罗密欧与朱丽叶

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这是24年暑假学校让准备的共读书目, 当时给学期初考做的备考资料. 有一些是GPT, 我也检查过一遍, 去掉了所有事实性错误

• Prologue/Act 1, Scene 1
  • 1. In which town is the play set? In what country do you suppose this town exists?
  • 2. In the prologue, Shakespeare tells us that our two title characters are going to kill themselves. How could this knowledge improve the play?
  • 3. When Sampson says he will not “carry coals,” what does he mean? What literary technique is being used?
  • 4. Is Benvolio a Montague or a Capulet?
  • 5. Why doesn’t Lady Capulet want her husband to get involved in the fight?
  • 6. How many times have the Capulets and Montagues had street fights recently?
  • 7. How has Romeo been spending his days recently?
  • 8. List three of the oxymorons Romeo uses to describe the conflict between his family and the Capulets. How is the family feud oxymoronic?
  • 9. In your own words, rewrite Romeo’s speech about love in Scene 1, lines 176-180, line by line:
  • 10. Name three of the ineffective romantic strategies Romeo has used to woo this girl.
  • 11. Why doesn’t this girl like Romeo?
  • 12. What does Benvolio tell Romeo to do in order to forget the girl who doesn’t want him?
• Act 1, Scene 2
  • 1. What “suit” does Paris bring to Capulet in Scene 2?
  • 2. How old is Juliet? What are her father’s thoughts about allowing her to marry?
  • 3. Why, do you suppose, Capulet is willing to take Juliet’s feelings into consideration?
  • 4. Why is the Capulet servant upset about having been given a list of party guests to find?
  • 5. Why does Benvolio want to crash the party? Why does Romeo agree?
  • 6. What does Romeo want to happen to his eyes if they find someone other than Rosaline desirable at the party? What does this show us about Romeo?
• Act 1, Scene 3
  • 1. In your own words, explain the Nurse’s two stories about Juliet as a toddler.
  • 2. Explain Lady Capulet’s opinion about Paris.
  • 3. What is Juliet’s reaction to her mother’s request? What does this show us about Juliet?
• Act 1, Scene 4
  • 1. According to Mercutio, who or what is Queen Mab, and what does she do?
  • 2. What does Romeo say about the value of dreams?
  • 3. What does Mercutio say about the value of dreams?
  • 4. At the end of Scene 4, Romeo mentions the subject of his latest vivid dream. What did Romeo dream? Why isn’t he changing his course of action? What does this show us about Romeo?
• Act 1, Scene 5
  • 1. When Romeo first sees Juliet, what terms does he use to describe her?
  • 2. How does Tybalt recognize Romeo?
  • 3. When Tybalt is ready to seize Romeo and throw him out of the party, what does Capulet say to Tybalt? Why? What is Tybalt’s reaction to this?
  • 4. How does Romeo find out Juliet’s last name?
  • 5. How does Juliet find out Romeo’s last name?
  • 6. Explain how the costumes in the 1996 film version are appropriate for each character.
• Act 2, Scene 1
  • 1. What does the Act 2 Prologue say happened to Romeo’s love for Rosaline? How is this an example of foreshadowing?
  • 2. What does Romeo mean by “dull earth” in Scene 1, line 2?
  • 3. Who does Mercutio think that Romeo is in love with in his speech in Scene 1, lines 6-21? What’s funny about these lines?
• Act 2, Scene 2
  • 1. When Romeo says, “He jests at scars that never felt a wound,” what does he mean?
  • 2. What does Romeo compare Juliet to in his first speech in Sc. 2, lines 2-3?
  • 3. In your own words, rewrite Juliet’s speech in Scene 2, lines 33-36.
  • 4. When Juliet says “That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet,” what does she mean? Do names matter in our lives?
  • 5. In your own words, translate Juliet’s meaning in lines 95-101. Why do other young lovers, both then and now, play such games?
  • 6. Why does Juliet ask Romeo not to swear his love’s allegiance by the moon?
  • 7. Which one is the first to mention marriage? What does this show us about this character?
  • 8. What does Juliet instruct Romeo to send her the next day?
