
their rivalry!
Anyway, it won’t take long until I return
home! I really miss you and can’t wait to see you son! How’s
life back in the village?
With love,
your father,
Jupiter
Stelios Papelis

19. Dear Robert,
I arrived at Verona the other day to trade as I had
informed you. But a couple of days afterwards, something
terrible happened. Some aristocrats, I think they were named
the Montagues and the Capulets… umm… yeah, those were
their names. They started fighting on the street, in front of
my counter! First their servants, then some other guys, one of
whom looked really angry by the way, and then their seniors.
They fought physically against each other; didn’t give a damn
about me; they threw my counter over, all my groceries were
ruined. They were crazy! I’m seriously considering coming
back before schedule. So, get thing ready!
Your father,
Iago
Alexandros Sakellaridis

20. Dear Antony,
I’m writing to let you know about a very dis-
turbing experience I;ve had a couple of days on my arrival to
Verona. As I was strolling around the the city, I heard some
shouts coming right from the piazza.
I couldn’t control myself and, out of curiosity, I
followed them to find out what was happening. And you won’t
believe that 3 or 4 men were actually fighting.
The crowd was also making a fuss. As fighting
became violent and out of control, I wanted to leave but my
curiosity kept me there. I was watching a frivolous sight and
couldn’t do anything to prevent them until the Prince of Ve-
rona arrived and took care of it. He really knows how to run
politics and maintain peace in his city.
When I get more details about it, I’ll let you
know. Business is fine. In a couple of days, I’ll be in Venice.
See you in a few weeks.
All the best,
your father,
Hector
[Ioli Steker]

21. Dear Cornelius,
It has been a great trip so far. Today, I woke up at
six o’ clock and went to the in a fight. Then, a member of
the Montague family arrived and tried to make peace among
them. I think it was Benvolio. Unfortunately, a few minutes
later arrived Tybalt, the cousin of Juliet, who was the most
dangerous member of the Capulet family and challenged Ben-
volio in a duel. However, Benvolio didn’t want to fight and he
refused to. Moments later Lord Capulet and Lord Montague
arrived and wanted to fight as well. But, thanks to the arrival
of the Prince of Verona, the fight came to an end and no one
died that day.That was a reaaly interesting day in the mar-
ket!!!
with love,
your father,
Antonio Sextus
Alexandros Mitsou

22. Dear John,
I’m apologizing for not writing for a while, but
I work long hours and these months have been really tough for
me.
Yesterday, I came across a street fight. Some servants of
the Montagues and the Capulets again. Those servants started
the fight and soon members from both families arrived. Luckily,
the prince of Verona arrived and separated them.
These two families have been fighting for almost a
century! I’m afraid that someday one of their fights will get out
of control and many citizens will be killed, including myself.
Well, I think I’ll just carry on with my life
here, with all these concerns and, maybe one day, I will get the
chance to meet you again!
faithfully,
your father,
John Scot
Chris Katsoulis

23. Verona
Woodcut of fair Verona, where we lay our scene from the 1847
edition of The Illustrated Shakespeare