Themes and Motifs
This theme is central to the play and refers to the power of love to conquer hate and conflict.
What is the theme of love?
This character kills Mercutio, leading to Romeo's revenge.
Who is Tybalt?
This potion makes Juliet appear dead for 42 hours.
What is a sleeping potion?
Romeo purchases this substance before going to the Capulet tomb.
What is poison?
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Who is Juliet, and it means that names are not important; it's the essence of a person that matters.
This recurring motif in the play symbolizes the fleeting nature of love and beauty.
What is the motif of light and darkness?
The Prince of Verona issues this punishment for Romeo after Tybalt's death.
What is banishment or exile?
This character discovers Juliet unresponsive and believes she is dead.
Who is Nurse?
Friar Laurence's letter, explaining the plan, fails to reach this person.
Who is Romeo?
"O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?"
Who is Juliet, and it means why are you Romeo, the son of my family's enemy?
This theme explores the destructive nature of feuds and the consequences of hatred and violence.
What is the theme of conflict?
This character advises Juliet to marry Paris after Romeo's banishment.
Who is Nurse?
This family member discovers Juliet "dead" on her wedding day.
Who is Capulet?
This character is the first to discover Juliet's "dead" body in the tomb.
Who is Paris?
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow."
Who is Juliet, and she says this to Romeo as they part ways after their first meeting, expressing the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye.
This motif symbolizes the idea of fate and how it plays a role in the tragic events of the play.
What is the motif of stars and destiny?
This character delivers the news of Juliet's arranged marriage to Paris.
Who is Capulet?
Instead of going to the Capulet tomb, Romeo goes to this location after hearing of Juliet's "death."
What is Mantua?
Romeo and Paris fight in the tomb, resulting in this outcome.
What is Paris' death?
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Who is Mercutio, and it means that he curses both the Montagues and the Capulets, blaming them for his own death.
This theme highlights the theme of youth and the impulsive nature of young love.
What is the theme of haste and impulsiveness?
Romeo and Juliet secretly get married by this character.
Who is Friar Laurence?
Juliet takes this action before drinking the sleeping potion.
What is saying a prayer?
This character dies by using Romeo's dagger.
Who is Juliet?
"These violent delights have violent ends."
Who is Friar Laurence, and he says this to Romeo, warning him about the consequences of rushing into a passionate and impulsive relationship with Juliet.