  • 9. Look at lines 182-184. What do these lines literally mean? How is this text an example of foreshadowing?
• Act 2, Scene 3
  • 1. At the beginning of Scene 3, what is Friar Laurence doing?
  • 2. According to the Friar, how are humans like plants?
  • 3. With whom does Friar Laurence assume Romeo has spent the night?
  • 4. In lines 87-88, the Friar says, “O, she knew well / Thy love did read by rote and could not spell.” Explain what he means.
  • 5. Why does the Friar begrudgingly agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?
• Act 2, Scene 4
  • 1. Who are Laura, Dido, Cleopatra, Helen, and Hero? What does Mercutio say about them?
  • 2. Write down three subjects Mercutio and Romeo make puns about in Scene 4, lines 44-70:
  • 3. Describe the way Mercutio treats the Nurse.
  • 4. What instructions does Romeo tell the Nurse to pass on to Juliet?
  • 5. Who does the Nurse say also wants to marry Juliet? What does she say Juliet’s feelings are for this other suitor?
• Act 2, Scene 5
  • 1. What time of day is it?
  • 2. How long has the Nurse been gone on her errand to find Romeo?
  • 3. What’s humorous about the way the Nurse treats Juliet in this scene?
• Act 2, Scene 6
  • 1. Is Romeo fearful of the future? Write down the lines that support your answer.
  • 2. In your own words, explain the Friar’s warning in these lines: “These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die like fire and powder, Which, as they kiss, consume.”
  • 3. In your own words, explain the Friar’s message in these lines: “Therefore love moderately; long love doth so: Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.”
  • 4. What happens at the very end of this scene?
• Act 3, Scene 1
  • 1. At the beginning of Act 3, who says the following lines? What do these lines foreshadow? “I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire. The day is hot, the Capulets abroad, And, if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl, For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”
  • 2. What does Mercutio tell us about Benvolio in lines 15-27? Is this true? Explain what’s happening here.
  • 3. Examine Mercutio’s “grave man” line. What figure of speech is used? What is the meaning?
  • 4. Explain the following lines (104-110): “This gentleman, the Prince’s near ally, My very friend, hath got his mortal hurt In my behalf – my reputation stained With Tybalt’s slander – Tybalt, that an hour Hath been my cousin. O sweet Juliet, Thy beauty hath made me effeminate And in my temper soft’ned valor’s steel!”
  • 5. Explain the Prince’s judgment and why he makes this ruling.
• Act 3, Scene 2
  • 1. In her speech at the beginning of Scene 2, what is Juliet looking forward to that night?
  • 2. Give two examples from lines 26-31 that Juliet uses to explain the agony of expectation that she’s feeling.
  • 3. Write down three of the oxymorons Juliet uses to describe Romeo and explain why she uses this literary technique to describe her young husband.
  • 4. The Nurse says, “Shame come to Romeo!” How does Juliet react to the Nurse?
  • 5. Where is Romeo hiding?
• Act 3, Scene 3
  • 1. What is Friar Laurence’s opinion of Romeo’s punishment in Scene 3, lines 25-28?
  • 2. In Scene 3, lines 33-39, why does Romeo say that he is less honored than carrion-flies?
  • 3. What three reasons does Friar Laurence give Romeo to show that he should be happy?
  • 4. In Scene 3, the Nurse gives Romeo a gift from Juliet. What is the gift?
• Act 3, Scene 4
  • 1. Capulet explains to Paris that Juliet is upstairs crying about Tybalt. He says, “Look you, she loved her kinsman Tybalt dearly, And so did I. Well, we were born to die.” From this passage, explain how Capulet felt about his nephew. Why, do you suppose, he felt this way?
  • 2. What decision does Capulet make, thinking that it will cheer up Juliet?
  • 3. What is Paris’ reply when Capulet makes his announcement?
• Act 3, Scene 5
