Is it me, or is this question worded badly?

[Muses]

Well, my first post here so hi!

Anyway, back to the point, this is the original question/instruction:

Explain that there are lots of interesting similarities between Romeo and the Friar and the relationship between Shakespeare and the old faith.

But is it asking me to explain the similarities between the relationship between Romeo and the Friar and Shakespeare's relationship with the old faith (Catholicism)

OR

Is it asking me to seperately explain how Romeo and the Friar are similar to Shakespeare's relationship with the old faith. For example, i wrote that the Friar is similar to a Catholic Priest and so this shows us that Shakespeare could have had a close relationship with Catholicism?

I really have no idea, help please!

Plus, for bonus points could you give me a few more similarities, i have some for the Friar but none for Romeo.

Thanks a ton!

Muses.




Oh and by the way, dont think im going to disappear. I came across this site while doing work and i think i'll hang around for a while, i particularly like the poetry section so ill probably be in there, see everyone around.

[kelby_lake]

I think it's asking you to explain the relationship between Romeo and the Friar and how it may or may not relate to Shakespeare's relationship with Catholicism. As part of that, you could mention that the Friar is portrayed as a typical Catholic priest and whether Shakespeare is negative or positive about the character.

And you're right, it is a badly worded question.

[kiki1982]

I agree with Kelby Lake; on both points.

I don't know the piece that well so I won't comment on the similarities.

and...and...and is to be avoided because it is not clear. They could have solved that problem with 'on the one hand/side ... on the other hand/side' or just put an Oxford komma.

Really :goof:

Oh, yes, and welcome ;)

[OrphanPip]

They could have just included a comma after Friar.

Edit: Oops, Kiki already mentioned that. Anyway, it's a terribly written question.

[kiki1982]

Thanks for correcting the spelling though... :nod:

[JBI]

The problem with the question seems to be the word "that", which isn't really proper wording for questions. Arguably, the removal of the word "that" would clarify the sentence tenfold. So as to make it, explain the similarities...

[Muses]

Thanks a lot!

And my English teacher is meant to be good at English. :eek: :goof:

[Whifflingpin]

It's an unanswerable question, since Shakespeare's relationship with catholicism is completely unknown. Besides which, the Old Faith, might mean some kind of pre-christian paganism.

[kiki1982]

With the Old Faith is undoubtedly meant Catholicism as the Reformation had made a New Faith (i.e. Protestantism) that was better and did not worship idols. Although the Reformation was about 60 years before, discussion must still have been apparent. And certainly, Shakespeare must have had an opinion about it, given that the Civil War was going to break out shortly after his death, partly around the issue of the queen being Catholic and the king having Catholic tendencies. The same issue still played in the 19th century.

[prendrelemick]

Shouldn't it be,- badly worded ?:D