Romeo and Juliet Vocabulary

Flashcards covering literary devices and themes from Acts One and Two of Romeo and Juliet.

Aside

A character's brief remark heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage.

Characterization

The process by which an author reveals the personality of a character through feelings, descriptions, what others say, inner thoughts, and personality traits.

Conflict Development

The progression of the central struggle in the play; in Acts 1 and 2, this is the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

Personification

Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.

Soliloquy

A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Sonnet

A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often used to express love.

Theme

A central idea or message explored in a literary work.

Thematic Statements

Concise statements that express the themes present in the play.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter, conveyed through word choice and style.

Tension

The feeling of anxiety or suspense created in the audience by the conflict and events of the play.

Proof

Evidence from the text (quotes, actions) used to support an interpretation or analysis.

Act One, Scene 1

A street brawl erupts between the Montague and Capulet servants. Prince Escalus intervenes and threatens both families. We learn of Romeo's unrequited love for Rosaline.

Act One, Scene 2

Paris asks Lord Capulet for Juliet's hand in marriage. Capulet invites Paris to a feast. Romeo and Benvolio learn of the feast and decide to attend.

Act One, Scene 3

Lady Capulet informs Juliet of Paris's proposal. The Nurse reminisces about Juliet's childhood.

Act One, Scene 4

Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio prepare to attend the Capulet feast. Mercutio delivers his Queen Mab speech. Romeo has a premonition of danger.

Act One, Scene 5

Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love at first sight. Tybalt recognizes Romeo and wants to fight him, but Lord Capulet forbids it. Romeo and Juliet both discover they are from opposing families.

Act Two, Prologue

The Chorus summarizes that Romeo's love for Rosaline is dead, and he is now in love with Juliet.

Act Two, Scene 1

Romeo, separated from his friends, lingers near the Capulet orchard.

Act Two, Scene 2

The Balcony Scene: Romeo and Juliet declare their love for each other and plan to marry.

Act Two, Scene 3

Romeo seeks Friar Laurence's help. The Friar agrees to marry them, hoping it will end the feud.

Act Two, Scene 4

Mercutio and Benvolio discuss Romeo's mysterious absence. Romeo meets the Nurse and gives her a message for Juliet.

Act Two, Scene 5

Juliet anxiously awaits the Nurse's return.

Act Two, Scene 6

Romeo and Juliet are secretly married by Friar Laurence.