  • 1. Why does Juliet want to believe the songbird she can hear is a nightingale, not a lark?
  • 2. What does Juliet mean by an “ill-divining soul” in Scene 5, line 54?
  • 3. Why do Juliet’s parents believe she is upset? What is their plan to help cheer her?
  • 4. Earlier in the play, Capulet said Juliet will get to have a voice in whom she marries. Now, he’s raging at his daughter for speaking up against his choice. Explain why Capulet has changed his mind about listening to his daughter’s opinion about her future spouse.
  • 5. How does the Nurse describe Paris in Scene 5, lines 218-223?
• Act 4, Scene 1
  • 1. What reason does Paris give for not having spent much time courting Juliet?
  • 2. Name three of the horrible things Juliet says she would find preferable to marrying Paris.
  • 3. Describe the Friar’s plan in your own words.
• Act 4, Scene 2
  • 1. How do you know if you’re hiring a good cook?
  • 2. Juliet was supposed to marry Paris on Thursday, but what has her father decided?
  • 3. Who will stay up all night to make sure the wedding party preparations are complete?
• Act 4, Scene 3
  • 1. In case the potion doesn’t work, what item does Juliet keep with her in the bed?
  • 2. Describe three things Juliet thinks might go wrong if she takes the potion.
  • 3. Write down six words from Juliet’s speech (Scene 3, lines 30-58) that show her feelings about death.
• Act 4, Scene 4
  • 1. What time in the morning is it?
  • 2. In the midst of all the cooking and prepping, Paris arrives for his wedding date. Given the answer to the previous question, what does this arrival show us about Paris?
  • 3. What does Capulet mean when he says the Nurse should “go and trim her up” in Scene 4, line 27?
• Act 4, Scene 5
  • 1. Who is the first to find Juliet’s body and think that she’s dead in Scene 5?
  • 2. In what three ways does Capulet say he can tell Juliet is dead?
  • 3. What does the Friar advise Juliet’s parents to do with her body?
  • 4. In a sly way, the Friar actually blames Juliet’s parents for her lifelessness. Write the lines in which he says they are being punished by God.
  • 5. Why does Shakespeare end this heavy, emotionally wrenching scene with the odd exchange between Peter and the musicians?
• Act 5, Scene 1
  • 1. Describe the dream that Romeo has just had at the beginning of Scene 1?
  • 2. Who brings news from Verona? What is the news?
  • 3. Write down three odd things Romeo noticed in the apothecary shop.
  • 4. Why is it difficult to get poison in Mantua? Why does Romeo believe this apothecary will sell him some despite this?
• Act 5, Scene 2
  • 1. In Scene 2, what is Friar John’s excuse for not having delivered the letter to Romeo?
  • 2. What is Friar Laurence’s plan of action once he realizes Romeo hasn’t received his letter?
• Act 5, Scene 3
  • 1. Who is the first person to arrive at Juliet’s tomb in Scene 3? Why is he there?
  • 2. Explain Paris’ logic in thinking that Romeo is responsible for Juliet killing herself.
  • 3. Did Paris love Juliet? Give evidence to support your answer.
  • 4. Romeo comments that Juliet looks just as beautiful in death as she did in life, with roses in her cheeks and lips. He doesn’t realize that the “death” is just a potion that’s wearing off. Instead, why does he figure Juliet is still so beautiful?
  • 5. Does Juliet wake up just before Romeo dies or just after?
  • 6. Who is present when Juliet awakens? Why doesn’t this person stay?
  • 7. Why does Juliet kiss Romeo’s lips even after he already died?
  • 8. Juliet says, “Thy lips are warm!” This is, quite arguably, one of the saddest lines in the entire play. Why are these four little words so meaningful?
  • 9. How does Juliet kill herself?
  • 10. Which two characters are detained by the watchmen after Juliet’s death?
  • 11. Who else died tonight? How do we find out?
  • 12. How many people died in this play? List their names in order of their deaths.
  • 13. Rewrite the final six lines of the play in your own words.

