1
What starts the fight in Act 1 Scene 1?
Capulets bite their thumb at Montagues
Which character tries to break up the street fight in Scene 1?
Benvolio.
Who says, “I do but keep the peace”?
Benvolio
What does “star-cross’d” mean?
Doomed by fate.
Why is it significant that Mercutio isn’t part of either family?
It shows the feud’s violence impacts other people beyond just the two houses.
Why is Romeo upset in Act 1 Scene 1?
Rosaline doesn’t love him back (she’s sworn to chastity).
Which character escalates the fight and hates peace?
Tybalt
Who says “talk of peace? I hate the word”?
Tybalt
Where does Romeo and Juliet Take place?
Verona, Italy
What does Mercutio’s view of dreams in the Queen Mab speech suggest about his outlook on life?
He believes fantasies are foolish and people’s desires are dangerous illusions.
Why does Benvolio want Romeo to go to the Capulet party?
to compare Rosaline with other women and forget her.
What is Capulet’s response to Paris’s marriage request?
Juliet has to fall in love with him in order to give his blessing
Who is Mercutio related to, and who is he friends with?
Prince Escalus; the Montagues
Why does Friar lawrence decide to marry R&J even though he knows it's too soon?
He thinks it could end their families' feud
Why is Mercutio considered the “catalyst” (sets in motion) of the tragedy even though he isn’t the main character?
His decision to fight Tybalt forces Romeo into action, leading to Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment.
Why does Paris talk to Lord Capulet
Marrying Juliet.
Why is Juliet closer to Nurse than her own mother
The Nurse basically raised her
"These violent delights have violent ends" what literary device is Friar Lawrence displaying?
Foreshadowing
Identify the device in Romeo’s descriptions of Rosaline. (cold fire, sick health)
oxymoron
How does the servingman accidentally inviting Romeo to the party show a mix of fate and choice?
Fate puts the list in Romeo’s hands, but Romeo chooses to go.
Why does the servingman accidentally invite Romeo to the Capulet party?
He can’t read the guest list, so he asks Romeo for help.
What order does the Prince give after breaking up the fight?
Anyone who disturbs the peace again will be executed.
What setting symbol is used at the beginning of act 3 (the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio) that foreshadows violence will be coming
Hint: Benvolio says it
The hot weather
What is Mercutio’s general attitude toward love?
He mocks it and doesn’t take it seriously.
Shakespeare constantly pairs fate with impulsive choices in Acts 1–2.
What does this combination suggest about the lovers’ future?
That fate presents the opportunity, but their own impulsive choices will accelerate the tragedy.