Romeo & Juliet Study Guide

Tragedy

drama in which the protagonist is overcome by some superior force or circumstance (most of a time death)

Tragic Hero

nobly born, great influence on society, usally has a weakness or flaw that will lead to their downfall

Comic relief

a humorous scene that well relieves the emotional intensity of a play

Allusion

brief references to something outside the work that the reader/audience is expected to know. allusions can be historical , or from work of literature

foil

character whos personality contrasts with another character

soliloquy

speech you make to yourself

aside

a characters remark to the audience or another character that others on stage do not hear

1. How do we know immediately how serious the family feud is?

We know immediately how serious the family feud is by them fighting.

2. Why is Sampson so eager to fight?

Sampson is so eager to fight because they want to fight for their rightful house and prove he’s not scared of any Montagues.

3. How does Tybalt misunderstand the situation? Is this misunderstanding intentional?

Tybalt misunderstands the situation by thinking Benvolio is trying to grow the fight and make it bigger. The misunderstanding is intentional.

4. What is the difference in personalities between Benvolio and Tybalt?

The difference in personalities between Benvolio and Tybalt is Benvolio is more for peace and being civil while Tybalt is the opposite and angry and likes fighting.

5. How does this brawl end?

The brawl ends by the Prince coming and threatening them.

6. What is the Prince’s decree, if he sees another brawl in the streets?

The Prince’s decree is if he sees another brawl in the streets the consequences will lead to death.

7. Where is Romeo? What’s wrong with him?

Romeo is under a sycamore tree crying. Romeo is sad because Rosaline doesn’t love him back.

8. Describe Romeo’s mood as he enters.

Romeo’s mood is sad because of Rosaline.

9. An oxymoron is a pair of words, which sound like opposites, stuck together (“bittersweet,” “peaceful war”). Give 2 examples of oxymorons in Romeo’s early speech.

Some oxymorons in Romeo’s early speech is “cold fire” and “sick health”.

1. How old is Juliet?

13

2. Why does Lord Capulet hesitate to agree to allow Juliet to marry Count Paris?

Lord Capulet hesitates to agree to allow Juliet to marry Count Paris because he thinks she may be too young.

3. How is Romeo reading the Capulet invitation an example of dramatic irony?

Romeo reading the Capulet invitation is an example of dramatic irony he shouldn’t even have it. In the streets when he read the guest list for the servant the servant didn’t know he was a Montague.

4. Why does Benvolio want Romeo to go to the party?

Benvolio wants Romeo to go to the party because maybe he might be able to get over Rosaline and move onto another girl.

5. Why does Romeo agree to go to the party?

Romeo agrees to go to the party so he can see Rosaline.

6. Foreshadowing: What do you suppose will happen at the Capulet party—good and bad?

Good: At the Capulet party Juliet and Romeo will meet for the first time. Bad: The Capulet house will find out he is a Montague and something bad will happen.

1. Describe the differences in personality between Lady Capulet and Juliet’s nurse.

The differences in personality between Lady Capulet and Juliet’s nurse is Juliet’s mother was never there when Juliet was growing up and the nurse was. The nurse was a fill in for Juliet’s mother.

2. Why does the nurse deliver this lengthy story of baby Juliet?

To reminiscence on how fast Juliet is growing up.

What does Juliet’s mother wish to tell her/ask her?

Juliet’s mother wishes to tell her/ask her about the arranged marriage with Count Paris.

4. When will Juliet meet Count Paris?

Juliet will meet Count Paris at the party.

5. With whom does Juliet have a better relationship—her mother or her nurse?

Juliet has a better relationship with her nurse.