Prologue/Act 1, Scene 1

1. In which town is the play set? In what country do you suppose this town exists?

• The play is set in Verona, a real city in Italy.

2. In the prologue, Shakespeare tells us that our two title characters are going to kill themselves. How could this knowledge improve the play?

• Knowing that Romeo and Juliet will die creates dramatic irony, where the audience is aware of the impending tragedy while the characters are not. This awareness deepens the emotional impact and intensifies the audience's engagement, as they watch how the characters' actions unknowingly lead them to their fate.

3. When Sampson says he will not “carry coals,” what does he mean? What literary technique is being used?

• Sampson means he won’t endure insults or humiliation ("carry coals" was a phrase meaning to suffer disgrace). The exchange with Gregory uses pun as a literary technique, playing on the multiple meanings of words.

4. Is Benvolio a Montague or a Capulet?

• Benvolio is a Montague.

5. Why doesn’t Lady Capulet want her husband to get involved in the fight?

• Lady Capulet holds her husband back because he is too old to be fighting and likely would get hurt or make a fool of himself.

6. How many times have the Capulets and Montagues had street fights recently?

• The Capulets and Montagues have fought three times recently.

7. How has Romeo been spending his days recently?

• Romeo has been locking himself away in his room, brooding and feeling moody because he is lovesick over Rosaline.

8. List three of the oxymorons Romeo uses to describe the conflict between his family and the Capulets. How is the family feud oxymoronic?

• Oxymorons used by Romeo include:
  1. "O brawling love, O loving hate!"
  2. "Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health!"
  3. "Still-waking sleep."
• The family feud is oxymoronic because it involves intense hatred between families who are similar in status and have no substantial reason for their enmity, reflecting the contradictory nature of their conflict.

9. In your own words, rewrite Romeo’s speech about love in Scene 1, lines 176-180, line by line:

• Original Lines:
  1. "Where shall we dine? O me! What fray was here?"
  2. "Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all."
  3. "Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love."
  4. "Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate! O anything, of nothing first created!""
• Rewritten:
  1. Where should I go to eat? Oh no! What fight happened here?
  2. But don’t tell me, I’ve already heard everything.
  3. This has a lot to do with hate, but even more with love.
  4. Why is love so full of conflict? Why is hate so close to love? Everything comes out of nothing at all!

10. Name three of the ineffective romantic strategies Romeo has used to woo this girl.

• Romeo has:
  1. Gazed at her longingly.
  2. Sent her loving looks and sighs.
  3. Expressed his love with poetry and flattery.

11. Why doesn’t this girl like Romeo?

• The girl, Rosaline, doesn’t like Romeo because she has sworn to live a life of chastity and isn’t interested in romantic relationships.

12. What does Benvolio tell Romeo to do in order to forget the girl who doesn’t want him?

• Benvolio advises Romeo to look at other women and compare them to Rosaline, believing this will help him forget her.

Act 1, Scene 2

1. What “suit” does Paris bring to Capulet in Scene 2?

• Paris brings a request to marry Juliet to Capulet.

2. How old is Juliet? What are her father’s thoughts about allowing her to marry?

• Juliet is 13 years old. Her father thinks she is too young to marry and suggests waiting two more years, although he is not entirely opposed to Paris courting her.

3. Why, do you suppose, Capulet is willing to take Juliet’s feelings into consideration?

• Capulet cares deeply for Juliet and wants her to be happy, which is why he values her opinion. He also likely recognizes that a loving and willing marriage partner will lead to a more successful and harmonious union.

