Romeo and Juliet
Act 1 Scene 1
Main Points: A fight between the Montagues and Capulets. Setting: A public street in Verona.
What is the setting for the play?
A public street in Verona (Italy).
What scene of conflict opens the action of the play?
A fight between the servants of Montagues and Capulets.
Which character tries to stop the fighting among the servants?
Benvollio
Which character is aggressive and eager to fight?
Tybalt
Briefly describe the events that led to the Prince's speech.
When the servants of Capulet encountered the servants of Montague there was tension.
Explain the words 'neighbour-stainted steel'.
A metaphorical expression that refers to the bloody sword which implies a violent conflict between people who live close to each other. Symbolizes violence between the fueding families.
What are the 'purple fountains' to which the Prince refers in his speech?
Bloodshed with purple symbolizing the colour of blood.
Explain the 'bred of an airy word' (as used in the Prince's speech).
Conflict is caused by something trivial or a word or an insult.
What warning does the Prince give to anyone who breaks the peace again?
The prince warns that anyone who breaks the peace again should be punished by death.
In what state of mind is Rome when we first see him in the play? Give a reason for your answer.
He is melancholic because he is in love with Rosaline.
What advice does Benvolio have for Romeo?
He says to forget about her by lookingat other ladies and attempting to pursuet them.
Act 1 Scene 2
Main points: Lord Capulet plans his party. Capulets Mansion.
Who has asked for Juliet's hand in marriage?
Paris
What does Capulet mean by 'My child is yet a stranger in the world?'
He eans that she is young and inexperienced.
How old is Juliet? Provide evidence for your answer.
She is younger than 14 it is implied she is 12 years old. Capulet says she has not seen the change of 14 years.
What is Paris' reaction to Capulet's statement about his daughter's age?
Paris is patient and she says he will make two more years to marry her.
How does Capulet defend his statement in response?
He argues that Juliet is too young to be married now but shall be ready to be married in two years.
Explain 'an old accustomed feast.'
A traditional family gathering or party thatt happens anually.
What moderns saying means the same as when Capulet says, 'One more, most welcome, makes my number more.'
The more, the merrior.
What are the 'earth-treading stars' of which Capulet speak? Comment on what this tells us about him.
These are the beautiful women at the ball.
Explain how Romeo finds out about the Capulet ball.
He hears it from a servant inviting guests.
How does Benvolio try to remedy Romeo's love sickness? Is Romeo convinced?
Says Romeo shoould go to the Capulet ball, to look at the beautiful ladies. Romeo is not convinced.
Act 1 Scene 3
Main points: Lady Capulet wants Juliet to marry Paris. Setting: Capulet's Mansion.
Who is Susan?
The nurse's daughter that passed away due to an earthquake.
When is Juliet's birthday?
On Lammas eve which is 31 July.
Why does Lady Capulet visit with Juliet? What questions does she ask her?
To convince or persuade her to marry Paris. She questions her of whether she wants to be married or not.
How do the Nurse and Lady Capulet feel about Paris?
The nurse thinks Paris is perfect calling him a man of wax. Lady Capulte is also approving of him and encourage her to marry him.
Which other character in the play is a relative of Paris?
Prince Escalus
Describe the relationship betwee Juliet and the Nurse.
The nurse took care of Juliet as she grew up, such as breastfeeding her and she plays more of a mother figure to Juliet with a closer relationship with her than that between Juliet and Lady Capulet.
Explain why the Nurse is present during this very personal conversation between Juliet and her mother?
She has been a caretaker for Juliet and Lady Capulet might feel more comfortable with her support.
"Marry, that 'Marry' is the very theme..." (line 64). Explain the pun in this line.
The pun involbes the word "marry" which can mean both to marry and by the virgin merry which is used here for emphasis.
How does Lady Capulet try to persuade Juliet that she is not too young to get married?
She says that in Verona, respectable ladies younger than her are already mothers, that she was already a mother to Juliet around her age and that she is now of age.
Explain the meaning the word 'vialant.'
Valient is brave or courageous.
What does the nurse mean when she describes Paris as a 'man of wax'?
She means that Paris is perfect as if he were a model or a statue made of wax, beautiful and ideal.
'This night you shall behold him at our feast.' To whom is Lady Capulet referring? What actually happens?
Lady Capulet referring to Paris. Juliet sees him at the feast but does not immediately fall in love with him.
'Read o'er the volume of young Paris' face and find delight writ thee with beauty's pen. Examine every married lineament... "To who does Lady Capulet compare Paris? Explain the comparison.
Lady Capulet compares him to a book suggesting that Juliet should read his face and find beauty in every feauture just as one would admire a book's contents.
Are the Capulets justified in arranging Juliet's marraige? Are they acting in her best interest. Discuss.
The Capulets are acting according to their social norms, but they might not be acting in Juliet's best interest; as they are more focused on social status than Juliet's person's feelings.
Explain Juliet's response to her mother's 'nudging' her towards Paris.
