Lang/Lit 1 Romeo & Juliet Study Guide Complete all 5 Acts

Tragedy

An event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, leading to the downfall of the main character.

Soliloquy

An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.

Tragic Hero

The protagonist of a tragic story who has ethical/good traits but meets eternal suffering.

Aside

A speech or short comment that a character delivers directly to an audience while other characters in the play can’t hear it.

Comic Relief

Use of humor to give the reader or audience emotional breaks from tension and heavy moods.

Blank verse

Poetry that does not rhyme but follows a regular meter.

Allusion

An implied or indirect reference or a person, event, or thing to a part of another text

Iambic Pentameter

a verse composed of ten syllables arranged in five metrical feet which each consists of an unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable.

Foil

A character who is presented as a contrast to a second character to point to or advantage some aspect of the second character. *A character who contrasts with another character*

Who speaks the prologue?

A chorus

What was the purpose of the prologue?

To inform readers about the fatal plot the two households will face in the future.

What is the poetic form in the Prologue?

The prologue is a Shakespearean sonnet since it has 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme.

What is the importance of lines 5 and six in the prologue

It shows that Romeo and Juliet will meet their fate due to star crossed choices of suicide. (Due to their families hating each other)

What themes are established in the Prologue?

A theme of suspense is built since it makes readers want to discover what led to Romeo and Juliets’s tragic outcome.

How does Shakespeare start the pay so that he gains the attention of the “groundlings”

He starts off with an action scene between Sampson and Gregory, showing the tension between the Montague’s and Capulets’s within the first few lines.

The servants of the house of Capulet are are already using insulting language to generalize about members of the Montague family What does this show about attitudes in the two houses?

The Capulet family’s use of insulting reflects the rising hatred between the two houses.

What are the attitudes of Gregory and Sampson towards the law?

both of them ignore the law, believing they can fight the montague’s without any serious consequences.

Who is Tybalt and why is he dangerous.

He is juliet’s cousin. He is dangerous because he’s a foil character who holds deep anger and hatred, leading him to take violent choices.

In scene one, lines 71-75 how are the responses of lady Capulet and lady Montague to their husbands different?

Lady Capulet is fine with Capulet wanting to stir fights while Lady Montague tries to hold her husband to avoid the drama.

What warning does the prince give the street brawlers?

He warns them if they fight again, They’ll be executed.

What is unusual about Romeo’s behavior, according to benviolio and Lord Montague?

Romeo has been acting very strange due to being depressed, and isolated, and is barely at home all the time.

when benviolio asks Romeo what is the cause of romeo’s strange behavior, what does romeo tell him?

Romeo is in heartbreak since he loves a girl who doesn’t love him back he hasn’t met this girl that he loves yet

What is an oxymoron?

a figure of speech that combines two contradictory elements.

What are the four oxymorons in lines 166-178?

1. O brawling love, o brawling hate

2. o heavy lightness, serious vanity

3. feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health

4. still walking deep, that is not what it is

According to Romeo, why does the young woman he is in love with refuse him?

She is too wise, making him despair. She doesn’t want to get married.

Why does Romeo not want to look at other women?

He will always be reminded of his old crush. he cant stop thinking about her

In the scene where Lord Capulet talks to Paris about marrying his daughter Juliet What reasons does he give for not wanting Juliet to marry at this time.

He says that Juliet is 13 and will allow her to marry in 2 years.

What does Lord Capulet mean when he says, “the earth has swallowed all of my hopes but she”

He means that Juliet is her only child left since all of his other children died or left.

On what conditions does Lord Capulet agree to Juliet’s marriage with Paris?

He only agrees if Juliet asks him to marry Paris. Lord Capulet knows that this WONT happen since Juliet has no interest in Paris.

Who is Rosaline, and how is she related to the Capulets?

Rosaline is the girl Romeo was in love with and is the Capulet’s niece.

What is the dramatic irony in lines 70-85 of Act 1 Scene 2

Lord Capulet believes that Paris will win juliet’s heart at the party while the audience knows that she’ll fall in love with Romeo since its the name of the play, Romeo and Juliet.

What is the nurse’s relationship with Juliet? How would you describe her personality?

