The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareACT I

Read the drama The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Then, reread the lines indicated with each question below. Answer each question, citing text evidence.

1. Prologue, Lines 1–14: What do you learn about the two families from the phrase “both alike in dignity”? According to lines 3–4, what is the relationship like between the two families? According to line 6, what does the Prologue say has happened to Romeo and Juliet?

2. Sc. 1, Lines 1–13: Explain the characters’ play on the word move by discussing which definition each speaker uses. How does this dialogue affect the mood of this scene?

3. Sc. 1, Lines 27–48: What does Sampson do when he sees the Montague servants? Why? Why does he take back his gesture? What do the servants’ actions reveal about the conflict between the two families?

4. Sc. 1, Lines 51–65: Why does Gregory’s attitude toward fighting change?

5. Sc. 1, Lines 59–65: Explain how Tybalt’s actions contrast with

Benvolio’s. What characteristic of Benvolio’s is brought out through this contrast? What characteristic of Tybalt’s?

6. Sc. 1, Lines 68–73: What support is in these lines for the inference that Lady Montague and Lady Capulet are more sensible than their husbands?

7. Sc. 1, Lines 74–96: Summarize the Prince’s warning to the two families about their feud.

8. Sc. 1, Lines 109–116: What metaphor is in Benvolio’s response to Lady Montague? What image does this metaphor create? What practical information does it also convey?

9. Sc. 1, Lines 117–123: Explain what Benvolio was doing when he saw Romeo, and why. What does this information about Benvolio suggest about Romeo? What is Lord Montague’s feeling about his son?

10. Sc. 1, Lines 149–150: What can you infer about why Benvolio makes this offer to Lord Montague?

11. Sc. 1, Lines 155–167: What is Benvolio’s purpose in this conversation? Does Romeo suspect his intention? Why or why not?

12. Sc. 1, Lines 169–175: Describe the language Romeo uses in this speech to express his feelings about love. What do these contradictory terms reveal about his feelings about love?

13. Sc. 1, Lines 190–204: Summarize what you learn about the plot that is developed in these lines.

14. Sc. 1, Lines 201–231: Explain why the woman does not return Romeo’s love. How would you describe Romeo’s reaction to his problem? What inferences about his character can you make from his behavior and words? How does Benvolio vow to help Romeo resolve this conflict?

15. Sc. 2, Lines 9–19: Explain Paris’s purpose in visiting Lord Capulet. Why does Lord Capulet appear somewhat reluctant to immediately give his consent?

16. Sc. 2, Lines 56–81: Summarize what happens in this passage. Explain why you think Romeo will take the chance of attending the party at the Capulet house. What could possibly happen if Romeo does attend?

17. Sc. 2, Lines 82–102: What does Benvolio mean when he says “Compare her face with some that I shall show,/ And I will make thee think thy swan a crow” in lines 86–87? Why is Benvolio so confident that he can make Romeo get over Rosaline?

18. Sc. 3, Lines 1–19: At this point in the play, how old is Juliet? When is her next birthday, and how old will she be?

19. Sc. 3, Lines 17–49: How does the nurse feel about Juliet? What can you infer about the nurse’s character from what she says and how she says it?

20. Sc. 3, Lines 59–75: What inferences can you make about Juliet’s feeling toward the nurse? How would you describe Juliet’s attitude toward her mother?

21. Sc. 3, Lines 80–95: What is the comparison in the extended metaphor? Explain the features of Paris that Lady Capulet emphasizes in her comparison. What attribute is suggested in line 94, “So shall you share all that he doth possess”?

22. Sc. 3, Lines 98–100: Explain Juliet’s reply in these lines. What do Juliet’s words reveal about her character?

23. Sc. 4, Lines 11–22: What puns are in these lines? What do they reveal about Romeo’s mood?

24. Sc. 4, Lines 23–43: How would you describe Romeo’s conversation with Mercutio? What kind of friend is Mercutio to Romeo?

25. Sc. 4, Lines 53–95: Explain where dreams come from according to Mercutio.

26. Sc. 4, Lines 106–113: Do Mercutio’s efforts to minimize the importance of Romeo’s dream work? Why or why not? What do lines 112–113 suggest about the reason Romeo goes to the party in spite of his feelings?

27. Sc. 5, Lines 1–13: What is the purpose of this scene?

28. Sc. 5, Lines 42–51: Explain what has happened to Romeo. What example of hyperbole is in this speech? What effect does it have on the audience’s realization of Romeo’s feelings? How does he use similes to convey her beauty in his eyes?

