The Feud
What sparks the fight at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1?
A servant bites his thumb at another servant.
How many fights between the Montagues and Capulets does the Prince mention have occurred recently?
Three
Who is Lord Capulet's aggressive nephew?
Tybalt.
Why is Romeo sad in this scene?
He is in love with Rosaline, who does not return his love.
What does it mean to "bite one’s thumb" in this scene?
It is an insulting gesture.
Who tries to stop the fight but is drawn into it?
Benvolio tries to stop the fight but Tybalt provokes him.
What does the Prince say the families have disturbed?
The peace of Verona's streets.
Who is concerned about Romeo's sadness?
Lord and Lady Montague.
What advice does Benvolio give to Romeo about his unrequited love?
Forget Rosaline and look at other women.
Who says, “I do but keep the peace”?
Benvolio
How does Tybalt react when Benvolio asks to stop the fighting?
He insults Benvolio and challenges him to a duel.
Where does the Prince order the families to meet him later?
At the old free-town (his court).
What does Benvolio promise to do for Romeo?
Find out what is troubling him.
What oxymoronic phrases does Romeo use to describe love?
"O brawling love, O loving hate."
What literary device is used in Romeo's line: "Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs"?
Metaphor
What punishment does the Prince declare for anyone caught fighting again?
Death.
What is the Prince’s attitude toward the feud?
He is frustrated and angry at their constant violence.
Who breaks up the fight at the end of the scene?
The Prince.
What does Romeo compare love to?
Smoke, fire, and a sea being fed with tears.
Who said: “Part, fools! Put up your swords; you know not what you do.”
This is said by Benvolio as he tries to stop the fight.
What does the initial brawl between the servants reveal about the nature of the Montague-Capulet feud?
The feud is deeply ingrained in both families, extending beyond the nobles to their servants, showing how pervasive and senseless the conflict has become.
How does the Prince’s speech reflect the political and social stakes of the Montague-Capulet feud?
The Prince's speech highlights that the ongoing feud threatens Verona’s stability, disrupts public peace, and undermines his authority as ruler, prompting him to impose harsh consequences.
How does Lady Montague’s reaction to the brawl differ from Lord Montague’s, and what does it reveal about her character?
Lady Montague is more concerned with stopping the violence and preventing her husband from fighting, showing she values peace and restraint, contrasting with the more combative nature of her husband.
How does Romeo’s description of love in this scene foreshadow the events of the play?
Romeo’s depiction of love as a mix of joy and pain foreshadows the intense, conflicting emotions in his relationship with Juliet and the tragic consequences that follow.
What is the significance of Benvolio’s line, “I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me,” in defining his character and role in the play?
This line establishes Benvolio as a peacekeeper and a foil to Tybalt, whose aggressive nature escalates conflict. Benvolio’s calm demeanor contrasts with the chaos around him, highlighting his rationality and loyalty to the Montague family.