Act 1
Where does the play take place?
What does the Act 2 Prologue say happened to Romeo's love for Rosaline?
The prologue mentions that the love he had for Rosaline is now dead.
At the beginning of Scene 1, what does Benvolio warn Mercutio about?
Benvolio warns Mercutio that they should go home since it's hot out and the Capulets have been roaming the streets. He feels that if they do not go home, a fatal fight between the two households since people are usually more irritable in the heat.
Friar Laurence devises a plan to help the newlyweds, Romeo and Juliet. How would you describe his plan?
The Friar has a potion that will make her appear to be dead. If she drinks the potion, her family will grieve over her "dead" body and take her to their tomb. While she's in the deep sleep, the Friar will send a message to Romeo in Mantua telling him of their plan to trick her family and plan her escape. Romeo will sneak back to Verona and be there at the tomb when Juliet awakens. Once she wakes up, the two can be reunited and run away together.
Who brings the news from Verona? What is the news?
Romeo's servant, Balthasar, brings the mistaken news of Juliet's death.
How old is Juliet and what are her father's thoughts about allowing her to marry?
Juliet is thirteen. Her father thinks that she is too young to get married and would like her to wait a couple more years.
With whom does Friar Laurence assume Romeo has spent the night?
When Mercutio mentions his "grave man" line, what type of figurative language is being used? What is the meaning?
Mercutio is using a pun as he is dying from Tybalt's stab wound. The first meaning hints to him feeling somber or sad about the situation. The second meaning is more literal, since he knows that by tomorrow he will be dead.
In case the potion doesn't work, what item does Juliet keep with her in the bed?
Juliet keeps a dagger next to her in bed.
Why is it difficult to get a potion from Mantua? Why does Romeo believe this apothecary will sell him some despite this?
It is illegal to sell poison, but Romeo believes the apothecary will sell some to him because the man looks like he's starving to death.
Why doesn't Rosaline like Romeo?
She's made a vow to become a Catholic nun.
Why does Juliet ask Romeo not to swear his love by the moon?
The moon is not constant; it's always changing.
How does Juliet react to the Nurse saying, "Shame come to Romeo!"?
Juliet is upset with the Nurse because she and Romeo have just married. The Nurse is now bad-mouthing her husband and Juliet is taking offense to it.
What reason does Paris give for not having spent much time courting Juliet?
She has been too filled with grief over Tybalt's death, so Paris hasn't had an opportunity to really talk with Juliet about his interest in marrying her.
What is Friar Laurence's plan of action once he realizes Romeo hasn't received his letter?
He'll send another letter to inform Romeo of what's been happening with Juliet. In the meantime, the Friar will go gather Juliet from the tomb; she is set to wake up soon and he doesn't want her to be alone in such a creepy place.
He encourages Romeo to crash the Capulets' party and find a new girl to love since there are plenty of beautiful women in Verona.
Which character is the first to mention marriage? What does this show us about this character.
The first character to mention marriage is Juliet. This shows that she is a good girl who wants to do things by the book. She wants a relationship with Romeo but wants him to prove his commitment by marrying her.
Explain the Prince's judgment of Romeo's punishment and why he makes that ruling.
The Prince banishes Romeo from Verona. Since the Prince was a relative of Mercutio's, and he knows that Mercutio and Romeo were close friends, he shows Romeo some "mercy" by not having him killed. Though, if Romeo were to be found in Verona after his banishment, he would have to die.
Who is the first to find Juliet's body and think that she is dead?
The Nurse is the first one to find Juliet's body.
Why does Juliet kiss Romeo's lips even after he already died?
She spots the vial of poison and hopes there's enough poison left on his lips to allow her to die, as well.
Why does Romeo say he wants his tears to turn into fire and then burn out his eyes if he sees someone more beautiful than Rosaline? What does this say about Romeo's personality?
Romeo wants his eyes to be punished for lying to him since he "knows" that no one is more beautiful than Rosaline. This shows how emotional he is as a character and how prone he is to having exaggerated feelings and outbursts.
Why does Friar Laurence begrudgingly agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?
He hopes the marriage will stop some of the fighting between the warring families.
Why do Juliet's parents believe she is upset? What decision does Capulet make, thinking that it will cheer up Juliet?
They believe that Juliet is upset about Tybalt's death. Capulet decides that she will marry Paris, after all. He thinks that if there is a wedding, the event will bring some joy to the household and ease Juliet's grief and that she will thank her parents later for finding her a great husband.
Juliet was supposed to marry Paris on Thursday, but what has her father decided instead?
He's so happy that Juliet is polite and respectful again that he moves up the wedding date by a day. Instead of Thursday, Juliet and Paris will now be married on Wednesday.
Juliet says, "Thy lips are warm!" This is, quite arguably, one of the saddest lines in the entire play. Why are these four little words so meaningful?
They missed each other by mere minutes. The plan was so close to working out, but tragedy resulted instead.