Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Quiz

Double Entendre example from Act 1

Ay, the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads (1.1.27-28) – a phrase with two meanings, usually one risqué.

Pun example from Act 1

Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.

Allusion examples from Act 1

References to classical figures: Cupid, Dian’s wit (goddess of chastity), Aurora’s bed (Roman goddess of the dawn).

Setting of Act 1

Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance; Sunday morning to Sunday night.

Scene that opens Act 1

A street brawl between Capulet and Montague servants.

Character trying to stop the fight

Benvolio – peaceful, tries to separate men and calm the situation.

Aggressive character during fight

Tybalt – violent, challenges Benvolio and escalates conflict.

Literary element showing contrast

Character foil – highlights opposite personalities: Benvolio = peace, Tybalt = violence.

Prince’s warning to families

The feud has caused three public brawls; if another occurs, “Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace” (1.1.105).

Romeo’s oxymorons about love

O brawling love! O loving hate – love is confusing, painful, and emotionally extreme.

Who asks to marry Juliet and Capulet’s response

Paris asks; Capulet says Juliet is too young (13) and to wait two summers.

Juliet’s age

Thirteen years old.

Romeo’s emotional state and love interest

Melancholic; loves Rosaline who won’t return his love.

How Romeo finds out about Capulet ball

A servant asks him to read the guest list; unaware Romeo is a Montague, he invites him.

How Benvolio advises Romeo to cure lovesickness

Look at other women and compare them to Rosaline.

How Capulet advises Paris similarly

Observe many women to find the one who stands out; don’t rush marriage.

Nurse’s monologue purpose

Tells Juliet’s childhood story to Juliet and Lady Capulet (1.3.21-54).

Nurse’s relationship with Juliet and who is Susan

Nurse raised Juliet like her own child; Susan was her daughter who died in infancy.

Juliet’s birthday

July 31 (eve of Lammas Day).

Lady Capulet’s purpose in visiting Juliet

Discuss marriage, ask Juliet about her disposition toward Paris.

How Nurse and Lady Capulet feel about Paris

Both think he is handsome and a great match; Lady Capulet uses extended book metaphor.

Juliet’s response to Lady Capulet about Paris

She will try to like him, “I will look to like if looking liking move” (1.3.106).

Juliet’s relationship with her mother

Respectful but distant; relies on Nurse for emotional connection.

How Romeo and friends will escape detection at Capulet’s party

They will wear masks.

Who is Queen Mab

Tiny fairy described by Mercutio; symbolizes dreams and desires.

Mercutio’s monologue purpose

Warns Romeo that dreams are fantasies; should not predict the future.

Romeo’s premonition about the party

Fears attending will lead to his early death (“Some consequence yet hanging in the stars”).

Romeo’s first impression of Juliet

She is dazzling; compares her to “teaching the torches to burn bright” and “a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear” (1.5.49-51).

Who recognizes Romeo at the party and reaction

Tybalt; enraged but Capulet stops him, saying “He shall be endured” (1.5.84).

Metaphor Romeo uses for touching Juliet’s hand

Pilgrim touching a saint’s shrine – gentle and reverent (1.5.103).

What Romeo learns from the Nurse after Juliet goes to her mother

Juliet is a Capulet; realizes he has fallen in love with his enemy’s daughter.