The Prologue
What literary form is the prologue written in?
A sonnet
Which family hosts the ball?
The Capulets
What is the most famous line from "Romeo and Juliet" that is spoken by Juliet?
"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
Who kills Mercutio?
Tybalt
How does Romeo die in both the play and film?
Poison
What does "star-crossed lovers" mean?
Their fate is doomed or unlucky in love
What costumes are Romeo and Juliet wearing at the ball in Luhrmann's version?
Knight and angel costumes.
Finish this line and identify one technique used - "It is the East, and Juliet is the ___"
"Sun" - symbolism, metaphor
What famous curse does Mercutio yell before dying?
"A plague on both your houses"
What setting does Romeo and Juliet die in within both the play and film?
Play - Juliet's tomb
Film - a church full of candles
Who speaks the prologue in Shakespeare's play? Who delivers it in Luhrmann's film?
The Chorus; the newsreader on TV.
What are three things that water symbolises in the film?
Purity, innocence, barriers, calm etc.
In Luhrmann's film, how does the use of music during this scene add to the mood.
Soft, romantic music enhances intimacy and contrasts with the feud's violence.
What is the narrative term for this point in the play?
Climax
What does Juliet mean when she says "O happy dagger" and analyse the effect of one technique used.
She is welcoming death as a way to be with Juliet.
Dagger - symbolic of violence, death
Foreshadowing
What is the dramatic effect of the prologue in setting up the story?
It foreshadows tragedy and the feud between the families. It creates dramatic irony and builds tension.
Angel - innocence, purity, perfection
Knight - chivalry, strength, power
Identify FOUR ways Luhrmann makes the scene more modern and cinematic.
Swimming pool, garden lights, guards, close-up shots of faces, water reflecting purity
Identify FOUR ways Luhrmann emphasises the drama of this scene
Slow motion, storm rolling in, desert-like setting, music, exaggerated gestures, blood makeup
Describe what mood Luhrmann creates in the film and THREE ways he does this through film techniques.
He creates a romantic and sacred mood. Uses warm lighting, candles (symbolism), Juliet's white costuming, Romeo's sad and serious facial expressions
Give five examples of how Luhrmann modernises the Prologue for the film.
TV news broadcast; dramatic music, flashing headlines, quick cuts, police officers, buildings, fire motif
What does Paris wear to the ball? Identify THREE things his costume is symbolic of.
Astronaut - ambition, bravery, exploration, hope, idealism
Explain what message the balcony scene sends about a person's identity.
Being known for who you are, rather than where you come from.
How is Mercutio's character different to Romeo and Juliet? How does this create a shift in the rest of the play/film?
He is much more comical, witty and playful. His death marks the shift to tragedy.
What is the Shakespearean term for this scene? Hint: consider how Luhrmann wants audiences to feel.
Shakespeare creates catharsis - emotional release by "purging" their emotions. Audiences often cry.