29. Sc. 5, Lines 52–57: Who is Tybalt? What is Tybalt’s reaction when he hears Romeo’s voice? What does he want to do?

30. Sc. 5, Lines 63–71: How does Lord Capulet react to Romeo’s presence at the ball? Why?

31. Sc. 5, Lines 80–90: What is foreshadowed by Tybalt’s reaction to his uncle’s command to leave Romeo alone?

32. Sc. 5, Lines 91–105: Explain to what Romeo compares Juliet in lines 92 and 101. How do other references in these lines develop this comparison? Explain what idea about their relationship this metaphor conveys.

33. Sc. 5, Lines 111–117: What does Romeo’s remark in line 117 show that he realizes? What does the audience know that Romeo does not about a circumstance that will affect their relationship?

34. Sc. 5, Lines 136–139: How does Juliet’s language in this speech relate back to Romeo’s in lines 169–176 of Scene 1? Explain what idea about love this literary device conveys.

35. Sc. 5, Lines 141–142: Why does Juliet respond to the nurse’s question as she does? What quality does her response show that was not apparent previously?

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareACT II36. Prologue, Lines 1–14: What does line 5 identify as the difference

between the situation with Rosaline and the one with Juliet? What conflict will Romeo and Juliet encounter in the pursuit of their love? What lines support the idea that love will find a way?

37. Sc. 1, Lines 1–2: Explain the metaphor Romeo uses to describe his relationship with Juliet. What does this metaphor express about his feelings for her?

38. Sc. 1, Lines 17–32: Explain the dramatic irony in this part of the scene.

39. Sc. 1, Lines 33–41: How does Mercutio’s dialogue in this scene add to your impression of his character?

40. Sc. 2, Lines 1–25: What provokes Romeo to speak aloud? To what does he compare Juliet in the speech? What does this soliloquy reveal about his thoughts?

41. Sc. 2, Lines 33–53: What does Juliet say that shows the strength of her feelings for Romeo?

42. Sc. 2, Lines 54–65: How does Romeo address Juliet? Why? What warning does Juliet give to Romeo? What is the impact of this reminder on the audience?

43. Sc. 2, Lines 75–79: Do you think Romeo is serious in his declaration? Why or why not?

44. Sc. 2, Lines 85–106: Why does Juliet tell Romeo that she feels embarrassed? What does she say he would see if it were not so dark? Explain what she means in lines 102–104 when she says “I should have been more strange, I must confess,/ But that thou overheardst, ere I was ware,/ My true love’s passion.” How might Juliet’s candor affect the progress of their relationship?

45. Sc. 2, Lines 109–141: Why doesn’t Juliet want Romeo to swear his love to her by the moon? Why does Juliet compare their love to lightning in lines 118–120? What does this comparison reveal about her feelings? What does Romeo say that conveys a similar idea?

46. Sc. 2, Lines 142–149: What does Juliet demand from Romeo? What motivates this request on Juliet’s part?

47. Sc. 2, Lines 187–190: Why is Romeo going to see Friar Laurence? Explain what is revealed by his action.

48. Sc. 3, Lines 1–22: What idea does the friar convey with the contradictory statements in his speech in lines 9–20? What earlier statements in the play do Friar Laurence’s contradictions echo?

49. Sc. 3, Lines 1–22: What warning does the friar give about the qualities of both people and plants? How might this warning function as foreshadowing?

50. Sc. 3, Lines 31–40: Explain the dramatic irony the friar expresses in lines 39–40.

51. Sc. 3, Lines 43–46: How does Romeo react to the name of Rosaline? Why?

52. Sc. 3, Lines 48–70: Explain why the friar tells Romeo to speak more plainly. Why is this language particularly confusing to the friar?

53. Sc. 3, Lines 57–70: Describe the style of Romeo’s speech in these lines? How has it changed? What shows the friar’s strong reaction? Why does he feel this way?

54. Sc. 3, Lines 81–94: Which lines explain why the friar agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet? Infer other reasons for the friar’s cooperation.

55. Sc. 4, Lines 1–17: Infer how Benvolio and Mercutio feel. Why? How does this new event add a complication to the plot?

56. Sc. 4, Lines 18–24: What is Mercutio saying in these lines through this comparison of Tybalt to his namesake, the cat?

57. Sc. 4, Lines 34–41: Describe Mercutio’s attitude toward Romeo’s feelings based on his choice of words. Apart from making fun of Romeo, why is Mercutio so aware of Romeo’s lovesick state? What is the dramatic irony of Mercutio’s speech?

58. Sc. 4, Lines 56–72: What do you notice about Romeo’s responses in this exchange with Mercutio as compared to their conversation in Act I?

