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Romeo & Juliet Study Guide Prologue 1. In the prologue, Shakespeare tells his audience what they are to expect in the play. Why do you suppose Shakespeare chooses to use this technique? To capture the audience; make them more excited to read. 2. Where is the play set? Verona, Italy Act I, Scene I – Verona. A public place 1. Why do Sampson and Gregory fight with Montague's men? Sampson and Gregory are servants to Capulet; there is a long-running feud between the Capulets and Montagues. 2. Benvolio and Tybalt come upon the servants fighting. Contrast their reactions to the fight. Benvolio tries to break up the fight, while Tybalt pushes it on. 3. When Montague and Capulet enter and see the disturbance, they want to fight, too. What do their wives say? They do not want their husbands to fight, as they would be fighting with servents. 4. What ended the opening skirmish? 5.

Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground And hear the sentence of your moved prince. Three civil brawls bred of an airy word By thee, Old Capulet and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets Who said these lines? Prince Escalus

What is the meaning? Prince Escalus comes in and reminds them of how the families have had 3 public brawls that have forced the citizens of the city to take up arms to stop the violence. He tells them that if they ever fight in the streets again, they will pay for it with their lives. 6. Why is Romeo so sad? He is in love, but not loved in return. 7. What practical advice does Benvolio give Romeo? To start looking and finding another woman; Benvolio promises he will help him forget. Act I; Scene II – A street. 8. Paris asks Capulet for Juliet's hand in marriage. What is Capulet's reply? He says no. 9. My child is yet a stranger in the world: She hath not seen the change of fourteen years. Let two more summers wither in their pride Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride. Who said these lines? Capulet What is the meaning? He says she is only 14 years old and hasn’t experienced the world yet. He tells him to wait two more summers “in pride” and then he will marry Juliet.

10. Why is Capulet giving a feast? It is an “old accustomed” feast, a tradition. He invites Paris to it. 11. In his conversation with Romeo, Benvolio says:

“Take thou some new infection to the eye, And the rank poison of the old will die.” Interpret these lines. Find a new girl to catch your eye and you will forget about the old one. 12. What does the “poison” Benvolio mentions symbolize? The “poison” that can take someone over once they are in love. Romeo is experiencing this since his love isn’t reciprocated. 13. How does Romeo find out about the feast, and why does he decide to go even though (being a Montague) he is not invited? A servant approaches him and Benvolio in the street and asks him to read an invitation to figure out who is invited to the party. In doing this, Romeo finds out the details of the feast. Benvolio convinces Romeo to go because even though his lover, Rosaline, is there, he should go to see all the other women. Romeo agrees to go, not to see other women, but to see his lover. Act I, Scene III – A room in Capulet’s house. 14. What does Lady Capulet tell Juliet? What is Juliet’s response? She tells him that Paris is eyeing her and will be at the party tonight. She wants them to meet and get married eventually. She makes her feel guilty because when Lady was Juliet’s age, she was already a wife and mother. Juliet agrees to meet Paris, but doesn’t promise anything. Act I, Scene IV – A street. 15. How do the Montagues expect to be able to enter a Capulet house? They are wearing masks. They are going to enter without an announcement and casually begin dancing with everyone else. 16. Romeo is apprehensive about going to the masquerade because of the dream he had the night before. Romeo seems to believe (as did many in Shakespeare’s day) that dreams have something to do with life. Perhaps Romeo believes dreams act as omens. What is Mercutio’s opinion of dreams? Mercutio believes dreams are just a part of the imagination; they aren’t omens and don’t tell the future. 17. What does Mercutio’s speech reveal about his character? Mercutio likes to indulge his sense of poetry, and he likes to hear his own voice. 18. How does Benvolio end the conversation? He connects what Mercutio is saying to how they need to move onward to the feast. 19. What is Romeo’s misgiving, and what does the line “some consequence, yet hanging in the stars” have to do with his feeling of dread? Discuss the theme this quote illustrates. Romeo is worried about the party based on his dream. He thinks that his death will be a result of something that happens tonight. He is unsure of what it is, so it is “hanging in the stars” as it is up to a higher power. Act I, Scene V – A hall in Capulet’s house. 20. Lord Capulet and a relative stand, unmasked, on one side of the room. Romeo, masked, standing on the other side, asks a servingman who Juliet is. How does Romeo describe the girl, and what does he conclude? She shows the torches how to burn bright. She stands out against the darkness like a jeweled earring hanging against the cheek of an African. Her beauty is too good for this world; she’s too beautiful to die and be buried. She outshines the other women like a white dove in the middle of a flock of crows. He concludes his eyes were liars because he had never seen such true beauty until this night. 21. What is Tybalt’s reaction when he hears Romeo’s voice? He is angry; he doesn’t consider it a crime to kill Romeo since he has intruded into their feast. 22. What does Lord Capulet say to Tybalt in reference to Romeo’s attendance at the party? He says that Romeo is acting appropriately and there is no need to cause a raucous at the feast. He tells Tybalt to just sit back and watch; he has also heard that Romeo is a decent guy.

