Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 1

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ Studyguide questions for Shakespeare’s R ​ omeo and Juliet Directions: Answer the following questions on SEPARATE paper and keep the questions in your notebook for future reference. Set up your paper with an MLA heading and use the section you are doing as the “title” of your page. You must answer the questions in COMPLETE sentences no matter how brief your answer may be. The Prologue 1. In the Prologue, Shakespeare tells his audience what to expect in the play. Why do you suppose he chooses to use this “spoiling the plot” technique? 2. Where is the play set according to the Prologue? 3. What is suggested by the words “fatal loins” and “star-crossed” lovers? 4. What does the Prologue suggest will end the feud between the families? 5. What is “two hours traffic” in the Prologue? ACT I, Scene 1 1. What are Sampson and Gregory discussing in the first eleven lines of this scene? 2. Sampson and Gregory are bragging, vulgar-mouthed men who engage in word games. What bawdy comment does Sampson make? Of what kind of “love” is this an example? 3. Who are the two Montagues Gregory and Sampson meet on their way? The Capulets are hesitant to draw their weapons against them; what indicates that they are not as brave as they say they are? 4. Who is Benvolio and what does he attempt to do? 5. Who misinterprets Benvolio’s intentions and what does this angry character do? 6. As the brawl breaks out among the citizens, the Prince enters the scene and scolds the crowd. With what does he threaten the citizens if another riot breaks out among them? 7. When Lady Montague questions Benvolio about whether or not he has seen Romeo, what does Benvolio say about seeing him? 8. What do the lines 126-137 (pg 32) of Lord Montague’s speech about his son Romeo suggest about Romeo? 9. What does Romeo reveal to Benvolio as the “problem” he is facing? 10. What literary device is represented by the lines: ​Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lover’’s eyes; Being vex’d, a sea nourish’d with lovers’ tears… 11. What is meant by the above lines in question 10?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 2

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

12. Take a moment to research the concept of “Courtly Love” and give a small explanation of is meant by this Renaissance term. 13. With a brief understanding of what is expected according to the tradition of courtly love, how is Romeo expected to respond to Rosaline’s rejection? 14. What practical advice does Benvolio give to Romeo? 15. In lines 203-219 Romeo makes remarks about Rosaline’s decision to remain chaste. Paraphrase his words to indicate his final remarks to Benvolio about Rosaline. ACT ONE, Scene Two 1. After speaking briefly, Paris gets to the point of his visit with Lord Capulet. What does he ask of Lord Capulet and what is Capulet’s response to Paris? 2. Paris responds that “younger than she have been married.” What is Lord Capulet’s response to Paris’ reasoning? What suggestion and invitation does Capulet make to Paris? 3. Interpret the following lines from Benvolio to Romeo: “Take thou some new infection to the eye, and the rank poison of the old will die.” 4. What does the “poison” symbolize and what is foreshadowed within the usage of the Word? 5. After reading the list of invited guests to Capulet’s party, Romeo responds to Benovolio Rosaline is the most beautiful woman since time began. What does Benvolio want Romeo to do when he says: “Tut, you saw her fair none else being by...but in that crystal scales let there be Weighed your lady’s love against some other maid that I will show you….and She shall scant show well that now seems best.” ?

ACT ONE, Scene Three 1. The Nurse quotes the vulgar remark that her husband made to young Juliet and then, she likes it so much that she repeats it. What do the Nurse’s indecent remarks in front of the family indicate about her and the family’s relationship? 2. What does Lady Capulet ask of Juliet ? What do YOU think is Lady Capulet’s motivation in bringing up this whole conversation with Juliet? 3. What is Juliet’s response to her mother’s conversation with her?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 3

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

ACT ONE, Scene Four 1. In 11-16, what metaphor does Romeo give as an excuse for not dancing, and what is suggested by the word picture he paints? 2. Why is Romeo apprehensive to attend the masquerade ball? 3. Mercutio’s famous “Queen Mab” speech suggests how he feels about the concept of dreams being an “omen” of sorts. What does he mean by giving this long tirade about dreams in response to Romeo’s apprehension? 4. The theme of “Fate” is illustrated in the following quote by Romeo when he says: “...some consequence, yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date…” What does this whole speech of Romeo’s (lines 106-113) suggest about Fate and Romeo?