59. Sc. 4, Lines 77–81: What does Mercutio think he has accomplished through his humor? What is his opinion about people who brood over love? Infer why Mercutio may feel this way.

60. Sc. 4, Lines 89–108: How does this encounter with the nurse present a contrast to the threat hanging over Romeo’s head? Why does Shakespeare structure his play in this way?

61. Sc. 4, Lines 110–126: How do Mercutio and Benvolio treat the nurse? What do their actions tell you about their characters?

62. Sc. 4, Lines 127–139: What do you know about the nurse’s purpose that Benvolio and Mercutio are unaware of?

63. Sc. 4, Lines 140–168: How is the nurse’s love for Juliet shown in her comments? What does she say that she is going to tell Juliet? Why does Romeo question her?

64. Sc. 4, Lines 140–168: Recall what the nurse said about Paris in Act I, Scene 3. Why does she agree to help Romeo in his plan to marry Juliet?

65. Sc. 5, Lines 1–17: What do Juliet’s allusions to Venus and to Cupid emphasize about her state of mind as she waits for the nurse to return? How does Juliet’s description of the nurse contrast with her characterization of love as having “wind-swift” wings?

66. Sc. 5, Lines 29–66: Why do the nurse’s responses to Juliet’s questions create humor? Are the nurse’s actions deliberate? Why or why not? What is the effect of the nurse’s responses on Juliet? Would the effect be the same or different for the audience?

67. Sc. 6, Lines 3–8: Which words and phrases in Romeo’s speech suggest a tragic future?

68. Sc. 6, Lines 9–15: Reread Friar Laurence’s caution to Romeo. Based on Romeo’s past romantic history, what is Friar Laurence fearful of here?

69. Sc. 6, Lines 21–37: Contrast Romeo’s speech with Juliet’s. What does this difference reveal about their two characters? What is Friar Laurence’s tone? Explain.

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareACT III

70. Sc. 1, Lines 1–28: How do the words and tone of their speech illustrate the differences between Benvolio and Mercutio?

71. Sc. 1, Lines 30–32: What is foreshadowed by the appearance of Tybalt? What is the effect of his appearance on Benvolio, Mercutio, and the audience?

72. Sc. 1, Lines 33–69: Think about the mounting conflict in this section. Who is responsible for starting this fight?

73. Sc. 1, Lines 57–69: What does each character in the scene know about Romeo’s love of Juliet at this point? What is Romeo’s motive for not wanting to fight Tybalt? What is the effect of Romeo’s words on Mercutio? Why?

74. Sc. 1, Lines 70–79: Do Mercutio’s actions here fit the ideas about his personality as conveyed in previous scenes? Why or why not?

75. Sc. 1, Lines 90–96: Focus on the wounded Mercutio’s words to Romeo. What pun is in these lines? What is implied by his choice of words?

76. Sc. 1, Lines 102–113: Predict what Romeo will do in reaction to Mercutio’s death.

77. Sc. 1, Lines 115–128: Why is Tybalt’s death the play’s turning

point? Consider all of the implications of this event.

78. Sc. 1, Lines 145–179: In what way does Benvolio’s story differ from the actual sequence of events? Why? How does Benvolio’s description of Romeo’s actions and Mercutio’s death reveal his motivation?

79. Sc. 1, Lines 145–179: Why does Lady Capulet think Benvolio is lying? What does she say happened? What does she want the Prince to do? What is Lord Montague’s argument?

80. Sc. 1, Lines 179–187: What does the Prince decide? Why does he make this decision?

81. Sc. 2, Lines 1–31: Summarize what Juliet expresses in her soliloquy. What does the audience know that Juliet does not? What is the effect of this knowledge? What effect does Juliet’s mention of death in lines 21–25 have on the audience?

82. Sc. 2, Lines 36–60: Describe the dramatic irony in this scene. How does the nurse’s delivery of the news compound the confusion? Of whom is she actually speaking?

83. Sc. 2, Lines 73–101: Describe Juliet’s first reaction once she understands what has happened. Why does she feel this way? In contrast, what does she say to the nurse? Why? What realization does she come to as shown in lines 100–101?

84. Sc. 2, Lines 125–131: How will Juliet have to act in this situation? Why?

85. Sc. 2, Lines 138–143: Why does the nurse offer to find Romeo? What did Juliet say that prompts her action? Why does Juliet send her ring to Romeo?

86. Sc. 3, Lines 10–28: How does this scene parallel Scene 2? How does Romeo react to the Prince’s edict that he is banished? Why? What suggests that the friar is angry at Romeo’s lack of gratitude for this more merciful punishment?