4. Why is the Capulet servant upset about having been given a list of party guests to find?

• The servant is upset because he cannot read the list of names, making it impossible for him to find the guests.

5. Why does Benvolio want to crash the party? Why does Romeo agree?

• Benvolio wants to crash the party to help Romeo see other beautiful women and forget Rosaline. Romeo agrees because he hopes to see Rosaline at the party.

6. What does Romeo want to happen to his eyes if they find someone other than Rosaline desirable at the party? What does this show us about Romeo?

• Romeo says that if he finds anyone else desirable, his tears should turn to fire and burn out his eyes. This shows that Romeo is dramatic and deeply committed to his current feelings, even though they may change quickly.

Act 1, Scene 3

1. In your own words, explain the Nurse’s two stories about Juliet as a toddler.

• The Nurse tells two stories:
  1. Juliet's fall: When Juliet was a toddler, she fell and hurt her forehead. The Nurse’s husband joked that when Juliet was older, she would fall backward (referring to losing her virginity), to which Juliet replied, "Yes."
  2. Weaning Juliet: The Nurse recalls when she was weaning Juliet, who was reluctant to stop breastfeeding. The Nurse applied a bitter substance to her breast, and Juliet was so upset that she eventually gave up nursing.

2. Explain Lady Capulet’s opinion about Paris.

• Lady Capulet thinks Paris is a perfect match for Juliet. She describes him as handsome and worthy, comparing him to a beautiful book that Juliet would only enhance by being his wife.

3. What is Juliet’s reaction to her mother’s request? What does this show us about Juliet?

• Juliet is obedient and respectful. She agrees to observe Paris at the party but does not promise to love him. This shows Juliet’s practicality and willingness to comply with her parents' wishes, yet it also hints at her independent thinking.

Act 1, Scene 4

1. According to Mercutio, who or what is Queen Mab, and what does she do?

• Queen Mab is a fairy who visits people in their dreams, bringing them visions of what they most desire. For example, she causes lovers to dream of love, soldiers to dream of battles, and lawyers to dream of fees.

2. What does Romeo say about the value of dreams?

• Romeo believes that dreams hold significant meaning and reflect reality or predict future events, especially as they relate to his own experiences.

3. What does Mercutio say about the value of dreams?

• Mercutio dismisses dreams as meaningless fantasies, suggesting that they are just the product of an idle brain and have no real substance.

4. At the end of Scene 4, Romeo mentions the subject of his latest vivid dream. What did Romeo dream? Why isn’t he changing his course of action? What does this show us about Romeo?

• Romeo dreamt that something bad would happen if he went to the Capulet party, leading to his untimely death. Despite this, he doesn’t change his course of action because he believes in fate and thinks whatever happens is beyond his control. This shows that Romeo is fatalistic and willing to accept whatever destiny has in store for him.

Act 1, Scene 5

1. When Romeo first sees Juliet, what terms does he use to describe her?

• Romeo describes Juliet as a "rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear" and "a snowy dove trooping with crows", emphasizing her beauty and brightness compared to everything else around her.

2. How does Tybalt recognize Romeo?

• Tybalt recognizes Romeo by his voice when he overhears him speaking.

3. When Tybalt is ready to seize Romeo and throw him out of the party, what does Capulet say to Tybalt? Why? What is Tybalt’s reaction to this?

• Capulet tells Tybalt to leave Romeo alone because he has heard that Romeo is a virtuous and well-behaved young man, and he doesn’t want any trouble at the party. Tybalt is angry and feels insulted by this, but he reluctantly agrees to obey his

uncle.

4. How does Romeo find out Juliet’s last name?

• Romeo learns Juliet’s last name when he asks the Nurse who her mother is, and she tells him that Juliet is the daughter of Lady Capulet.

5. How does Juliet find out Romeo’s last name?

• Juliet learns Romeo’s last name by asking the Nurse to identify several guests and eventually Romeo, discovering that he is a Montague.

