Romeo and Juliet Study Guide

Name______Mrs. Zupo

Romeo and Juliet Study Guide Prologue and Act One

Prologue Background: Drama during Shakespeare's time was just evolving into the form we know today. The prologue is a remnant from ancient Greek plays. You'll notice that only the first two acts of Romeo and Juliet have prologues, an indication of changing times.

1. The first prologue gives an outline of the play's plot; what is it?

2. Why would a playwright want to give away his plot line so soon? What possible advantages would that give him?

Act 1 Scene 1 (1.1 or I.i) This means Act 1 Scene 1 in short hand. Background: Elizabethan audiences (people who lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I) were no different from modern audiences in their love of action and wisecracks. Notice Shakespeare's skill in capturing his audience immediately by using both in a very short space of time.

1. Besides entertaining with their coarse jokes and puns, Samson and Gregory show us immediately where things stand between the entire household (servants included) of the Capulets and the entire household of the Montagues. What happens when the servants meet on the street?

2. For sheer excitement and fascination with competitive skills, a sword fight is the Elizabethan equivalent of a car chase or a martial arts sequence in a modern movie. How many lines into the play does Shakespeare stage his first sword fight?

3. An author often shows us traits of a character by making that character interact with someone who has opposite traits; for example, we might find out that a character is honest by seeing her react to someone dishonest. That opposite is called a character foil. Benvolio and Tybalt serve as foils for each other; what do we learn about each of them in their brief exchange? Name______Mrs. Zupo

4. Why is the Prince so upset about the Capulet/Montague feud?

5. In an attempt to end the feud, what pronouncement does the Prince make? Having read the prologue, do you think it will work?

6. We don’t even hear about Romeo, who is obviously a main character, until after the first big action. Before we actually meet him, we learn some background about him from his father and his cousin. What information does Romeo's father seek from Benvolio?

7. What does Benvolio tell Lord Montague, and what does he agree to do?

8. When we finally meet Romeo, what kind of mood is he in? Why?

9. A good poet uses oxymoron (a combination of seemingly contradictory words) and couplets (pairs of rhyming lines) sparingly to keep the effect startling and powerful.

List three oxymorons Romeo speaks on page 813.

What do these poetic descriptions of love tell us about Romeo’s character?

10. What deal do Romeo and Benvolio strike at the end of the scene?

The exposition of any story introduces us not only to the setting and the characters, but also to the conflicts and themes that will develop.

Theme: What is love? What different kinds of love have the characters discussed so far? Name______Mrs. Zupo

Conflict: External What threats loom over the heads of the characters?

Scene 2 (1.2) 1. What do Lord Capulet and Paris discuss, and what do they decide?

2. What do we learn about Juliet and her family situation?

3. What’s the result of the fact that Capulet’s servant can’t read?

Scene 3 (1.3) 1. What’s Juliet’s Nurse like? Would you like to hang out with her? Why/why not?

2. How does the Nurse serve as a character foil for Lady Capulet?

3. What does each woman want for Juliet?

4. How does Juliet feel about marrying Paris? What does she say to her mom?

Scene 4 (1.4) 1. On their way to the party, Romeo’s friends must deal with his continuing gloom. How seriously does Mercutio seem to treat Romeo’s mood? Name______Mrs. Zupo

2. Describe the relationship between Mercutio and Romeo.

3. Mercutio’s often-quoted “Queen Mab” monologue (a long speech delivered while others are on stage), full of delightful fantasy, turns toward darker images near the end. What do Mercutio’s comments about dreams reveal about his character?

4. In lines 106-113, Romeo foreshadows the coming events. What does he think will happen?

Scene 5 (1.5) 1. Romeo first sees Juliet moments after “crashing” the party; contrast his feelings about love upon seeing Juliet with his feelings of love concerning Rosaline. (Hint: think differences)

2. Romeo has been shunning the light lately, but what kind of images does he use to describe Juliet? Copy one exactly.

3. How does Tybalt affect the atmosphere of the party? Why?

4. What does Juliet mean when she says, “My only love sprung from my only hate. Too early seen unknown, and known too late!”

