Of Pentameter & Bear Baiting - Romeo & Juliet Part 1: Crash Course English Literature #2

In which John Green examines Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare. John delves into the world of Bill Shakespeare’s famous star-crossed lovers and examines what the play is about, its structure, and the context in which it was written. Have you ever wanted to know what iambic pentameter is? Then you should watch this video. Have you ever pondered what kind of people actually went to see a Shakespeare play in 1598? Watch this video. Were you aware that wherefore means “why?“ Whether you were or not, watch this video. In Shakespeare’s time, entertainment choices ranged from taking in a play to watching a restrained bear try to fight off a pack of dogs. Today on YouTube, our entertainment choices are just as wide-ranging. So you can either choose to watch the modern equivalent of bear-baiting (another cinnamon challenge) or you can be edified and entertained by John and Crash Course. So wherefore are you reading this description instead of watching the video? Consider supporting local bookstores by purchasing your books through our Bookshop affiliate link or at your local bookseller. Crash Course is on Patreon! You can support us directly by signing up at Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet? Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - CC Kids: