ELA Romeo and Juliet Test(s)

Overview of the Romeo & Juliet Test

• The test will mostly consist of short answer questions about the play and an “on the spot” Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER), along with sonnet analysis.

• The first part of the test (on the spot CER) will take place on Friday, and the second part will be conducted on Monday.

Study Tools:

Part 1: On the Spot CER

• This CER will focus on analyzing a poem, particularly highlighting figurative language and impactful words and phrases.

• It is similar to the Song Analysis CER completed previously.

• Grading Criteria:

  • Ability to analyze and break down figurative language and its meaning

  • Providing evidence

  • Expanding on evidence with substantial reasoning

  • Grammar

Part 2: Shakespeare Test

• The second part will include short answer questions and analysis of two sonnets, one of which will have been studied in class.

• An extra credit question will also be available.

For Sonnets:

• Be able to:

  • Label quatrains

  • Label couplets

  • Label rhyme scheme

  • Identify iambic pentameter

  • Explain the meaning of the sonnet

Short Answer Questions:

1. What is dramatic irony?

   • Provide three examples of dramatic irony from Romeo and Juliet.

2. Find a metaphor from the play.

   • Explain its meaning and significance to the plot. (Note: This metaphor can be noted on a notecard)

3. What is the theme of the play?

   • Provide evidence and reasoning to support your answer.

4. Who is at fault for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?

   • Provide evidence and reasoning to support your answer.

Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows something that the characters do not. This creates tension and anticipation as the audience is aware of the true situation while the characters act on incomplete information. In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," there are several examples of dramatic irony, such as when Romeo believes Juliet is dead, but the audience knows she is actually alive.

One key metaphor from "Romeo and Juliet" is found in Romeo's description of Juliet during the balcony scene, where he says she is like the sun, stating, "But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." This metaphor conveys Juliet's brightness and warmth, symbolizing how she brings light into Romeo's life amidst the darkness of their feuding families. This metaphor corresponds with the overarching theme of love, as it exemplifies the intensity and transformative power of their relationship. Love is portrayed as a radiant force that can illuminate the darkest of circumstances, emphasizing how their love transcends the hate between the Montagues and Capulets.

To argue that the families are at fault for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, you can use the following evidence and reasoning from the play:

1. The Feud Between the Families: The long-standing feud between the Montagues and Capulets creates a hostile environment where love is forbidden. This animosity directly contributes to the tragic events, as Romeo and Juliet feel compelled to hide their love.

   • Evidence: The opening scenes of the play reveal the extent of the hatred, showcasing a violent altercation between the servants of the two families.

   • Reasoning: If their families had been supportive rather than adversaries, Romeo and Juliet might have been able to openly pursue their love without the fear of conflict or retribution.

2. Capulet's Decisions: Lord Capulet's decision to force Juliet into an arranged marriage with Paris without her consent exacerbates her desperation.

   • Evidence: When Juliet resists the marriage, Capulet threatens to disown her, showing a lack of understanding and support for her feelings.

   • Reasoning: This pressure contributes to her decision to fake her death, leading to the tragic misunderstanding that ultimately results in their deaths.

3. Lack of Communication: The families' inability to communicate and reconcile their differences prevents Romeo and Juliet from being together.

   • Evidence: Key characters try to establish peace, such as Benvolio and Mercutio, but are often met with obstinacy.

   • Reasoning: Greater communication and a willingness to resolve their feud might have allowed for a peaceful union between the lovers.

4. The Consequences of Hatred: The characters' actions based on their loyalty to family and the cycle of revenge ultimately lead to the tragic deaths.

   • Evidence: Tybalt kills Mercutio, prompting Romeo to seek revenge, which leads to Tybalt's death and ultimately Romeo's banishment.

   • Reasoning: If the families had not fostered a culture of vengeance, Romeo's rash actions might have been avoided.

By emphasizing how the families' actions and the perpetuation of hatred directly influenced the choices and fates of Romeo and Juliet, you can effectively argue that they bear responsibility for the tragic outcome.

The main theme of "Romeo and Juliet" is the struggle between love and hate. The play shows how love can overcome social issues, but it also reveals how family hatred can lead to tragic outcomes.

• Evidence: Romeo and Juliet fall deeply in love despite their families being enemies. Their willingness to be together shows how strong love can be.

• Reasoning: Their love goes against the hatred around them, showing that love can challenge what society expects. However, the fighting between their families ultimately causes their deaths, highlighting how revenge and hate can destroy relationships.

Another important theme is fate, which suggests that their tragic ending was unavoidable because of their families' conflicts.

• Evidence: The story starts by calling Romeo and Juliet "star-crossed lovers," meaning their love was doomed from the beginning.

• Reasoning: This suggests that no matter how much they love each other, outside factors (like their families’ arguments) play a big role in leading to their tragic end.

In summary, the clash between love and hate and the idea of fate are key parts of the play's theme.

1. Juliet's "Death": In Act 4, Juliet fakes her death to escape her arranged marriage to Paris. The audience knows she is alive, but Romeo believes she is truly dead, which ultimately leads to their tragic ending.

2. Romeo's Belief About Juliet: During the balcony scene, Romeo expresses his love for Juliet, unaware that she is already in love with him. The audience knows they are both in love, but each character is unaware of the other's feelings at that moment.

3. The Plan to Reunite: Friar Laurence devises a plan for Juliet to fake her death so she can be with Romeo. The audience understands the risks involved and knows that misunderstandings are likely, while the characters act without this knowledge, leading to catastrophic consequences.