23. Tybalt obeys his uncle, but what does he foresee? Romeo’s sweet prank now will turn bitter later. 24. When Romeo realizes who Juliet is and says, “Is she a Capulet? O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt.” What does he mean? He cannot pursue her since she is a Capulet and he is a Montague 25.

My only love, sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me That I must love a loathed enemy. Who said these lines? Juliet What is the meaning? I saw and kissed him before I realized who he was; love is a monster for making me fall in love with my worst enemy.

Act II – Prologue. 1. The chorus comments on the action of the play. In your own words, discuss the meaning of the first four lines. Now Romeo’s old feelings of desire are dying, and a new desire is eager to take their place. Romeo groaned for the beautiful Rosaline and said he would die for her, but compared with tender Juliet, Rosaline doesn’t seem beautiful now. 2. What is the rhyme scheme of the prologue for Act II? What type of poem is the prologue? ABAB; Shakespearean Sonnet

Act II, Scene I – A lane by the wall of Capulet’s orchard. 3. Romeo slips away from his friends; the practical, vulgar Mercutio makes some indecent comments about Rosaline. What misapprehension are Mercutio and Benvolio under? What truth does the audience know? Mercutio and Benvolio believe Romeo is still in love with Rosaline and is pining away for her. The audience knows, however, that Romeo is now in love with Juliet and Juliet returns his love. Act II, Scene II – Capulet’s orchard 4. Romeo’s first speech is among the most famous of Shakespeare’s soliloquies. What is the main idea in Romeo’s speech? He is making an extended comparison that reveals his strong feelings for Juliet. First, he says that Juliet’s beauty is so great that she lights up the world, as the sun does when it rises. Then he says that even the moon is envious of her, the way the moon might be envious of the brighter, “more fair” sun. 5. Does Juliet know that Romeo is beneath her window? No, he sees her, but she doesn’t know he’s there. 6. One of the most famous lines is when Juliet explains: “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherfore art thou Romeo?” What do these lines mean? She is asking out loud why Romeo has to be who he is (a Montague). Forget about your father and change your name. Or else, if you won’t change your name, just swear you love me and I’ll stop being a Capulet. 7. Juliet makes a secret vow to Romeo; what is this vow? What is the significance of this quote in relation to a major theme of the play? If he were to change his name, she would love him forever.

