Literary Elements
Characters
Motivation
Plot/Setting
Quotes & Themes
100

What is the term for the struggle between the Montagues and Capulets that drives the plot?

 What is external conflict?

100
  • This character is Romeo's best friend and tries to cheer him up at the beginning of Act 1.

Who is Benvolio?

100
  •  At the start of Act 1, Romeo is heartbroken over this character. What is he seeking?
  • A: What is love? (He's in love with Rosaline but seeking reciprocation)
100
  • The play is set in this Italian city, home to both the Montague and Capulet families.
  • A: What is Verona?
100
  • Complete this famous line: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would..."
  • A: What is "smell as sweet"? (Juliet is asking why Romeo's name matters if she loves him)
200
  • Shakespeare opens Romeo and Juliet with a Prologue written in this poetic form. Name it.

What is a Sonnet? (14 lines, ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme)

200
  • Name the character who serves as Juliet's confidante and helper throughout Acts 1 and 2.

Who is the Nurse?

200
  • Why does Romeo crash the Capulet party in Act 1?
  • A: What is to see Rosaline? (Though he meets Juliet instead)
200
  • In Act 1, Scene 5, Romeo and Juliet first meet at this event.
  • A: What is the Capulet feast/party/ball?
200
  • Romeo calls Juliet this word in Act 2, comparing her to a bright light in the darkness.
  • A: What is "the sun"? (Full quote: "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? Yea, it is the east, and Juliet is the sun.")
300
  • In Act 2, Scene 2, Romeo compares Juliet to this celestial object in one of literature's most famous lines.
  • A: What is the sun? ("Juliet is the sun")
300
  • This hot-headed Capulet cousin challenges Romeo to a duel and is killed in Act 3 (mentioned in Act 2 context).

Who is Tybalt?

300
  • What motivates Juliet to sneak onto the balcony to meet Romeo in Act 2, Scene 2?
  • A: What is love? (She is drawn to Romeo despite the family feud)
300
  • The famous balcony scene occurs in Act 2, Scene 2. Complete the location: "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" is spoken from where?
  • A: What is Juliet's balcony?
300
  • This major theme explores how quickly Romeo moves from loving Rosaline to loving Juliet.
  • A: What is the nature of love? (or the intensity/speed of young love, or fickleness)
400
  • The theme of "star-crossed lovers" suggests this literary device—that fate controls the characters' destiny.

What is foreshadowing? (or symbolism/irony)

400
  • Romeo's friend who uses witty wordplay and jokes to mask deeper concerns; he serves as comic relief.
  • A: Who is Mercutio?
400
  • Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret because he hopes this will happen.
  • A: What is to end the feud between the families? (He believes their love can bring peace)
400
  •  In Act 2, Scene 6, Romeo and Juliet are married by this character in this location.
  • A: Who is Friar Lawrence? Where is it? (Friar Lawrence's cell)
400
  • Q: The Prologue tells us the lovers are "star-crossed." What does this theme suggest about their fate?
  • A: What is that their love is doomed/predetermined by fate/destiny? (Their stars are crossed, meaning fate is against them)
500
  • Identify the literary device used when Romeo and Juliet's love is described as "light" while their families' hatred is described as "darkness."

What is imagery? (or symbolism/contrast)

500
  • This character arranges Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage in Act 2, Scene 6.
  • A: Who is Friar Lawrence?
500
  • Why does the Nurse encourage Juliet to pursue Romeo despite their families being enemies?
  • A: What is her love and loyalty to Juliet's happiness? (She wants Juliet to be happy and sees Romeo as a worthy match)
500
  • Describe the immediate conflict that sets the play in motion at the very beginning of Act 1.
  • A: What is a street brawl between Montague and Capulet servants that escalates to include the families? (The Prince threatens death to anyone who disturbs the peace again)
500
  •  Identify the theme highlighted by the contrast between the Montague-Capulet feud and Romeo and Juliet's love.
  • A: What is love vs. hate? (or the destructiveness of hatred, or love as a force that transcends conflict)
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