Untitled Flashcards Set

Character Foil

A character who contrasts with another character in a way that highlights their personalities and traits.

Mercutio vs. Romeo

Mercutio is outgoing and crazy, while Romeo is calm and introverted.

Tone

The attitude or feeling expressed by the writer toward the subject matter during a piece of writing.

Theme (literary definition)

The central idea, message, or underlying meaning in a literary work.

Dramatic Irony

A situation where the audience knows more about the events of a story than the characters do.

Example of Dramatic Irony - Act 3

The audience knows that Romeo has married Juliet, but the Capulets do not.

Example of Dramatic Irony - Act 4

The audience knows Juliet is not dead, but her family believes she is.

Universal Idea

Broad, fundamental concepts or experiences common to all people, such as love or freedom.

Theme vs. Universal Idea

Theme is the specific message in a work; universal idea refers to general human experiences.

SOAPStone

An acronym standing for Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone.

Significance of Love/Romance Theme

Love can be joyful yet tragic, representing both positive and negative sides.

Significance of Fate/Destiny Theme

Love can control fate, changing the destinies of those involved.

Family/Duty Theme

Love can lead to disloyalty towards family obligations.

Important Events in Act 3

Tybalt kills Mercutio, Romeo kills Tybalt, and Romeo is banished.

Important Events in Act 4

Capulet threatens Juliet, wedding date is moved up, and Juliet takes a potion.

Important Events in Act 5

Juliet is found dead, Romeo believes she is truly dead, Paris is killed, and both lovers die.

Dependent Clause

A group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Independent Clause

A group of words with a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Comma Splice

When two independent clauses are joined by only a comma without a conjunction.

Run-on Sentence

A sentence that is too long and needs punctuation to break it up.

Wordy Sentence Example

An overly lengthy sentence that lacks clarity due to excessive details.

Corrected Wordy Sentence

A revised, clearer version of a previously wordy sentence.

Juliet's Potion

A potion given to Juliet by Friar Laurence to make her appear dead.

Montague and Capulet Feud

A long-standing rivalry between the families leading to Romeo and Juliet's tragic fate.

Patriarchal Figure

A male figure, such as Lord Capulet, who exerts authority in a family.

Consequences of Love

The impacts and repercussions that love has on characters' actions and relationships.

Literary Message

The overarching message or lesson conveyed through the story's events.

Romeo's Decision

Romeo chooses to commit suicide after believing Juliet is dead.

Juliet's Final Act

Juliet kills herself with Romeo's dagger after finding him dead.

Golden Statue

An homage created by Montague and Capulet to commemorate Romeo and Juliet.

Speaker in SOAPStone

The voice or persona in a piece of writing.

Purpose in SOAPStone

The author's intent behind writing the piece.

Tone in SOAPStone

The attitude the writer adopts toward the subject or audience.

Subject in SOAPStone

The main idea or topic of a literary work.

Literary Exploration

The method through which authors delve into universal themes in their works.

Character Contrast

Differences between characters that illuminate their individual traits.

Understanding Theme

Recognizing the deeper meanings behind the author's words and narratives.

Universal Human Experiences

Themes or ideas that resonate with all people, transcending culture and time.

Historical Context of Romeo and Juliet

The societal and familial struggles that frame the narrative.

Irony in Romeo and Juliet

The contrasts between appearance and reality throughout the play.