87. Sc. 3, Lines 29–51: Why does Romeo view death as more desirable than banishment? Is the portrayal of Romeo here consistent with what you already know about him? Why or why not?

88. Sc. 3, Lines 54–70: Explain whether Romeo believes Friar Laurence is consoling him effectively.

89. Sc. 3, Lines 93–102: What conflicts is Romeo experiencing?

90. Sc. 3, Lines 108–144: Explain Friar Laurence’s attitude toward Romeo in the first part of the speech. What words and phrases convey this tone? What is the friar’s motive in beginning his speech in this way? How does he reinforce this purpose in lines 143–145?

91. Sc. 3, Lines 146–172: Explain why Romeo must leave for Mantua before daybreak. Does the friar’s plan sound feasible? Why or why not?

92. Sc. 4, Lines 5–21: Explain what the Capulets believe is the reason for Juliet’s “heaviness.” What is the real reason known by the audience? What is Lord Capulet’s plan for Juliet, and how does it complicate the plot?

93. Sc. 5, Lines 1–23: Note where Romeo and Juliet are and when this action is taking place. Explain the conflict that is revealed by their dialogue. How does line 23 sum up Romeo’s conflict?

94. Sc. 5, Line 36: How do Romeo’s words reveal his feelings about the situation in which he and Juliet find themselves?

95. Sc. 5, Lines 51–59: How is this parting different from Romeo and Juliet’s first farewell in Scene 2 of Act II? What is the effect of this later farewell scene on the audience? Why?

96. Sc. 5, Lines 69–74: Why does Lady Capulet tell Juliet “much of grief shows still some want of wit”? What is her primary concern right now?

97. Sc. 5, Lines 87–102: What is Juliet really saying in lines 93–95 versus her mother’s interpretation of these lines? What is Juliet actually saying in lines 96–99 when she mentions the kind of poison she would send to Romeo? What does her mother hear instead?

98. Sc. 5, Lines 87–102: How do Juliet’s last lines convince her mother of the strength of her feelings about Romeo while at the same time expressing her true feelings?

99. Sc. 5, Lines 116–123: What is Juliet’s purpose in this speech? What argument does she use to try to achieve her purpose? Why?

100. Sc. 5, Lines 139–157: How does Juliet’s response to their news affect her parents? Why? What other emotions might be motivating their outbursts at Juliet? Remember that the Capulets have just seen their nephew killed.

101. Sc. 5, Lines 160–168: How does Lord Capulet’s decision complicate the plot?

102. Sc. 5, Lines 168–175: What motivates the nurse to speak up?

103. Sc. 5, Lines 203–204: What do Lady Capulet’s last words to Juliet show about her loyalties? Is her reaction realistic? Why or why not?

104. Sc. 5, Lines 213–243: What does the nurse advise Juliet to do? What does this confirm about the nurse’s character?

105. Sc. 5, Lines 236–243: Explain the effect of the nurse’s advice on Juliet. In what way does their relationship change? What does Juliet’s new resolution reveal about her character?

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareACT IV106. Sc. 1, Lines 1–15: What is the friar’s motive for wanting to slow

down the marriage preparations for Paris and Juliet? What does Paris say is Lord Capulet’s motive for hurrying the wedding along?

107. Sc. 1, Lines 18–25: Explain the double meanings in Juliet’s exchange with Paris by citing text evidence.

108. Sc. 1, Lines 44–69: What details suggest that the friar views the situation as seriously as Juliet does? Infer why Friar Laurence is motivated to help Juliet any way that he can. Consider what you know about Friar Laurence’s vocation.

109. Sc. 1, Lines 50–59: How does Juliet view her marriage bond to Romeo? Explain. How is it similar to Romeo’s reaction in Act III?

110. Sc. 1, Lines 71–88: Consider how calmly Friar Laurence listens to Juliet threaten to kill herself in lines 50–67. How does that speech motivate him to share his plan with her? Do you think Juliet dislikes Paris so intensely that she is willing to go to these lengths to avoid marrying him? Explain.

111. Sc. 1, Lines 89–114: How were the elements of the friar’s plan foreshadowed when the friar first appeared in the play? Why is the timing of the friar’s plan critical?

112. Sc. 1, Lines 115–126: Explain what the risks of Friar Laurence’s plan might be? What is an essential component of the plan?

113. Sc. 2, Lines 1–8: Think about the purpose that comic relief serves. Why might Shakespeare have chosen to begin this scene with a light, humorous conversation?

