Romeo and Juliet – Act One Questions

Who speaks the Prologue? The Chorus
What is the purpose of the Prologue? To incite the audience like a movie trailer. Reveals the themes, plot and setting
In what poetic form is this Prologue? A Shakespearean Sonnet
Why does Shakespeare tell us how the story is going to end? To pull in the audience and make them want to know more. Also so the audience will not become too attached to the protagonists, as they know they will die in the end
What themes are established in the Prologue? Love/romance, rivalry, fate/destiny, and tragedy
how does Shakespeare start the play so that he gains the attention of the “groundlings”? With the Capulets fighting and using swords
What is revealed about Benvolio’s character in the first few lines? He is not violent, and he likes to keep the peace
What is our first impression of Tybalt? He is a Capulet, who hates all the Montagues. He is very violent, mean, rebellious, rash, impulsive, and aggressive
When the Prince catches the Montagues and the Capulets fighting, he says a speech. What was his tone? He also declared a new decree. What was it, and why is it important? His tone is disappointed, upset, and angry. He declares the new rule that if he ever catches them fighting again, their lives will pay for the forfeit of the peace. This means they will be killed if they fight. It is important to keep the peace between the Montagues and the Capulets.
When describing his feelings about Rosaline to Benvolio, Romeo uses oxymorons. Why does he speak in contradictions? Even though he is in love, it is killing him inside. this woman makes him feel happy, but he will never tell her. On one hand, he feels like he needs her in his life, but he hates the fact he loves her.
What 2 reasons does Lord Capulet give Paris for not wanting Juliet to marry at this time? The reasons were that she didn’t know the world yet, that she was a stranger to the world. Also that she hath not seen the change of 14 years, meaning she was too young.
On what condition will Lord Capulet agree to Juliet’s marriage to Paris? What does this reveal about his love for his daughter? The condition was that if Juliet loved Paris, and if she made the choice to marry him, only then will he give his consent for the marriage. This reveals that he loves his daughter very much, and cares about her feelings and well being.
Why does it excite Benvolio that Rosaline will be at the Capulets party? What is his plan? It excites him because this is the woman Romeo loves. However, he is excited because there will be other women there as well. His plan is to get Romeo interested in another woman and make him forget about Rosaline.
What coincidence takes place? Explain how the theme of fate is being developed. A letter from Lord Capulet is delivered to Romeo, inviting him to the party. He was looking for the chance to see Rosaline, and this is his opportunity. The theme of fate begins to develop because Romeo thinks him and Rosaline are meant to be together, and he was invited to this party, where she will happen to be as well.
What is the nurse’s relationship with Juliet? She cares a lot about Juliet, and is very much a mother figure in her life.
How would you describe the nurse’s personality? Kind, caring and loving, but also smothering. She loves Juliet, but REALLY wants h to get married. She needs to let Juliet do whatnshe wants in her life.
What is the nurse’s one wish for Juliet and why? Her wish is to live to see Juliet be married. She wants this because she loves Juliet, and wants to see her be happily married.
How does Romeo’s speech about loving Rosaline compare to his speech about loving Juliet? In the speech about Rosaline, he seems very conflicted about his love for her. He thinks that love is hurtful. In the speech about Juliet, he seems happier and talks about her true beauty. in the speech about Rosaline, he seems negative about love, but in the speech about Juliet, he talks about how beautiful love really is.
What 2 reasons does Lord Capulet give to stop Tybalt from starting a fight with Romeo? He says Romeo is a portly gentleman, and he has a good reputation in Verona. Also he says he is too young to fight.
What threat does Tybalt make as he agrees to withdraw from the fight with Romeo? His threat is that even though he seems sweet now by stopping the fight, he can be very mean, and he could hurt Romeo, so Romeo should watch out!
When Romeo and Juliet first speak, the speak in form of a sonnet. Provide a definition of a sonnet, and explain how their conversation is an example of one. A sonnet is a poem of 14 lines that follows a set rhyme scheme. Each line has 10 syllables. Romeo and Juliet’s conversations follows this rhyme scheme, and has the correct number of syllables and lines.
What is the dramatic irony in Juliet’s lines that states “If he be married my grave is like to be my wedding bed”? We already know she is going to die, but she does not. She meant this metaphorically, but little does she know, it really will happen.
When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about getting married, what is her answer? What does this reveal about her character? She says it is an honour that she does not wish to have, meaning she really does not want to get married. She is fine with being single, and doesn’t need a man. This reveals that Juliet is not quite mature enough to be mature enough to be married, and also that she is unsure and confused.
What does the nurse see in Paris, and what does it reveal about her attitude towards love and marriage? She sees that he is perfect and flawless; a perfect man for Juliet to marry. This reveals that the nurse is pushy towards love and marriage, but she still wants Juliet to be loved and happy.
Explain Juliet’s answer when asked if she can love Paris. What does it reveal about her knowledge of being in love? What is her attitude towards love and marriage? She says that she will go and try to love him, but she will not force herself to fall in love. She knows she has her mothers consent, and that will help. This reveals she does know something about being in love, and she knows not to force herself into something she doesn’t want. Her attitude about marriage is that she is in no rush, and she will get married when she is ready.
Why does Romeo feel so uneasy about going to the party? What decision does Romeo finally make, and what is the thematic importance of this decision? He had a dream that if he went there would be negative consequences. He thinks they are written in the stars, not yet revealed. He finally decides to go to the party in the end. The thematic importance is that Juliet will be there, and we know they end up being together. This shows the them of destiny, fate and love.
When Romeo is struck by love at first sight when he sees Juliet, what does he compare her to? He compares her to something bright amidst other dark things, something important amidst other unimportant things. Juliet is the most beautiful woman he’s even seen.
July 18, 2019