6. Explain how the costumes in the 1996 film version are appropriate for each character.

• In the 1996 film:
  • Juliet is dressed as an angel, symbolizing her innocence, purity, and divine love.
  • Romeo is dressed as a knight, representing his role as a romantic hero and protector.
  • Paris is dressed as an astronaut, symbolizing his detachment and otherworldliness, as well as his desire to explore (in this case, a marriage with Juliet) without understanding the emotional depths involved.

Act 2, Scene 1

1. What does the Act 2 Prologue say happened to Romeo’s love for Rosaline? How is this an example of foreshadowing?

• The Prologue says that Romeo’s love for Rosaline is dead and has been replaced by a new love for Juliet. This foreshadows the intense and tragic nature of Romeo’s love for Juliet, suggesting that it will be far more significant than his previous infatuation.

2. What does Romeo mean by “dull earth” in Scene 1, line 2?

• Romeo refers to his own body as “dull earth,” meaning it is lifeless and empty without Juliet, who he views as his soul and life force.

3. Who does Mercutio think that Romeo is in love with in his speech in Scene 1, lines 6-21? What’s funny about these lines?

• Mercutio thinks that Romeo is still in love with Rosaline. The humor comes from the fact that Mercutio is mocking Romeo’s infatuation, not knowing that Romeo has already moved on to Juliet.

Act 2, Scene 2

1. When Romeo says, “He jests at scars that never felt a wound,” what does he mean?

• Romeo means that Mercutio makes fun of love because he has never experienced its deep pain or intensity.

2. What does Romeo compare Juliet to in his first speech in Sc. 2, lines 2-3?

• Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, calling her the light that brightens his world and outshines everything else.

3. In your own words, rewrite Juliet’s speech in Scene 2, lines 33-36.

• Original:

  1. "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?"
  2. "Deny thy father and refuse thy name;"
  3. "Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,"
  4. "And I’ll no longer be a Capulet."

• Rewritten:

  1. "Oh Romeo, why do you have to be Romeo?"
  2. "Reject your family name and all it stands for."
  3. "Or if you won’t do that, just promise to love me,"
  4. "And I’ll stop being a Capulet."

4. When Juliet says “That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet,” what does she mean? Do names matter in our lives?

• Juliet means that names are arbitrary and do not change the essence of a thing; Romeo would still be the same person even if he weren’t called “Montague.” Names can influence how we are perceived and how we perceive ourselves, but they do not define our core being. If you had a different name, your identity might have developed differently due to how others responded to that name.

5. In your own words, translate Juliet’s meaning in lines 95-101. Why do other young lovers, both then and now, play such games?

• Original:

  • "Thou know’st the mask of night is on my face,"
  • "Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek"
  • "For that which thou hast heard me speak tonight."
  • "Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny"
  • "What I have spoke. But farewell compliment."
  • "Dost thou love me?"

• Rewritten:

  • "You can’t see my face clearly because it’s dark,"
  • "Otherwise, you’d see me blushing from what I’ve said."
  • "I’d like to pretend I didn’t say it and take it back,"
  • "But I won’t play games. Do you love me?"

• Young lovers often play such games to protect their feelings and avoid appearing too eager or vulnerable, both then and now.

6. Why does Juliet ask Romeo not to swear his love’s allegiance by the moon?

• Juliet asks Romeo not to swear by the moon because the moon is inconstant and changes its shape every night. She wants his love to be steadfast and unchanging.

7. Which one is the first to mention marriage? What does this show us about this character?

• Juliet is the first to mention marriage, showing that she is serious about their relationship and is thinking practically about the future.

8. What does Juliet instruct Romeo to send her the next day?

• Juliet asks Romeo to send her word of when and where they will be married.