The nurse is practically a replacement mother for Juliet since she raised her as if she was her REAL mom. Juliet always turns to the nurse for advice, showing that she’s trusted, kind, caring, and motherly.

What is the nurse’s ONE wish for Juliet?

She wishes to see Juliet married and happy

When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about being married, what is Juliet’s answer and what does it reveal about her character?

She says, “Its an honor that I dream not of.” this shows that she is responsible by knowing marriage is important but hasn’t thought about it This shows us that she likes to think about the present, not the past or future.

Explain Juliet’s answer to her mother when asked if she can love Paris.

She says that she’ll look at Paris and see if she likes him. She’s not excited to go to the party but goes anyway to respect her mother.

What does Romeo feel about love

he feels like love is a harsh, heartbreaking, prickling sensation that calls pain.

How does Mercuto try to snap Romeo out of his depression.

He tried to bring him to the party

What is Mercutio’s speech on Queen Mab?

Its a speech about a fairy who was supposed to influence dreams.

Why does Romeo feel uneasy about going to the party?

He feels like there will be some harsh consequences that may lead to fatality.

What decision does Romeo make in lines 112-113 and what is the thematic importance of his decision

He decides to go to the party. This represents a them of fate since he’s being FORCED/CONTROLELD beyond his will by Mercutio and believes that this will lead to his death.

How do we see Mercutio as a foil to Romeo.

He mocks romeo’s dramatic character and contrasts his feelings of love.

We learn from romeo’s speech that he is struck by love at first sight when he sees Juliet at the party. what does he compare Juliet to?

He compares Juliet to a beautiful white dove amongst crows

how does this speech about his love for Juliet compare to his speeches about being in love with Rosaline.

Romeo was using couplet rhymes the entire time when he saw Juliet, showing his dedication towards being in love with Juliet.

Does Romeo truly love Juliet?

No, he was in love with roseline a few minutes ago and he says the same things to both of them

Tybalt recognizes romeo’s voice and tries to start a fight. what two reasons does Lord Capulet give for stopping him?

1. Verona has good opinions on Romeo being well governed.

2. Capulet doesn’t want a fight to happen due to the talk with the prince (He could be executed if he break’s the prince’s rule about fighting.)

What threat does Tybalt make as he agrees to withdraw?

He states that Romeo staying at the party will lead to many downhill effects. He threatens that he’ll get his revenge on Romeo since he won’t forget about this moment.

When Romeo and Juliet speak to each other, what type of poem do their lines form?

Their lines go back and forth, forming a sonnet along with many rhymed couplets.

What does Romeo realize at the end of act 1 scene 5

He realizes that he is in love with a Capulet. She’s apart of his families’ greatest enemy. (he also finds out that marrying Juliet will bring a lot of money)

The chorus’s speech is a shakespearean Sonnet

Paraphrase the chorus’s speech. What type of poem is this?

Mercutio teases Romeo with Rosaline showing his playfully, mocking tone to make fun of Romeo.

What is Mercutio saying in lines 7-17? What is his tone?

Romeo is in love with Juliet instead of Rosaline while Benvolio and mercutio believes he is still in love with Rosaline.

What is the dramatic irony found in lines 16-21

He says that bind love cannot hit the mark as Romeo sits under a medlar tree. This shows that love without a proper understanding is bound to fail and should be grounded into reality before things take a turn for the worse.

What does Mercutio say about blind love

Romeo sees Juliet brighter than the sun since its more beautiful than the moon and seeing her brightens up his mood.

Romeo repeats the light and dark images he introduced when he saw Juliet for the first time. Why does Romeo compare Juliet to the sun?

He wants Juliet to outshine the moon so he’ll have a better view at Juliet.

Why does Romeo want the sun to kill the envious moon.

The moon is envious because it has a greenish light that Romeo doesn’t like

Why is the moon envious

Romeo is entranced in Juliet’s brilliance and beauty, comparing her eyes to the stars.

Why does Romeo compare’s eyes to the stars?

The stars represent their star crossed fate, foreshadowing the tragedy between the two lovers.

How is this comparison to stars an example of foreshadowing?

Juliet is asking why Romeo is a montague.

Look closely at lines 33-36. Juliet is still unaware that Romeo is nearby. What is she asking?