5. List the circumstances that have brought Romeo and Juliet together.

Give Act 1 a title: Name______Mrs. Zupo

Romeo and Juliet Study Guide Act Two

Prologue Summarize the prologue in one or two sentences.

Scene 1 (2.1) 1. Mercutio pretends to conjure (cause) Romeo's presence as though he were a ghost. How does he suggest Romeo show his presence?

2. Clearly, Mercutio and Benvolio believe what?

3. Why are Mercutio's remarks to Romeo's new situation inappropriate?

4. With Romeo on one side of the orchard wall and Benvolio on the other side, the audience gets to participate in some dramatic irony -- we know something the characters don't. What is the dramatic irony in this scene?

Scene 2 (2.2) 1. In the days before tape recorders and overdubbing, a soliloquy -- a speech delivered to oneself, where a character talks out loud to himself -- was the most practical way for a character to make his thoughts known to the audience. In Romeo's soliloquy at the beginning of this famous scene, he continues to speak of Juliet in terms of what kind of visual images? Name______Mrs. Zupo

2. How does the choice of imagery contrast his feelings of love for Juliet with his love for Rosaline?

3. Juliet tells Romeo, "Oh swear not by the moon, th' inconstant moon…" (page 840, line 109) Romeo says, "I am afeared, / Being in night, all this is but a dream…" (page 843, line 139- 141) What are they afraid of?

4. What "test" of Romeo's love does Juliet devise so that she'll know whether Romeo is serious or not? Does he agree?

5. How long have Romeo and Juliet known each other?

6. What fortunate circumstance helps them come together in this scene?

Scene 3 (2.3) 1. Notice that this scene begins--as many of Shakespeare's scenes--with a few lines establishing a time of day, important for plays mostly performed in afternoon sunlight. How much time has elapsed since the play began?

2. What has Friar Lawrence been doing?

3. Friar Lawrence says: "Virtue itself turns vice being misapplied, / And vice sometime's by action dignified." What does he think about making choices? Name______Mrs. Zupo

4. How does Friar Lawrence react to Romeo's news of his new love?

5. Explain how the Friar serves as a character foil for Romeo. (Remember that a foil is an opposite.)

6. Why does he agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?

Scene 4 (2.4) 1. What are Mercutio and Benvolio still doing at the beginning of the scene?

2. Why do you think Tybalt has sent a letter to Romeo?

3. According to Mercutio, is Tybalt a good fighter? How does Mercutio's opinion of Tybalt’s skill add to the suspense in the rising action?

4. Why do you suppose that Romeo doesn't tell his friends about Juliet when he finally meets up with them?

5. Explain the plan Romeo shares with the Nurse.

6. The evergreen-like herb rosemary has been a symbol of remembrance and fidelity (loyalty) since the Middle Ages. Because of its double symbolism, it was used as perfume at both weddings and funerals. How does the Nurse’s reference to "Romeo" and "rosemary" show: Foreshadowing? Dramatic irony? Name______Mrs. Zupo

Scene 5 (2.5) 1. As we've already learned, Nurse likes to be the center of attention any time she can. How does she avoid losing her importance as message bearer in this scene?

2. How does Juliet react to the message?

3. How would you characterize the relationship between the Juliet and the Nurse?

Scene 6 (2.6) 1. What are Friar Lawrence’s concerns about this marriage?

2. Name and circle two literary elements found in this quote.

Friar Lawrence says: "These violent delights have violent ends, / And in their triumph die; like fire and powder, / Which as they kiss consume."

Theme: Why do we make the choices we make? What life-changing choices has Juliet made so far?

Romeo and Juliet Study Guide Act Three

Scene 1 (3.1) Climax! 1. This scene begins rather like the opening of the play: Benvolio and Mercutio are joking in the square when Tybalt appears. Tybalt, however, shows more restraint now. What does he want?

2. Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt?

3. At this point in the play, how many people know about Romeo and Juliet's marriage (not counting them)?

4. How does Mercutio react to Romeo's refusal to fight?

5. How does Mercutio get injured?

6. Describe Mercutio's final moments. What does he say?

7. What reaction does Romeo have to Mercutio's death? What is the result of his reaction?

8. Why doesn’t the Prince give Romeo the death penalty?

9. The climax of a story is a point of no return (a big turning point). What point of no return has been reached for the two main characters? Name______Mrs. Zupo

Theme: Does inexperience cause teenagers to do things to extremes? What is extreme about the way each of these characters react?

Tybalt:

Mercutio:

Romeo:

If they were each 10 years older, do you think these characters would have reacted in the same way? Why/why not?

Tybalt:

Mercutio:

Romeo:

Scene 2 (3.2) 1. Juliet's opening soliloquy not only establishes the time of day, it continues the light/dark motif we've seen since the beginning. What is she wishing for, and why?

2. Notice that this scene begins almost identically to 2.5, in which Juliet impatiently waits for the Nurse to return with word from Romeo. This scene, however, occurs on the other side of the climax. What's the Nurse's news this time?

3. Just as in the companion scene in Act 2, Juliet has trouble getting information from the Nurse, but the Nurse isn't teasing this time. What misunderstanding occurs?

4. When she finally gets it straight, Juliet has--in quick succession--two different reactions to the news. Describe her reactions. Name______Mrs. Zupo

5. How can you account for the Nurse's quick change of heart, first enraged about Tybalt's killing, then willing to help Juliet with Romeo?

Scene 3 (3.3) 1. Describe Romeo's reaction when he learns that the Prince has spared his life. Is he grateful?

2. Compare Romeo's reaction to the news of his banishment to Juliet's reaction. Romeo: Juliet:

3. How does Romeo expect that Juliet will feel about him now that he's killed her cousin?

4. Friar Lawrence presents a plan. List its steps.

Scene 4 (3.4) 1. How has Lord Capulet changed his stand on Juliet's consent to being married?

2. Considering that Paris is the Prince's cousin, why do you suppose Lord Capulet changed his mind?

3. For what day do they plan the wedding?

4. What is the dramatic irony in this arrangement?

5. How much time has elapsed since the killings of Mercutio and Tybalt? Name______Mrs. Zupo

6. How much time has elapsed since the beginning of the play?

Scene 5 (3.5) 1. Once again, the opening of the scene establishes the time of day, and once again, light and dark are major images. What do the lovers discuss? Does night or day have the positive value for them?

2. Compare and contrast their parting in this scene with their parting in the last act.

3. Copy the lines that contain foreshadowing of what we know is coming up.

4. When Shakespeare uses puns (plays on word meanings) and double entendres (double- meanings), he's usually trying to make the audience laugh. In this scene, however, Juliet's double-meaning lines are not cheerful. Write down a line that has a double meaning (p.885).

5. Why does Juliet feel the double-meanings are necessary?

6. With what alternatives does Lord Capulet present Juliet?

7. Juliet turns, as usual to the Nurse for help. What solution does the Nurse propose? Is this what you expected her to say? Why/why not? Name______Mrs. Zupo

8. By the close of this scene, who can thirteen-year-old Juliet turn to for comfort and help?

9. Contrast the Juliet of this scene with the Juliet we first met when her mother introduced the idea of marriage to Paris. How do you account for the change?

Juliet now: Juliet in Act 1:

Reason(s) for the change:

Theme: Why do we make the choices we make?

According to each character, what is the purpose of marriage?

Juliet Lord Capulet Lady Capulet

Romeo and Juliet Study Guide Act Four

Scene 1 (4.1) 1. Juliet and Paris meet in Friar Lawrence's chamber. Why is Juliet there? Why is Paris there?