9. Look at lines 182-184. What do these lines literally mean? How is this text an example of foreshadowing?

• Literal Meaning:
  • Romeo wants to be around Juliet all the time like the parrot on the pirate’s shoulder.
  • Juliet is scared that she is going to kill Romeo with all the love that she will give to him.
• This explains foreshadowing because Juliet is confusing her love for Romeo and Romeo is confusing his love for Juliet but they both know that their family isn't fond of their love for each other.

Act 2, Scene 3

1. At the beginning of Scene 3, what is Friar Laurence doing?

• Friar Laurence is gathering herbs and flowers in the early morning.

2. According to the Friar, how are humans like plants?

• Friar Laurence says that humans, like plants, contain both good and evil. Just as plants can be used for healing or harm, people have the potential for both virtue and vice.

3. With whom does Friar Laurence assume Romeo has spent the night?

• The Friar assumes Romeo has spent the night with Rosaline.

4. In lines 87-88, the Friar says, “O, she knew well / Thy love did read by rote and could not spell.” Explain what he means.

• The Friar means that Rosaline knew Romeo’s love was shallow and unlearned, like someone reciting a lesson by rote without truly understanding it.

5. Why does the Friar begrudgingly agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?

• The Friar agrees to marry them because he hopes that their union will end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, bringing peace to Verona.

Act 2, Scene 4

1. Who are Laura, Dido, Cleopatra, Helen, and Hero? What does Mercutio say about them?

• Laura: A legendary poet’s muse (Petrarch’s muse).
• Dido: The Queen of Carthage in Virgil’s Aeneid.
• Cleopatra: The famous Queen of Egypt.
• Helen: Helen of Troy, whose beauty sparked the Trojan War.
• Hero: A character in Greek mythology, known from the story of Hero and Leander.
• Mercutio mocks these women, saying that none of them can compare to Rosaline in terms of beauty, but his tone is sarcastic, implying that Romeo’s obsession with Rosaline is foolish.

2. Write down three subjects Mercutio and Romeo make puns about in Scene 4, lines 44-70:

• Sole/soul: They joke about the soles of shoes and the soul within.
• Goose: They make a pun on the word goose, meaning both the bird and the act of pinching someone.
• Slip: They play on the word "slip," meaning both an escape and a counterfeit coin.

3. Describe the way Mercutio treats the Nurse.

• Mercutio is rude and disrespectful to the Nurse, making crude jokes and mocking her appearance and speech.

4. What instructions does Romeo tell the Nurse to pass on to Juliet?

• Romeo tells the Nurse to instruct Juliet to come to Friar Laurence’s cell that afternoon to be married. He also tells the Nurse to have Juliet’s servant, Peter, bring a rope ladder so Romeo can climb into Juliet’s room that night.

5. Who does the Nurse say also wants to marry Juliet? What does she say Juliet’s feelings are for this other suitor?

• The Nurse says that Paris also wants to marry Juliet, but she notes that Juliet has no interest in him and is instead in love with Romeo.

Act 2, Scene 5

1. What time of day is it?

• It is noon.

2. How long has the Nurse been gone on her errand to find Romeo?

• The Nurse has been gone for three hours.

3. What’s humorous about the way the Nurse treats Juliet in this scene?

• The Nurse teases Juliet by delaying the news of Romeo’s message, complaining about her aches and pains and avoiding Juliet’s questions, which creates tension and humor.

Act 2, Scene 6

1. Is Romeo fearful of the future? Write down the lines that support your answer.

• No, Romeo is not fearful of the future. He says: "Then love-devouring death do what he dare; / It is enough I may but call her mine."

2. In your own words, explain the Friar’s warning in these lines: “These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die like fire and powder, Which, as they kiss, consume.”

• The Friar warns that intense passions often lead to disastrous outcomes, like when fire ignites gunpowder, resulting in a destructive explosion.

3. In your own words, explain the Friar’s message in these lines: “Therefore love moderately; long love doth so: Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.”

• The Friar advises Romeo to love steadily and not rush into things because love that is too intense or too slow can be just as harmful as love that doesn’t move at all.

