General
What is the purpose of the prologue?
The prologue sets the scene for the reader and also gives some background information/and overview of the play
Where do we first see Benvolio and how do his actions characterize him?
Benvolio tries to break up a fight between the servants of the Montagues and Capulets. This scene characterizes him (as his name suggests) as good natured and non-confrontational.
When we first see Romeo, he is sad. Why is he sad and how is he acting?
Romeo is sad because the girl he loves, Rosaline, does not love him. He spends his early mornings wandering around town and locking himself in his room.
"Oh, find him! Give this ring to my true knight and tell him to come to say his last goodbye"
Juliet to Nurse
"O mischief, thou art swift/ To enter in the thoughts of desperate men!/ I do remember and an apothecary,/ And hereabouts 'a dwells [...]"
Romeo after finding out about Juliet's "death."
What is iambic pentameter and how is it used in the play?
rhythm of pairing ten syllables for each line into five pairs. An unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. Used in the play to showcase a character's social status.
Give two examples of events that help us to characterize Mercution
- Scene at the Capulet Mansion - Act 1: Confrontational
On what condition will Capulet agree to Juliet's marriage to Paris?
If he woos her
"Oh, my love! My wife! Death, that has sucked the honey from your breath, has no power yet over your beauty...beauty's flag is still crimson in your lips and cheeks"
Romeo to Juliet
"But I can give thee more more,/ For I will raise her statue in pure gold,/ That whiles Verona but that name is known,/ There shall no figure at such rate be set,/ As that of true and faithful Juliet."
Montague
name two characteristics of Juliet's nurse.
inappropriate jokes, helpful, overly dramatic
Why won't Juliet's Nurse give her Romeo's message as soon as she returns from her mission
Because she claims she is tired. How does this help us to characterize her? Think back to the movie clip if you need some clues.
Why does Capulet stop Tybalt from fighting Romeo at the Capulet mansion?
Because Capulet does not want to disturb his guests
“My grave will probably be my wedding bed"
Juliet to herself
"Violent passions have violent ends"
Friar Lawrence to Romeo
Explain the following line: "From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,/ Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean."
Showcases the longstanding animosity between the Capulets and the Montagues, predicts that there will be violence and blood with be spilled.
What is suggested by Romeo's words and actions in the Friar's cell during Act 3?
This scene showcases Romeo's immaturity and dramatic nature.
When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about getting married, how does Juliet reply?
Juliet responds by saying "it is an honour that I dream not of."
"My only love springs from my only hate!
Juliet speaking to herself
“Tybalt, here slain, whom Romeo’s hand did slay.”
Benvolio
Explain the following line: "...A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;/ Whose misadventured piteous overthrows/ Doth with their death bury their parents' strife."
the death of both Romeo and Juliet ends the battle between the Montagues and the Capulets.
Name TWO character foils and explain how they are foils
Answers may vary
Why does Capulet think it will be easy for Montague and him to keep the peace?
Because they are mature enough to keep to themselves
"Well, don't swear. I'm delighted by you, but I'm not delighted by our pledges tonight. Our love is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden"
Juliet to Romeo
"Thursday is near, lay hand on heart, advise:/ And you be mine, I'll give you to my friend;/ And you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets,/ For by my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee, Nor what is mine shall never do thee good."
Capulet to Juliet after she refuses to marry