2. An aside is a short remark made by a character for the audience--but not the other characters --to hear. What does Friar Lawrence mean in his aside, "I wish I knew not why it should be slowed"?

3. What is Juliet's escape plan if she cannot otherwise avoid marrying Paris? What means will she use to achieve that plan?

4. Friar Lawrence is the only adult and the only religious authority involved in the situation. What are his obligations?

What are his options?

5. Describe the specific steps involved in Friar Lawrence's proposal. 1.

6. List all the elements of foreshadowing in this scene. Name______Mrs. Zupo

Scene 2 (4.2) 1. In what sort of mood do we find Lord Capulet at the beginning of the scene?

2. Lord Capulet is so thrilled by Juliet's acceptance of her marriage to Paris that he impulsively does what? (Be specific.)

3. Given what we know about the timing of Friar Lawrence's plan and the fact that Romeo is in another city, how should we see Lord Capulet's change of plan?

Scene 3 (4.3) 1. Alone with the vial, Juliet envisions four possible problems with Friar Lawrence’s plan. List them. 1.

Scene 4 (4.4) Background: As a rule, humans are unable to maintain intense emotions for a long period. Wise playwrights and scriptwriters allow spaces for the audience to "let off steam" by including scenes of comic relief.

1. This brief scene serves not only as comic relief, but also as dramatic irony. What is the irony in both the family's anticipation of the wedding and in the father's hurry? Name______Mrs. Zupo

Scene 5 (4.5) 1. Describe the reactions to her death of each of the four people who love Juliet. Nurse:

Paris:

2. What comparison does Lord Capulet make to describe the wedding day he has planned for Juliet? (Hint: wedding day = ?)

3. What does Friar Lawrence mean when he says: " 'Twas your heaven she should be advanced And weep ye now, seeing she is advanced Above the clouds, as high as heaven is itself?"

4. Remember what the herb rosemary symbolizes (look back to 2.4). The foreshadowing of the herb comes to an end as both Friar Lawrence and Lord Capulet give orders for what arrangements?

Theme: Can we control our fate? Think of and describe three other ways Juliet could have handled this situation.

Romeo and Juliet Study Guide Act Five

Scene 1 (5.1) 1. Describe Romeo’s dream.

2. What do you notice in Romeo’s dream that he might not?

3. Explain Romeo’s cry, “Then I defy you, stars!”

4. What is the last thing Romeo wants to know from Balthasar before he dismisses him? What’s the answer?

5. To whom can Romeo turn for advice and comfort?

6. We see an added dimension to Romeo’s character in his dealing with the apothecary; copy the lines Romeo says that show he is compassionate.

Scene 2 (5.2) 1. Who is Friar John and what has happened to him?

2. How much time has elapsed since the beginning of the play? Work it out… Name______Mrs. Zupo

Scene 3 (5.3) 1. Why is Paris at Juliet’s tomb?

2. Contrast Paris’s reaction to Juliet’s death with Romeo’s reaction. Paris: Romeo:

3. Why does Paris think that Romeo has come to Juliet’s tomb?

4. How does Paris die?

5. How does Romeo deal with Paris’s dying request? What does this show about Romeo’s character?

6. Why does Romeo use the metaphor of a lantern for Juliet’s tomb?

7. Explain the irony in Romeo’s lines beginning with, “Death hath sucked the honey of thy breath…”

8. Describe Juliet’s awakening.

9. Why didn’t Friar Lawrence stay with her?

10. What unfortunate circumstances have played a role in this scene?

11. What has happened to Lady Montague? Why? Name______Mrs. Zupo

12. Explain the Prince’s reaction to the newest deaths.

13. What is the result of the lovers’ deaths?

Theme: Can we control our fate? List three alternative choices Romeo could have made during Act 5.

Theme: Does inexperience cause teenagers to do things to extremes? Do you think Romeo and Juliet acted in an extreme way? Explain.

Do you think they would have done the same things if they had been 10 years older? Explain.

Give Act 5 a title: