What was Verona like in the 16th Century?
Verona was a damaged city full of confusion and conflict. This is why William Shakespeare set his play Romeo and Juliet In Verona as the themes of the play corresponding to the state of affairs in the itlaian city at the time. Shakespeare also set his play in Verona because he did not want to offend the royal family as the two families in the play could be argued to represent the battle in england of Protestants and Catholics. Shakespeare did not want to upset the Elizabeth the 1st who was a protestant leader as he may of got punished, therefore it was imperative that he clearly stated that his play was set in Verona as a pose to England.