Juliet is polite but non-commital, stating she will look at Paris and try ro like him but does not express strong interest.
Act 1 Scene 4
Main Points: Romeo and friends on their way to the party. Setting: Street outside the Capulet's mansion.
Place this scene in context.
It takes place before the Capulet feast, Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio and others are preparing to go to the party.
Which character loves to talk?
Mercutio as his lines are the longest of the three. He is also very descriptive in his speech and reponses.
Explain Romeo's mood at the start of this scene. Explains why he feels this way.
Romeo feels melancholy and depressed because his heartbroken over Rosaline who does not love him back.
Explain what Mercutio means when he says, 'If love be rough with you, be rough with love.'
If love is causing you pain you should respond by being tough and not letting it defeat you.
Who is queen Mab?
She is a mythical fairy which according to Mercutio brings dream to people while they sleep.
What is the purpose of this soliloquy?
To describe that Queen Mab can plant misleading things in people's dreams and that some ideas can lie, some thoughts may drive people into doing things against their ethics. The heart is misleading.
It serves to distract Romeo and lighten the mood as well to mock Romeo's romantic ideals.
What doea Rme mean when he says, 'Peace, Mercutio! Thou talk'st of nothing.'
He means that what he is saying is not true and doesn't affect Romeo in anway possible.
What premonition does Romeo have?
He will leave the feast a changed man. This change caused by him meeting Juliet and falling in love with her immediately, he is transformed into a passionate lover from a mellancholic lover and he recieves a requited love.
Explain the purpose of the servants' 'scene' at the beginning of this scene.
It is to show the preparations for the party setting the mood for what follows.
How did Lord Capulet force the young ladies to dance with him?
Lord Capulet forces them to dance with him by joking and challenging them by saying they look to old if they don't dance.
Explain Romeo's description of Juliet when he says, ' O she doth teach the torches to burn bright !'
Her light outshines the torches making her the brightest thing in the room.
Who recognise Romeo's voice at the feast and become furious because he is allowed to stay?
Tybalt, recognises Romeo's voice because Romeo is a Montague, a member of the family he hates.
What is that 'antic face' that Tybalt refers to in line 55?
Is a mocking or playful mask suggesting Romeo's not being serious and may be mocking the party.
For what reason does Tybalt think Romeo has come to be banquet?
He thinks Romeo has come to the banquet to start a fight with the Capulets and to stir them up by laughing at them and mocking them.
Explain why Capulet refers to Tybalt as 'kinsman'.
He refers to him as kinsman because they are related to one another, they share the same household and motives and to caution him to behave in a manner befitting their family's honor and reputation.
'Why, how now... storm you so?' Identify Capulet's tone in this line. Explain your answer.
He is suprised and somewhat irritated.
Explain why Tybalt is angered at Romeo's presence.
Romeo is a Montague the enemy of his family and sees him as an insult.
Is Tybalt justified in saying that it is an insult to have Romeo there? Explain your answer.
Tybalt is not justfied as Romeo is behaving politely and has not caused any trouble. Capulet even vouches for Romeo's reputation.
Why does Capulet forbid Tybalt from fighting with Romeo?
Verona speaks highly of him, and Capulet wants no fights within his banquet and especially due to the Prince's warning to the Montagues and the Capulet.
'Verona brags of him.' Identify the figure of speech and explain its effectiveness.
It is a metaphor which means Romeo is highly respected within Verona and is well regarded.
What does the word 'mutiny' mean?
An open rebellion against the proper authorities suggests that Tybalt's anger could cause a disturbance.
Identify two character traits of Lord Capulet and Tybalt, as seen in this extract.
Lord Capulet is jovial and wants to maintain peace. He is short or short-tempered protective of they family honour.
Romeo and Juliet fall in love with each other at first sight. Is this true love? Justify your answer.
Its more like infatuation, they are drawn to each other physically but they barely know each other.
Explain Romeo and Juliet's allusions to pilgrims and praying.
It suggests their love is pure and sacred like a religous devotion and refers to Juliet as a saint and he a pilgrim seeking her love.
What does Juliet mean when she says that Romeo 'kisses by the book'.
Juliet means he kisses perfectly almost lie he has followed a guideline on how to kiss.
Who first tells Romeo and Juliet who the other is?
The Nurse
Benvolio says, 'Away, be gone!' when Romeo realises Juliet is a Capulet. How do his words show the difference betweeen him and Romeo?
Benvolio's words show that he is practical and wants to avoid while Romeo is more emotional and overwhelmed by the feelings for Juliet.
Identify and explain the figure of speech: 'If he be married, my grave is to be my wedding bed.'
Juliet feels if she can't marry Romeo she will die as she cannot be with him.
Why does Romeo say that his 'only love sprung from his only hate?'
Romeo says that cause he just realized Juliet his only love, is from the family his family hates.
Identify the theme in the lover's words: 'My life is my foes' debt' and 'My only love sprung from my only hate!'