8. Romeo, after listening to Juliet profess her love, decides to make his presence known. How does Romeo identify himself? Find the quote, then put the passage into modern words. He doesn’t want to tell Juliet his name because he knows how “evil” it is to her. I don’t know how to tell you who I am by telling you a name. I hate my name, dear saint, because my name is your enemy. If I had it written down, I would tear up the paper. 9. As Juliet knows, Romeo is risking death by being there. When she mentions this fact to Romeo, what is his response? He is willing to risk is life to see her and be in love with her. 10. When Romeo swears by the moon, what does Juliet tell him? Don’t swear by the moon. The moon is always changing. Every month its position in the sky shifts. I don’t want you to turn out to be that inconsistent too. 11. What does Juliet mean when she tells Romeo, “…swear by the gracious self,/Which is the god of my idolatry,…” Don’t swear at all. But if you have to swear, swear by your wonderful self, which is the god I worship like an idol, and then I’ll believe you. 12. What second thoughts does Juliet have? Quote the passage that reveals these thoughts. She believes she fell in love too quickly and doesn’t want to make any sudden moves. Lines 116124 reveal this. 13. After an exchange of vows, the Nurse calls and Juliet must leave. What is Romeo’s feeling as he stands there? He feels unsatisfied like Juliet has left him hanging. 14. Juliet reappears. What does she tell Romeo? I’m trapped in my family’s house, so I must be quiet, but that Romeo needs to go home. 15. When Juliet reappears, for the second time, she claims: “Bondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud; Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies, And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine, With repetition of my Romeo’s name.” Why is Juliet’s allusion to Echo significant? Echo is a nymph who could only speak by repeating what others said. In the beginning of this selection Juliet says “To lure this tassel-gentle back again!” she is calling to Romeo as a falcon would call to their mate to return. Juliet says, “Bondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud, Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies,” she is saying that she is trapped by her family and that she has to be quiet or else she will rip open the cave where Echo is. By saying, “And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine, With repetition of “’My Romeo!’” Juliet is alluding Echo because she says that she will repeat Romeo’s name until her voice becomes hoarse, which is what people believe about Echo; after she died people believe they could still hear her calling Narcissus’s name in caves. 16. It is apparent that neither Romeo nor Juliet wants the night to end. What is Juliet’s famous parting line? Parting is such sweet sorrow That I shall say good night till it be morrow. AKA I won’t stop saying goodnight because it hurts so badly to say goodbye. Act II, Scene III – Friar Laurence’s cell 17. At the beginning of the scene, Friar Laurence, makes a very profound speech. Choose one full sentence in his speech to interpret. Can any of what the Friar says be applied to the world now? Yes, the Friar believes that everything/one has a purpose in the world. He also believes that everyone is capable of both good and evil. 18. The Friar assumes that Romeo is out so early because he has been up all night with Rosaline. When the Friar is informed that it is not Rosaline, but a Capulet, Romeo wishes to marry, what is the Friar’s reaction? He is shocked. He reminds Romeo that it wasn’t long ago he was crying over Rosaline.

19. Why does the Friar agree to help Romeo and Juliet get married? He thinks the wedding can help the feud between the families die down. Act II, Scene IV – A street 20. As Romeo enters, Mercutio and Benvolio are discussing Romeo’s longing for Rosaline and Tybalt’s challenge to Romeo. What change in Romeo’s behavior does Mercutio comment on? He is saying he is finally the Romeo they all remember; sociable, fun, etc. 21. The Nurse and Peter arrive looking for Romeo. How does Romeo respond? He says, “I can tell you, but young Romeo will be older when you find him than he was when you started looking for him. I am the youngest man by that name, because there is no one younger, or worse.” 22. After Benvolio and Mercutio leave, the Nurse asks, “…what saucy merchant was this, that was so full of his ropery?” What is Romeo’s answer? “Nurse, he’s a man who likes to hear the sound of his own voice. He says more in one minute than he does in a whole month.” 23. The Nurse, expresses certain doubts about Romeo. What are these doubts and how does Romeo respond? “if you try to trick her, it would be an evil thing to do to any woman and very poor behavior.” Romeo replies, “Nurse, give my regards to your lady. I swear to you” 24. What is the message that Romeo gives to the Nurse for Juliet? “Tell her to devise a plan to get out of her house and come to confession at the abbey this afternoon. At Friar Lawrence’s cell she can make confession and be married. (giving her coins) Here is a reward for your efforts.” 25. Romeo tells the Nurse that his “man” will deliver something beyond the abbey-wall. What is Romeo’s “man” bringing? A rope ladder. He’ll use the rope ladder to climb over the walls at night. Then he’ll meet Juliet joyfully and in secret.

Act II, Scene V – Capulet’s orchard 26. Juliet waits anxiously for the Nurse to return. How is Juliet able to justify her Nurse’s tardiness? She realizes that the nurse is old and doesn’t have the feeling of love within her. If she did, she would move quicker. 27. How does the Nurse tease Juliet? She avoids the topic. She tells Juliet about his looks and things she already knew about. 28. Finally, what does the Nurse tell Juliet? She tells Juliet to go to Friar Lawrence’s cell where Romeo is waiting to be married. She also tells her that Romeo will use a rope ladder to come see her in the night. Act II, Scene VI – Friar Laurence’s cell. 29. In expressing his reservations about the marriage, find a quote from Friar Laurence, that could foreshadow future events. “So smile the heavens upon this holy act that afterhours with sorrow chide us not” AKA “May the heavens be happy with this holy act of marriage, so nothing unfortunate happens later to make us regret it.” “These violent delights have violent ends and in their triumph die, like fire and powder” AKA “These sudden joys have sudden endings” 30. Friar Laurence says, “Therefore, love moderately; long love doth so.” What does this mean and how is it ironic? love each other in moderation. That is the key to long-lasting love. Too fast is as bad as too slow. It is ironic because they fell in love rather quickly and Juliet had second thoughts momentarily. 31. What does Friar Lawrence notice about Juliet in lines 16-20? Why is she acting like this? He notices that she is treading lightly as if she were a spider on a web. She is deeply in love and excited about marrying Romeo. Act III, Scene I – A public place