They both believe that they won’t be allowed to marry each other due to their last names since their families despise each other. Juliet believes that the drama is foolish and is frustrated about the family feud.

Look closely at lines 38-49. What does Juliet say about names? What can we infer about her attitude toward the feud that has separated the two families?

Juliet is startled, and embarrassed about her direct statements of love. However, Romeo’s occurance makes her joyful and happy.

How does Juliet feel when she realizes Romeo has been listening

Romeo could be killed if he gets caught by the Capulet family. Juliet takes this situation more seriously and fears about the consequences while Romeo states he’ll be happy if he dies outside of Juliet’s window.

What will happen if Romeo gets caught outside of Juliet’s window? Which one, Romeo or Juliet, seems to take this threat more seriously?

She doesn’t know and why Romeo came and is embarrassed about the stuff she' said about him.

Explain Juliet’s feelings of embarrassment. Would you be as embarrassed as she is in a similar situation?

She wants Romeo to always love her and feels that swearing on the moon as in love could make his love unstable or unreliable to his relationship with her.

Why does Juliet object to Romeo’s swearing on the moon?

She fears that everything is happening so fast and things might go downhill.

What are Juliet’s fears in lines 116-119

As Romeo says, “O blessed, blessed night!” and “Too flattering sweet to be substantional.” This shows Juliet that he’s compassionate about being in love with Juliet, changing her mind

What do you think changes Juliet’s mind I lines 142-149

She wants to verify is Romeo is serious and reliable about marrying.

Juliet is going to send someone to Romeo on the following day for what purpose?

I-(Darius) Believe that they’re rushing into things so they don’t get caught.

Do you think Romeo and Juliet are rushing into things or are they just hopelessly being romantic (opinion based)

Plants, Weeds, and Herbs that are used for medical purposes

What is in Friar Laurence’s Basket?

He states that plants have the potential to being both beneficial and harmful on how they are used.

What details in the friar’s speech casually suggests that these herbs have the power to heal or kill?

It foreshadows Romeo and Juliet’s love towards each other that leads to their tragic fate, referencing that herbs can kill.

How might the herbs having the power to heal or kill relate to Romeo and Juliet?

He is stating that good things can be harmful if misused and bad things can occur through actions.

Explain in lines 21-22 “Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied/, And vice sometime by action dignified”?

He says that he’s unusually up early, thinking something is troubling him.

When Friar Laurence sees Romeo, what comment does Friar Laurence make about seeing Romeo so early in the morning?

He means that young men fall into love based on physical appearance rather than genuine emotional connection.

What does Friar Laurence mean when he says to Romeo," “Young men’s love then lies not truly in their hearts but in their eyes?” lines 67-68

Friar Laurence hopes that their marriage will reconcile the fighting between both the Montagues and Capulets. I feel like his schemes agree with Romeo and Juliets plans but warn them about the consequences of their marriage.

What is Friar Laurence’s motive for marrying Romeo and Juliet (89-92) so far, how do you feel about the Friar’s schemes

Mercutio is worried about Romeo’s safety since Tybalt wants to KILL him and hopes that he didn’t get caught.

why is Mercutio looking for Romeo?

Mercutio mocks tybalts mad behavior, viewing him as extremely aggressive and tries to ignore his threats.

Describe Mercutio’s feelings towards Tybalt.

Mercutio jokes and teased Romeo with puns and rhymes which shows how friends use humor in today’s society as well to bond and show affection towards one another.

How does Mercutio use tricks of poetry to tease Romeo? Does Mercutio’s teasings of Romeo remind you fo the way friends today tease one another?

The nurse plays a role as a messenger, helping them organize, plan their secret meetings, and tell messages to each other.

What part does the nurse play in Romeo and Juliet’s schemes?

He urges her to tell Juliet that she should find a way to get to Friar Laurence’s cell that afternoon to be married with him in secret.

What message does Romeo urge the nurse to give Juliet

I believe that the nurse is optimistic and gladly assists to help Juliet and Romeo marry in secret since she wants to see Juliet married and happy. Yet, the nurse still advises her to marry Paris if Romeo is banished.