114. Sc. 2, Lines 17–37: What is ironic about Capulet’s reaction to Juliet’s change of heart? What is ironic about Capulet’s comments that “afore God, this reverend holy friar,/ Our whole city is much bound to him”?

115. Sc. 2, Lines 45–47: What does moving up the wedding one day do to Friar Laurence’s plan?

116. Sc. 3, Lines 14–29: What do the first six lines of the speech reveal about Juliet’s conflict? What do you think about Juliet’s questioning of Friar Laurence’s motives in giving her the potion? Does evidence suggest she is serious about her fears?

117. Sc. 3, Lines 30–58: What does Juliet list in her speech? What image motivates her to drink the potion in spite of her imaginings? Why?

118. Sc. 4, Lines 9–28: How does this scene increase the emotional impact of Juliet’s action in the previous scene?

119. Sc. 5, Lines 12–29: What ideas and feelings does Lord Capulet convey in the simile in lines 28–29?

120. Sc. 5, Lines 32–42: How is Capulet’s description of Death an example of dramatic irony in this situation?

121. Sc. 5, Lines 65–83: What do the friar’s first lines reveal about the setting and his initial purpose? What is the highest form of human achievement? Why does he tell them this? Why does he urge them to get Juliet to the church for her funeral in the last lines of his speech?

122. Sc. 5, Lines 96–99: Note that the musician is talking about the case for his instrument. What “case” is the nurse referring to?

123. Sc. 5, Lines 110–124: What does the lightheartedness of this scene suggest to the audience who knows the truth of Juliet’s apparent death?

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareACT V124. Sc. 1, Lines 1–11: Why does Shakespeare open this scene with

Romeo in a joyful mood?

125. Sc. 1, Lines 12–32: Why must Romeo repeat his request for news of Juliet twice? What does Balthasar’s response suggest that he is doing? How did Balthasar come by this news? Note the description of Romeo as “pale and wild.” What might be foreshadowed by these details?

126. Sc. 1, Lines 34–57: Explain what Romeo means in line 34. Does he consider his options or plunge immediately into action? Is his approach consistent with the way he has acted in the past? Explain. What does Romeo want from the apothecary? Explain what Romeo thinks will motivate the apothecary to help him.

127. Sc. 1, Lines 66–71: Explain how Romeo uses irony to persuade the apothecary to sell him what he needs.

128. Sc. 1, Lines 75–86: Why does Romeo refer to the poison as a “cordial”?

129. Sc. 2, Lines 1–20: Why did Friar John fail to deliver the letter? How does Friar John’s news affect Friar Laurence? Why?

130. Sc. 2, Lines 23–29: Explain the irony of Friar Laurence’s fear of what might happen as a result of Friar John’s news.

131. Sc. 3, Lines 1–11: What can you infer about the reason that Paris is in the graveyard? What does this motive reveal about his character?

132. Sc. 3, Lines 22–39: Explain the two reasons that Romeo states for entering the tomb. What is the third reason that he implies? Is Balthasar convinced by Romeo’s explanation? Why or why not?

133. Sc. 3, Lines 49–70: Explain Paris’s perception of Romeo and his presence at the graveyard. For what does Paris blame Romeo?

134. Sc. 3, Lines 61–63: What does Romeo mean in these lines when he says, “I beseech thee, youth,/ Put not another sin upon my head/ By urging me to fury”? What qualities do his words in this speech show?

135. Sc. 3, Lines 88–120: What part of the speech reminds the audience what they know about Juliet’s death? Recall the specifications that Romeo gave the apothecary for what kind of poison he wanted. What is the irony of Romeo having received what he requested? Why are Romeo’s last words also ironic?

136. Sc. 3, Lines 128–136: Infer Friar Laurence’s feelings as he approaches the vault.

137. Sc. 3, Lines 148–154: What does the friar want Juliet to do and why?

138. Sc. 3, Lines 155–159: Why is the friar so anxious to leave the vault? How might his hasty departure reflect his state of mind?

139. Sc. 3, Lines 174–205: Summarize how the feud between the two families determined the outcome of the relationship between Romeo and Juliet. Who else suffered as a result of this hostility between the families?

140. Sc. 3, Lines 198–201: The onlookers describe this scene as one of hate. In what ironic sense is it a scene of love?

141. Sc. 3, Lines 210–227: Why does the friar step forward to explain the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?

142. Sc. 3, Lines 265–272: How does the friar redeem himself at the end of his speech? What does Prince Escalus say that shows his reaction to the friar’s words?

143. Sc. 3, Lines 291–304: How does the outcome of the play relate to the friar’s earlier observations about nature? Cite evidence from the friar’s speech in Act II to support your response.