Forbidden love, a love that they should not feel towards each other and that their family's won't allow.
Compare the love that Romeo feels for Juliet to the love that he felt for Rosaline.
Romeo's love for Juliet is deeper and more genuine than Rosaline (his love towards her was superficial) and unreturned while his love for Juliet is passionate.
Explains the imagery of light and dark in Act 1 and how it is used as symbols for Rosaline and Juliet.
Rosaline is distance and cold like darkness while Juliet is bright and full of life (light).
Act 2 Scene 1
Main points: Mercutio and Benvolio discuss Romeo's love problems. Setting: Outside Capulet's mansion.
Instead of returning back home, where does Romeo go after the ball?
Romeo goes to Juliet's garden after the ball because he cannot leave her behind.
Where does Mercutio think Romeo has gone?
He has gone to see Rosaline.
What contrary opinion/evidence does Benvolio offer?
He says that he will be upset to hear Mercutio discuss Rosaline's body in an effort to call him and that his love is blind and better suited for the company of the night.
What is a soliquy and how is it used in Scene 2?
Romeo uses that to express his love for Juliet which gives the audience insight to his feelings.
By whose name does Mercutio call for Romeo ? Why?
Rosaline, as Romeo was heartbroken and obssessed with Rosaline before the ball.
Why does Benvolio think Romeo is hiding in the dark, amongst the trees?
Because he is ashamed that he loves a Capulet and his will is to hide his guilt and shame and to be secrative with his heart.
What does Benvolio mean when he says 'tis vain to seek him here that means not to be found?'
He means that because Romeo doesn't want them to find him the search will be worthless.
Act 2 Scene 2
Main points: The famous balcony scene. Setting: Capulet's orchard.
Where are Romeo and Juliet now? Be specific.
They are in the Capulet's orchard of specifically on Juliet's balcony, Romeo climbed the wall to see Juliet at the ball.
How does Romeo learn of Juliet's love for him?
As Romeo and Juliet confess their love to one another, they dwell on the fact they are from enemy families and how they will abandon their families to marry each other. He heares her love for him once he had made her blush and she discusses how she will pretend he hasn't charmed her if he think she is too quickly swindled.
'O, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? What is Juliet saying here?
She's not asking for Romeo's physical location but rather, she's crying out against the cruel fate that made him a Montague, member of the family thats been sworn to be her enemy.
What does she mean by 'I'll no longer be a Capulet.'?
As they will marry and she will have to take his surname, emphasizing the fact she is willing to leave her family to become one with him.
What is an aside?
A brief comment or speech delivered by a character directly to the audience.
What is preventing Juliet from loving Romeo?
The two families are enemies.
'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.' Explain Juliet's question and her reasoning.
She feels that Romeo despite having that Montague name does not change his nature.
What does Romeo say helped him climb over the high walls of the Capulet orchard and find Juliet's window?
Romeo is implying that his love gave him the courage and determination to do what is difficult and dangerous.
Why does Romeo say 'My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself.'?
His name is what seperates them from each other. He wishes he could be anyone but a Montague so that they could be married freely.
What do Romeo and Juliet exchange?
They confess their feelings for each other, and express their desire to marry each other despite obstacles.
What do Romeo and Juliet plan to do the next day?
They plan to marry. Juliet intends to send a message to Romeo to find out the details if their secret marraige.
To what does Romeo compare Juliet's beauty?
He compares her to the sun saying she is brighter and more beautiful than the sun itself.
Who keeps interrupting the balcony scene?
The Nurse as she is calling her into the house.
Why does Juliet ask Romeo not to swear by the moon?
Because its changeable, she wants his love to be constant and unwavering, not subject to the moons changes fluations.
Despite the arrangements and her love for Romeo, Juliet has an uneasy feeling. What is it about their love that makes her feel this way?
She has a premonition that Romeo may not be able to face the consequences of their family's feud.
Is Juliet justified in asking Romeo to reject the Montague name? Discuss your view.
Names and family identity are deeply rooted in their society. In Juliet asking him to abandon it for their love, she essentially wants him to give up a part of his identity and status. She is justified however as their family identities are the only thing separating them.
Act 2 Scene 3
Main points: Romeo asks Frair Lawrence to help arrange his marraige to Juliet. Setting: Outside Friar Lawrence's cell.
What is Friar Laurence's special skill or area of knowlege?
His special skill is medicine, he uses the mixtures of herbs to create medicine and medicinal substances.
Explain Frair Laurences philophesy concerning the parts of a plant as compared to the potential actions of man.
He compares the rind of a flower an inflant and focuses on its healing power, its ability to posion- when a person is a child or still of a younger age, they have a choice to do bad things or good things to better or worsen the world, like poison and medicine. They can cheer up others and their actions affect other peoople's emotion, they affect people's heart. The evil and godly nature are always at battle with one another, the fight between good and bad will, when bad nature is strengthened the person will meet a worser fate. This can be aligned with the religous text the father knows, he talking from a religious standpoint.