The nurse is one of shakespear’s great comic characters. do you think she has a strong sense of right and wrong? or does she seem to be easily corrupted, someone who will do whatever people want her to do.

Juliet is anxious and impatient since she’s eager to hear news from Romeo about their plans to marry and can’t stand the suspense.

Describe Juliets mood as she waits for the nurse’s return

She does this to tease Juliet since she enjoys holding Juliet in suspense and watching her squirm desperately for information.

The nurse knows Juliet is impatient but she keeps putting her off. Why does the nurse do this?

She agrees to help them since she deeply cares for Juliet and wants her to be happy.

Why does the Nurse agree to help Juliet marry Romeo

Juliet is relieved and full of joy to hear that Romeo has arranged them to get married

What is juliet’s mood at the end of this scene?

Friar says, “these violent delights have violent ends,” and, “therefore love moderately long love doth so I too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.” This foreshadows that their marriage might lead to harmful decisions that might possibly lead to their death according to the Friar.

Though this should be a happy occasion for Romeo and Juliet, what does the Friar say to make us cautious of Romeo and Juliet’s future together? Point out lines that foreshadow possible trouble ahead

According to Benvolio, what is the weather like? What is Benvolio worried about as a result?

The weather is hot, and Benvolio is concerned about running into any capulets since he believes that something bad will happen.

What is unique about Benvolio and Mercutio’s conversation at the opening of Act 3

Their conversation foreshadows the upcoming fight and shows how both characters contrast one another. Mercutio is provocative, while Benvolio is more cautious and peace seeking.

Look closely at lines 15-31. What is mercutio saying about Benvolio? what might his tone of voice be here in Act 3?

Mercutio mocks Benvolio's tendency to avoid fights and describes him as overly cautious. His tone is sarcastic and teasing, highlighting their contrasting personalities.

Why does Tybalt approach Mercutio and Benvolio and want a “word” with one of them (line 36)

Tybalt approaches them to confront Romeo, seeking revenge for the perceived insult after the Capulet party. He is aggressive and wants to challenge Romeo to a duel.

Mercutio tries to provoke Tybalt to fight (lines 43-46) Why doesn’t Tybalt want to fight him? (line 53)

Tybalt considers Romeo as a more worthy opponent to duel because he wants to seek revenge after the events at the Capulet Party.

After Tybalt insults romeo, romeo responds with lines 59-62 explain his lines? what is the reason romeo has for ignoring the insult?

Romeo responds by saying he cannot fight Tybalt because he loves him as family, due to his marriage to Juliet. He believes that maintaining peace is more important than retaliating, showing his desire to avoid conflict.

Look closely at Romeo’s lines in 65-69. Explain the meaning of the lines and the dramatic irony of the situation.

The dramatic irony lies in the audience's awareness that while Romeo seeks to avoid conflict since Tybalt is now one of his relatives due to the marriage. Tybalt, unaware of the marriage, is still enraged and ready to fight.

Who starts the fight?

Mercutio starts the fight by challenging Tybalt after Romeo REFUSES to duel.

Romeo tries to stop Mercutio and Tybalt from fighting by reasoning with them (lines 83-87 paraphrase what he says

Romeo attempts to persuade them to stop fighting, explaining that their actions will lead to a greater conflict and suffering for everyone involved, urging that fighting is unnecessary.

How are Mercutio’s lines (90-91 and 93-97) ironic?

Mercutio’s lines are ironic because he mocks the idea of being wounded and says its just a scratch while accepting his fate.

What is Mercutio’s curse as he dies?

Her curses, “a plague o both of your houses!” This reflects his anger towards both families and highlights the destructive consequences of the capulet and Montague’s feuds.

What does Romeo mean when he says Juliet’s beauty has made him effeminate?

Romeo feels like his love towards Juliet has softened him as a person, making his less aggressive.

What does romeo do when Tybalt returns

Romeo fights Tybalt and ends up killing him out of anger

“I am fortune’s fool!” what does romeo mean by this line?

Romeo feels like he’s being played with by fate and his actions are beyond his control.

Why do you think the prince chooses Benvolio to explain what had happened?

Benvolio is known to be honest, trustworthy, and peacekeeping. He was also present during the events and can provide accurate information about the fight.