Shakespeare Background Notes
When and where was Shakespeare born?
April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon
What historical event does the nurse use to help her remember Juliet's age?
The earthquake 11 years earlier
Name in order the three things Romeo did to stop the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio:
Asks them, reminds them of the Prince's warning, and steps in between them
How does Friar Lawrence get the idea for the sleeping potion?
Juliet is talking about suicide
The first names of his mother, father, and wife
Mary, John, Anne
The prologue tells us this will happen to Romeo and Juliet AND the effect it will have on their families
They will die; the families stop fighting
When Juliet said, "It is an honor I dream not of," what was she referring to?
Marrying Paris
What does Romeo predict for the future after learning that Mercutio died?
More death will follow
Why doesn't the nurse discover that Juliet is "dead" right away?
The curtains around her bed are closed
Shakespeare was how old when he died, and where is he buried?
52; Trinity Church
How does the fight in the first scene begin?
The Capulet servants insult the Montague servants
Mercutio said these come from fantasy and don't mean anything
Dreams
DAILY DOUBLE! Get this question correct and win 600 points!
When Lady Capulet hears what Benvolio said about the fight, she called him this AND had this theory about what happenedA liar; 20 armed men jumped her nephew
What is the penalty for selling poison in Mantua?
Death
What theatrical company did Shakespeare belong to?
The Lord Chamberlain's Men
What is Romeo doing that is concerning his father, AND what does Benvolio find out is wrong?
Crying, staying in his room; he's in love with Rosaline
Romeo has a dream the night before the party, and a result, what does he believe?
That he will die as a result of what happens that evening
Daily Double! Answer this question correctly and win 800 points!
When Juliet compared Romeo to stars, she claimed that she wanted to do this when he died
Cut him out in little stars and hang him in the sky
Daily Double! Answer this question correctly and win 800 points!
In the final scene, why was Paris in the churchyard?
He was putting flowers on Juliet's tomb
Explain where these people would be seated in a theater in Shakespeare's time:
The very rich, the middle class, and the poor
At the very top, in the middle, standing next to the stage
Daily Double! Answer this question correctly and win 1,000 points!
Who commands complete obedience and respect and will fly into a rage when these are lacking
Lord Capulet
How does Romeo find out about the Capulet's party, AND what does Benvolio say Romeo will realize at the party?
He read the guest list for Peter; his swan will look like a crow
Who recognizes Romeo at the party, and how?
Tybalt, by his voice
Friar Lawrence's plan for Romeo after he celebrates his honeymoon is to go to Mantua, let some time pass, and then what?
Come back to Verona to beg for mercy
What offer does the Friar make after he tells what happens?
Punish him by taking his life
DAILY DOUBLE! Get this question correct and win 1,200 points!
Explain what happened in the alternate ending that was never written down, AND explain what "star-crossed" is a reference to.
Romeo & Juliet survived; it's a reference to fate
Wants to keep the peace at all cost AND the person who is a source of advice and friendship to both Romeo and Juliet
Benvolio; Friar Lawrence
DAILY DOUBLE! Get this question correct and win 1,200 points!
What does Benvolio say Romeo will realize at the party about Rosaline?
That compared to other girls, Rosaline will look like a crow
Daily Double! Answer this question correctly and win 1,200 points!
Identify the speaker of this quote:
"My life is my foe's debt!"
Romeo
Friar Lawrence plans to communicate with Romeo through his servant with this name:
Balthasar
Who does the Prince blame for the cause of all the deaths?
The families and himself
DAILY DOUBLE! Get this question correct and win 1,400 points!
In the background notes, I showed you a picture of two sets of bones that were found that belonged to a male and female teenager. Where were those bones found?
Verona
Known for being so cold-hearted she said, "I wish this fool were married to her grave!"
Lady Capulet
Identify the speaker of this quote:
"My only love sprung from my only hate!"
Juliet
What four things does Juliet call Romeo as he climbs down from her window?
Love, lord, husband, and friend