Character Connections
Who is Romeo's first love before Juliet? (First and Last Name)
Rosaline Capulet
What is a soliloquy?
A speech where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often alone on stage.
What is a major theme depicted in "Romeo and Juliet" throughout Friar Laurence's monologues.
The theme of love versus hate.
What event in Act I initiates the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets?
A street brawl between their servants.
What is the relationship between Juliet and the Nurse?
The Nurse is Juliet's caretaker and confidante.
Identify an example of foreshadowing in "Romeo and Juliet" in Act I.
Romeo's premonition of some kind of misfortune before attending the Capulet party.
How does fate play a role in the story?
The characters often refer to fate, something larger than themselves, and the "stars", suggesting their tragic outcomes are predetermined.
What happens at the Capulet party?
Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love at first sight.
How are the Montagues and Capulets related?
They are rival merchant families in Verona.
How is dramatic irony used often in the play?
The audience knows more than the characters, thus creating tension and engagement.
How do the topics of youth and impulsiveness manifest in the characters' actions?
Romeo and Juliet make rash decisions driven by their passionate love.
How does Tybalt react when he discovers Romeo at the Capulet party?
He becomes furious and wants to confront Romeo.
Who kills Mercutio, and why is this significant?
Tybalt kills Mercutio; it escalates the feud between the families, and drives Romeo to avenge him, leading to his banishment.
Define iambic pentameter. How does it sound?
A type of poetic meter consisting of five iambs (unstressed/stressed syllables) per line. DA-duh, DA-duh
How does the motif of death in the play impact the overall meaning?
Death is a constant presence, culminating in the tragic ending that results from the characters' choices.
Describe the events leading to Romeo's banishment from Verona.
Romeo kills Tybalt in a duel after Tybalt kills Mercutio.
Describe the relationship between Romeo and Juliet.
They are young lovers from feuding families who fall in love at first sight.
What is a pun, and give an example from Act III.
A form of wordplay; for example, Mercutio's play on words with "grave" after he is stabbed.
What theme is expressed through the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets?
The destructive nature of feuds and hatred.
What are the circumstances of Romeo and Juliet's deaths?
Romeo believes Juliet is dead and takes poison; Juliet awakens and dies by suicide upon finding him dead.