ACT ONE, Scene Five 1. Upon first seeing Juliet at the ball, Romeo remarks about her beauty and about himself...what does he actually say in the text that would suggest he has fogotten Rosaline altogether? 2. What is Tybalt’s reaction when he hears Romeo’s voice? What does this suggest about Tybalt’s character? 3. What does Lord Capulet say to Tybalt in reference to Romeo’s attendance at the party, Romeo’s reputation, and what Capulet expects from Tybalt? 4. Tybalt obeys his uncle, but says “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bitterest gall.” (lines 89-90) What does this comment suggest about the concepts of love and hate? 5. In lines 91-109, summarize how Romeo and Juliet are approaching one another upon their very first meeting. Write down specific terms that they use throughout their conversation that ends with their kissing. 6. Upon both teenagers finding out they have fallen in love with a sworn enemy, what does Juliet suggest by saying, ‘If he be married, my grave is like to be my wedding bed”? (Line 132)

Thus endeth Act One

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 4

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

ACT TWO Prologue 1. The chorus comments on the action of the play thus far---in your own words, summarize the meaning of the first four lines of the chorus’ prologue: “Now old desire doth in his deathbed lie And young affection gapes to be his heir; That fair for which love groaned for and would die, With tender Juliet matched, is now not fair.” (lines 1-4) 2. What problem does the chorus allude to concerning the lovers? 3. What is suggested in the last line of the prologue as an answer to their problem? “But passion lends the power, time means, to meet, Tempering extremities with extreme sweet.” 4. Write out the rhyme scheme of the prologue. What type of poem is the prologue? 5. Look up the meaning of a “Half-rhyme” and identify it within the prologue. ACT TWO, Scene 1 1. In this scene, what assumptions do Mercutio and Benvolio make about Romeo, and what does the audience know that Mercutio and Benvolio do NOT know? 2. When Mercutio says “If love be blind, love cannot hit the mark,” what larger truth is Mercutio suggesting about those who are in love?

ACT TWO, Scene 2 1. What is Romeo suggesting when he says “He jests at scars that never felt a wound” at the very opening of the scene? 2. Romeo’s first speech upon seeing Juliet at her balcony window is among the most famous ever spoken. There are examples of metaphors and personification within the first half of the speech. Identify the Shakespeare phrase and identify the literary devices that are being suggested. 3. Put lines 19-23 in your own words. 4. When Juliet first begins to speak, does she realize Romeo is beneath her window? Is this significant to the development of their relationship?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 5

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

5. Some of the most famous lines ever written are spoken by Juliet: “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” What does she mean by these passionate words? 6. Select phrases from Romeo’s speech that begins with “I take thee at thy word…” (lines 48-56) that indicate he is reluctant to reveal who he truly is to her….paraphrase your Lines. 7. When Romeo valiantly says that he doesn’t mind risking death to be with her, he Continues by saying, “I have night’s cloak to hide me from their eyes…” (line 74). What literary device is illustrated here by the term n ​ ight’s cloak and what might The reference to it symbolize? 8. Juliet is embarrassed that Romeo has overheard how she feels about him prior to His revealing himself to her. What does she say in lines 84-105 that indicates she has Some concerns about herself, but she also possesses a shrewd knowledge of men? 9. Why doesn’t Juliet want Romeo to “swear by the moon?” About what is she worried? 10. What is suggested when Juliet says “Swear by thy gracious self….which is the god of my idolatry?” (lines 113-114) 11. When Juliet says, “I have no joy in this contract tonight….,” what are her concerns in Lines 115-123 that follow? 12. By the end of their time on the balcony, what decision has been made and what do each of them say they will do the next day? ACT TWO, Scene 3 1. Friar Laurence makes a very profound speech at the beginning of this scene. If you consider the speech as a whole commentary on nature and mankind, what important points does he make about both? 2. Friar Laurence assumes Romeo has been out all night with Rosaline when Romeo shows up to see him early in the morning. When the Friar is informed otherwise, what is the Friar’s reaction to Romeo when Romeo expresses his wishes to marry a girl named Juliet? How does he Friar make fun of Romeo? 3. Why does the Friar agree to help Romeo and Juliet get married? ACT TWO, Scene 4 1. Once again, Mercutio yammers on and on at the beginning of this scene. Both Mercutio and Benvolio believe Romeo is still pining over Rosaline. Once Romeo enters, Mercutio, in one passage, makes several allusions. List the allusions that he references and try to figure out how the fit into the context of this scene: 2. The Nurse and Peter arrive looking for Romeo. Upon her discussion with Romeo, the Nurse expresses certain doubts about Romeo. What are those doubts and how does Romeo respond?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 6

