Setting and Context
“In which city is Romeo & Juliet set?”
Verona
“Who says ‘These violent delights have violent ends’?”
Friar Laurence
“Who sells poison to Romeo?”
Apothecary
“What is a ‘tragic hero’ and who fits this role?”
A noble protagonist with a fatal flaw; Romeo
“How does fate directly cause the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?”
Delays and miscommunication lead Romeo to believe Juliet is dead
“What is the social conflict that fuels the story?”
The feud between Montagues and Capulets
“Complete the quote: ‘O, I am fortune’s _____’.”
fool
“Which character provides comic relief by talking about dreams?”
Mercutio
“Define ‘foreshadowing’ with an example from the play.”
Hinting at future events; e.g., Romeo’s fear before going to the Capulet feast
“What role does the letter from Friar Laurence play in the plot?”
It fails to reach Romeo, leading to tragedy
“What era is the play traditionally set in?”
Renaissance Italy
“Who says ‘Three civil brawls/bred from an airy word/by thee Old Capulet and Montague/ have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets?”
Prince Escalus
“Why is Friar Lawrence’s message to Romeo delayed?”
The plague delayed Friar John from delivering the message.
“What is a ‘soliloquy’ and name one in the play.”
A speech given alone revealing inner thoughts; Juliet’s ‘O Romeo, Romeo’ speech
“What is the significance of the Prologue in terms of fate?”
It declares their fate as ‘star-crossed lovers’ doomed to die
“Why is the public feud important to the plot?”
It creates the tension that leads to tragedy
Who said, “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Juliet
“Who is the Montague servant that tries to break up the street fight?”
Abram
“Explain ‘comic relief’ and who provides it.”
A humorous moment to lighten mood; Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech
“How does Romeo’s banishment impact the unfolding of fate?”
It isolates him from Juliet, contributing to misunderstandings
“How does the historical context of Renaissance Italy influence the play’s themes?”
Ideas of fate, honor, and family loyalty reflect Renaissance values
“Who says, ‘Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast’?”
Friar Laurence
“Who is Peter, and what role does he play?”
Capulet servant to the Nurse
“What is ‘dramatic irony’ in the tomb scene?”
Audience knows Juliet is alive, Romeo does not
“How do the repeated references to stars and the heavens reinforce fate?”
They symbolize destiny controlling the characters’ lives