1. Romeo enters. Tybalt has a few heated words for Romeo. Even after hearing the insults, Romeo says he has to love Tybalt. Why does Romeo says this? Tybalt is a nephew to Lady Capulet. Because he loves Juliet (a Capulet), he must love her family, too. 2. How does Romeo hint to his marriage to Juliet? By saying “I do protest I never injured thee, but love thee better than thou canst devise till thou shalt know the reason of my love; and so, good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as my own, be satisfied.” 3. How does Mercutio react to Romeo’s refusal to fight with Tybalt? Why is this element of the scene significant? He says the calm submission is dishonorable and vile. He then asks Tybalt if he will fight with him. 4. In what way is Romeo responsible for Mercutio’s being stabbed? Romeo comes between Mercutio and Tybalt trying to stop the fighting. Romeo distracts Mercutio and Tybalt is able to stab him quickly through Romeo’s arm. 5. In what way is Mercutio’s comment about his wound ironic? He is making light of his injuries even though he knows they are fatal. “Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.” 6. Romeo says, “My very friend hath got this mortal hurt/In my behalf; my reputation stained/With Tybalt’s slander,–…” Romeo uses “stained”, which takes on a duel meaning. What are the different meanings? Stained meaning physically stained, but also technically ruined. 7. What ultimatum does Romeo give Tybalt? Either you, or I, or both of us have to go with him. 8. What does Lady Capulet request of the Prince? That Romeo is killed because he killed Tybalt, her nephew. 9. What is the Prince’s decision? He isn’t killing Romeo but exiling him. Act III, Scene II – Capulet’s orchard 10. As Juliet waits for night and Romeo’s visit, the Nurse arrives with news. What is the news, and how is it presented? The nurse tells Juliet that someone is dead but has a hard time getting out who it is. The nurse makes Juliet think momentarily that it is Romeo that is dead, when it is actually Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. 11. Juliet’s first reaction is to call Romeo names. What does she call her beloved Romeo? The names she calls Romeo are quite obscure; what do you think they suggest? What is odd about these insults? Serpent heart; beautiful tyrant; fiend angelical; dove-feathered raven; wolvish-ravening lamb; despised substance. They suggest she has mixed feelings towards him; the nicknames are opposite. 12. After the name calling, what is Juliet’s second reaction? What does this second reaction prove? She realizes she is Romeo’s family now and that Tybalt would have killed Romeo if he had had the chance. 13. Where is Romeo hiding, what seems to be Juliet’s plan, and what does she give to the Nurse? He is hiding in Friar Lawrence’s cell; she says that death, not Romeo, will take her virginity; she gives her ring to the Nurse and tells her to come to her bedroom to say his last goodbye. Act III, Scene III – Friar Laurence’s cell 14. How does Romeo react to the news that he has been banished? He says that being put to death would be better than being banished because at least then he could look down and see Juliet. If he is banished, other beings, even the flies, have the leisure of being in her presence. 15. For what things does the Friar say Romeo should be happy about?

He should be happy that the prince pushed the law aside for him and is allowing him to be banished instead of killed. Also, Tybalt wanted to kill Romeo, but Romeo killed Tybalt first. His life is full of blessings. 16. What does the Friar then tell him to do? What instructions does the Friar give Romeo? “Go be with your love, as it was decided at your wedding. Climb up to her bedroom and comfort her. But get out of there before the night watchmen take their positions. Then you will escape to the city of Mantua, where you’ll live until we can make your marriage public and make peace between your families. We’ll ask the Prince to pardon you. Then we’ll welcome you back with twenty thousand times more joy than you’ll have when you leave this town crying.” “Either be out of here before the night watchmen take their positions, or leave in disguise after daybreak. Take a little vacation in Mantua. I’ll find your servant, and he’ll update you now and then on your case as it stands here.” Act III, Scene IV – A room in Capulet’s house 17. In the conversation between Lord Capulet, his wife, and Paris, what do they think is Juliet’s present cause of grief? The death of her cousin, Tybalt. 18. What decision does Lord Capulet make, and why do you suppose he makes this decision? He asks that Paris marries Juliet in a couple of days. Perhaps he thinks this will distract...