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

3. What is the message that Romeo gives to the Nurse for Juliet? 4. Romeo tells the Nurse that his “man” will deliver something beyond the abbey-wall. What is Romeo’s “man” bringing? ACT TWO, Scene 5 1. Juliet waits anxiously for the Nurse to return from her meeting with Romeo. How is Juliet able to justify her Nurse’s tardiness? 2. How does the Nurse tease Juliet? 3. Finally, what does the Nurse tell Juliet (Romeo’s instructions for her)? 4. The Nurse leaves to go fetch the rope ladder----for what is this rope ladder going to be used? ACT TWO, Scene 6 1. When speaking with Friar Laurence, while waiting for Juliet, Romeo says: “Do thou close our hands with holy words,/then love-devouring death do what he dare,/It is enough I may but call her mine.” After interpreting Romeo’s words, what do you think the passage suggests? 2. In expressing his reservations about the marriage, find a quote from Friar Laurence that could foreshadow future events. 3. What should the audience assume happens after Romeo, Juliet, and Friar Laurence exit from the stage? THUS ENDETH ACT TWO

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 7

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

ACT THREE, Scene 1 1. How does Benvolio show himself to be a reasoning man? 2. What is Mercutio’s response to Benvolio? Is Mercutio correct? 3. How does Mercutio show himself to be the more reckless of the two? 4. Romeo enters, and is quickly challenged by an angry Tybalt. Even after hearing Tybalt’s insults, Romeo says he has to love Tybalt. Why does Romeo say this? 5. How does Romeo “hint” of his marriage to Juliet? 6. How does Mercutio react to Romeo’s refusal to fight with Tybalt? Why is this element of the scene significant? 7. What happens to Mercutio? In what way is Romeo responsible for this? 8. How is Mercutio’s comment about his wound “ironic?” 9. What is Romeo’s reaction to Mercutio’s death? 10. What is Romeo willing to sacrifice for Mercutio? 11. Upon killing Tybalt, Romeo screams, “O, I am fortune’s fool!” Discuss what he means by this? What major theme does this statement support? 12. Do you feel Benvolio should be viewed as “disloyal” after he tells the Prince that Romeo is responsible for Tybalt’s death? Why or why not? 13. What does Lady Capulet request of the Prince? 14. What is the Prince’s decision? 15. Do you feel the Prince’s decision is fair or not? Why or why not? ACT THREE, Scene 2 1. The NIGHT is a very significant time for Romeo and Juliet. In her soliloquy while waiting for Romeo on her wedding night, she mentions “night” at least 12 times. List 10 different phrases that Juliet uses in her soliloquy to refer to “night” without using the actual word. (You may list these as bullet points instead of using a complete sentence) 2. As Juliet waits for night and Romeo’s visit, the Nurse arrives with news. What is the news and what is the confusion based on how it is presented to Juliet? 3. Juliet’s first reaction is to call Romeo names. What names or phrases does she call her Beloved Romeo? What do you think these words suggest? What is odd about the insults? 4. After her initial name calling, what is Juliet’s second reaction? What does this second Reaction prove? 5. Why do you think the Nurse, who is obviously very fond of Tybalt, volunteer to go and get Romeo? 6. Where is Romeo hiding, what seems to be Juliet’s plan, and what does she give to the Nurse? Why do you think she gives the Nurse this token for Romeo?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 8

