Plot & Conflict
What is the main conflict introduced in Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet?
(Montague vs. Capulet feud)
What type of figurative language is used here? "It is the East, and Juliet is the sun."
(Metaphor)
How would you characterize Tybalt?
(Hot-headed, loyal to family, aggressive)
What is one theme topic that emerges by the end of Act 3?
(Love vs. hate; fate; impulsiveness; violence and revenge)
Where does the story take place?
Verona, Italy
What event happens at the Capulet party that intensifies the central conflict?
(Romeo meets Juliet and falls in love)
Identify the literary device: ““O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear—Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!”
(Imagery/Simile)
What motivates Romeo's actions after Mercutio’s death?
(Revenge and guilt)
How does Shakespeare show that Romeo is impulsive?
He quickly falls in love with Juliet, rushes into marriage, kills Tybalt without thinking
What is the mood of the opening scene?
Chaotic, violent, tense
What is the turning point (climax) in Act 3?
(Romeo kills Tybalt)
Which literary device is used when Juliet says, "Gallop apace…Towards Phoebus' lodging...”
(Allusion)
How does Benvolio act as a foil (opposite) to Tybalt?
(He is peace-seeking, calm — opposite of Tybalt)
Use context clues to define the word “piteous” in the Prologue: “A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; / Whose misadventured piteous overthrows…”
Meaning: deserving pity, sad
What is the tone of the balcony scene?
Romantic, dreamy, hopeful
What internal conflict does Juliet face after Romeo kills Tybalt?
(Her loyalty to Romeo vs. her love for her cousin)
Identify the literary device and what it describes: “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, / My love as deep…”
(Juliet comparing her love to the sea — Simile)
How is Juliet characterized in the balcony scene?
(Romantic, intelligent, cautious yet passionate)
What is the purpose of Friar Lawrence’s long speech in Act 2, Scene 3 about plants and poison?
To show his knowledge of nature and foreshadow how good and evil can come from the same source—like love and hate
How does Shakespeare use the setting of the Capulet party to shift the mood?
From lively and fun to romantic and tense
Describe an example of man vs. society conflict from Acts 1–3.
(Romeo and Juliet’s love defies their families’ expectations)
Capulet plans Juliet’s wedding to Paris to cheer her up, thinking she is mourning Tybalt. The audience knows she’s really heartbroken over Romeo’s banishment. What literary device is this an example of?
Dramatic irony
Which character serves as comic relief in Acts 1–3 and how?
(The Nurse or Mercutio — open-ended)
Shakespeare sometimes uses sonnets or structured poetic forms. What is one possible purpose for using them in emotional scenes?
To emphasize the intensity of emotion, elevate romance, or show formality
Describe how tone shifts after Mercutio’s death.
From playful or comedic to serious and tragic