ROMEO AND JULIET

Why does Mercutio challenge Tybalt to a fight?

He is angry that Tybalt insults Romeo, and Romeo refuses to fight.

Why does Romeo fight Tybalt?

Romeo seeks revenge for his friend’s death.

Why does Lady Capulet doubt Benvolio’s description of the fight?

Because he is Romeo’s kinsman and would naturally favor his version of the events.

Why is Romeo's banishment considered a merciful punishment?

Prince Escalus originally decrees death for anyone who disturbs the peace

What does Shakespeare reveal about Juliet through her soliloquy?

Juliet is impatient and deeply in love with Romeo.

How does Friar Laurence finally succeed in comforting Romeo?

He reminds Romeo of the reasons he should be grateful: Juliet is alive, Tybalt could have killed him, and he has been banished instead of executed. He also devises a plan for Romeo to reunite with Juliet.

Why does Lord Capulet agree to let Paris marry Juliet?

He believes that Juliet is grieving Tybalt’s death and hopes the marriage will lift her spirits and end her sorrow.

What is Lord Capulet’s reaction to Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris?

He becomes furious, calling her ungrateful and threatening to disown her if she refuses the marriage.

Juliet says in her soliloquy, “Go, counselor! Thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain.” What does Shakespeare reveal about Juliet in these lines?

Juliet realizes she cannot trust the Nurse anymore and decides to rely on herself.

What are the 2 emotions that Juliet feels when she learns of Tybalt’s death?

shock and grief

What are three reasons that Friar Laurence thinks that Romeo should be happy?

Juliet is alive, Tybalt did not kill him, and the Prince showed mercy by banishing him instead of sentencing him to death.

How do Lord and Lady Capulet show themselves to be emotional people in Act Three?

Lady Capulet demands vengeance on Romeo and Lord Capulet reacts harshly to Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris

Why does Paris go to Friar Laurence’s cell?

He wants to arrange the wedding with Juliet.

What does Juliet’s threat to harm herself in Scene I reveal about her personality?

It shows her desperation and willingness to take drastic actions for love.

Why does Friar Laurence suggest that Juliet take the potion?

He sees it as the only way to help her avoid marrying Paris and reunite with Romeo

Why does the change in the wedding date affect Friar Laurence’s plan?

Juliet has to take the potion sooner, leaving less time to alert Romeo.

What does Shakespeare reveal in Scene 3, lines 14-16 from Juliet’s soliloquy?

Juliet is afraid but resolute in taking the potion.

What does Juliet do to ensure that she will not have to marry Paris?

She drinks the potion Friar Laurence gives her

How would you characterize Lord Capulet’s reaction to Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris?

He is enraged, calling her disobedient and threatening to disown her.

What do the Nurse’s comments in Scene 5, lines 1-11 reveal?

She is genuinely devastated, showing her deep love for Juliet.

Which character is the last to hear about Juliet’s supposed death?

Romeo

Why does Shakespeare end Act Four with a conversation between musicians and a servant?

To provide comic relief after Juliet’s “death” scene

What does Friar Laurence mean when he says, “I would I knew not why it should be slowed”?

He wishes he did not know the reason why the wedding should be delayed—Juliet’s secret marriage.

What fears does Juliet express before she takes the potion?

She fears it might kill her, not work, or trap her in the tomb with Tybalt’s corpse.

Does Paris love Juliet?

Yes, he mourns her deeply, bringing flowers to her tomb

How could the Nurse and Friar Laurence have acted differently?

The Nurse could have told Juliet’s parents the truth, and Friar Laurence could have ensured Romeo received the message.

What does Shakespeare reveal through Romeo’s soliloquy in Scene 1, lines 34-40?

Romeo feels hopeful before hearing of Juliet’s death.

Why does Friar Laurence hurry to the Capulets’ tomb?

To prevent Romeo from harming himself.

Why is Paris at the cemetery?

To mourn Juliet.

What does Shakespeare reveal through Balthasar’s aside in Scene 3, lines 43-44?

Balthasar is worried about Romeo’s intentions.

How does Paris believe Juliet died?

From grief over Tybalt’s death.

What does Romeo notice about Juliet in the tomb?

Her cheeks and lips are still rosy.

Why do Capulet and Montague end their feud?

Their children’s deaths show them the futility of their hatred

How does Shakespeare’s use of foreshadowing contribute to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet?

It hints at the inevitable death of the lovers.