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

ACT THREE, Scene 3 1. How does Romeo react to the news that he has been banished? 2. What is Friar Laurence’s reaction to Romeo’s complaining? 3. According to Romeo, why is the Friar unable to truly understand Romeo’s feelings about Juliet and being banished? 4. The Nurse arrives and informs them that Juliet, too, is just as distraught as Romeo. Hearing of Juliet’s unhappiness and believing she hates him, Romeo draws a knife to kill himself. Of what does the Friar accuse Romeo? 5. List the things that the Friar says about which Romeo should be happy? 6. What does the Friar then tell Romeo to do? What instructions does the Friar give Romeo? ACT THREE, Scene 4 1. In the conversation between Lord Capulet, his wife, and Paris, what do they think is Juliet present cause of grief? 2. What do you learn about Paris’ character during this interaction? 3. What decision does Lord Capulet make, and why do you suppose he makes this decision? 4. What is inconsistent about this decision? ACT THREE, Scene 5 1. Summarize the conversation between Romeo and Juliet at the opening of this scene? 2. What does Lady Capulet disclose to Juliet when the two are working through Juliet’s grief (although Mom has totally misunderstood Juliet’s weeping)? 3. What news does Juliet’s mother bring and what is Juliet’s response? 4. What is Lord Capulet’s reaction to his daughter’s desire NOT to marry? 5. Who tries to defend Juliet against her father’s anger? 6. In the last words of his tirade against Juliet, how does he try to persuade Juliet to go through with the marriage to Paris? 7. What does Juliet threaten to do if she is forced to go through with the marriage? What does her mother say to her in response? 8. The Nurse steps in to advise Juliet----what advice does she give Juliet, and why do you think she does this knowing all that she knows about Juliet and Romeo? 9. What is Juliet’s response to the Nurse’s advice? Do you think Juliet’s response is believable and reasonable, given her age? 10. Juliet tells the Nurse she is going to the Friar to confess her sins. Why is she really going there?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 9

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

ACT 4, Scene 1 1. What does Juliet tell the Friar? 2. List three things Juliet is willing to do “...without fear or doubt...rather than marry Paris? 3. What is the detailed plan that the Friar sets out for Juliet? ACT 4, Scene 2 1. What does Juliet tell her father upon her return from Friar Laurence? 2. What does Capulet mean when he ends the scene with “My heart is wondrous light, Since this same wayward girl is so reclaimed”? ACT 4, Scene 3 1. If Friar Laurence’s potion does not work, what is Juliet’s backup plan? 2. Prior to finding the inner courage to take the potion, Juliet expresses fear and a little suspicion against the Friar. What suspicions about the Friar does she voice? 3. In spite of her worries about the Friar, she is also worried about something else. What other worry does she express in her monologue prior to taking the potion? ACT 4, Scene 4 1. During the course of interchange between the Nurse, Lord Capulet, and Lady Capulet, what has his wife accused him of? 2. Ironically, what does all the hustle and bustle in the house indicate? ACT 4, Scene 5 1. What is the reaction of Lord and Lady Capulet to the news of Juliet’s death? 2. Lord Capulet says, “Death lies on her like an untimely frost/Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.” What literary device is illustrated in this quote? What does he mean? 3. How does Friar Laurence try to comfort the family?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 10

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP

ACT 5, Scene 1 1. The Friar is supposed to send a messenger to Mantua to Romeo, informing him of the plan and Juliet’s fake death. Who arrives in Mantua instead, and what news does he give to Romeo? 2. What theme is represented in question #1? 3. How is Romeo able to purchase illegal poison in Mantua? ACT 5, Scene 2 1. Why is Friar John not able to go to Mantua to deliver Friar Laurence’s message to Romeo? What theme does this situation support? 2. What revision does Friar Laurence make in his plan? ACT 5, Scene 3--the Finale 1. What is Paris doing at the crypt? 2. What does Romeo give to Balthasar and what does Romeo tell him to do? Why does Balthasar choose not to do it? 3. What metaphor does Romeo create regarding the crypt, and what is his meaning? 4. Why do Romeo and Paris fight, considering Romeo really has no wish to fight anyone? 5. Although he has just fatally wounded Paris, what act of compassion does Romeo perform for Paris? 6. What are Romeo’s famous last words prior to dying? 7. When Juliet wakes, how does the Friar hope to resolve this mess? Does Juliet agree to his new plan? 8. How does Juliet first try to kill herself when she hears people coming near the crypt? 9. How does Juliet ultimately kill herself? 10. Indicate the important points of Prince Escalus’ speech that resolve the play’s conflicts? 11. Why do you think Shakespeare has the Prince say in his final speech, “...Some shall be pardoned, and some punished…” but he does not indicate which characters will be pardoned and which shall be held responsible?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Studyguide 11

Mrs. Hackett

English II CP