4. What happens at the very end of this scene?

• Romeo and Juliet get married in Friar Laurence’s cell.

Act 3, Scene 1

1. At the beginning of Act 3, who says the following lines? What do these lines foreshadow? “I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire. The day is hot, the Capulets abroad, And, if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl, For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”

• Benvolio says these lines, which foreshadow the upcoming fight and the tragic consequences, including the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt.

2. What does Mercutio tell us about Benvolio in lines 15-27? Is this true? Explain what’s happening here.

• Mercutio claims that Benvolio is quick to quarrel, picking fights over trivial matters. This isn’t true; Mercutio is being ironic, as Benvolio is usually the peacekeeper.

3. Examine Mercutio’s “grave man” line. What figure of speech is used? What is the meaning?

• Mercutio uses a pun when he says "grave man," referring both to being serious and to his impending death.

4. Explain the following lines (104-110): “This gentleman, the Prince’s near ally, My very friend, hath got his mortal hurt In my behalf – my reputation stained With Tybalt’s slander – Tybalt, that an hour Hath been my cousin. O sweet Juliet, Thy beauty hath made me effeminate And in my temper soft’ned valor’s steel!”

• Romeo laments that his love for Juliet has made him weak and less manly, which he believes has caused Mercutio’s death. He feels guilty because he didn’t act aggressively against Tybalt earlier.

5. Explain the Prince’s judgment and why he makes this ruling.

• The Prince banishes Romeo from Verona instead of sentencing him to death. He makes this ruling because, although Romeo killed Tybalt, Tybalt had first killed Mercutio, who was the Prince’s relative.

Act 3, Scene 2

1. In her speech at the beginning of Scene 2, what is Juliet looking forward to that night?

• Juliet is looking forward to consummating her marriage with Romeo.

2. Give two examples from lines 26-31 that Juliet uses to explain the agony of expectation that she’s feeling.

• Juliet compares waiting for Romeo to a child waiting to wear new clothes and a buyer who has bought a mansion but cannot yet live in it.

3. Write down three of the oxymorons Juliet uses to describe Romeo and explain why she uses this literary technique to describe her young husband.

• Examples of oxymorons:
  • "Beautiful tyrant"
  • "Fiend angelical"
  • "Dove-feathered raven"
• Juliet uses these oxymorons to express her conflicting emotions—her love for Romeo and her horror at what he has done in killing Tybalt.

4. The Nurse says, “Shame come to Romeo!” How does Juliet react to the Nurse?

• Juliet defends Romeo, rebuking the Nurse for speaking ill of her husband.

5. Where is Romeo hiding?

• Romeo is hiding in Friar Laurence’s cell.

Act 3, Scene 3

1. What is Friar Laurence’s opinion of Romeo’s punishment in Scene 3, lines 25-28?

• Friar Laurence believes Romeo’s punishment of banishment is merciful, as the Prince could have sentenced him to death.

2. In Scene 3, lines 33-39, why does Romeo say that he is less honored than carrion-flies?

• Romeo says that even flies can stay near Juliet, while he, being banished, cannot. He envies the flies for being able to touch Juliet.

3. What three reasons does Friar Laurence give Romeo to show that he should be happy?

• Juliet is alive and loves him.
• He killed Tybalt in self-defense, so he is not guilty of murder.
• The Prince has spared his life by only banishing him instead of executing him.

4. In Scene 3, the Nurse gives Romeo a gift from Juliet. What is the gift?

• The Nurse gives Romeo a ring from Juliet.

Act 3, Scene 4

1. Capulet explains to Paris that Juliet is upstairs crying about Tybalt. He says, “Look you, she loved her kinsman Tybalt dearly, And so did I. Well, we were born to die.” From this passage, explain how Capulet felt about his nephew. Why, do you suppose, he felt this way?

• Capulet expresses a fatalistic view, acknowledging that death is inevitable. Although he loved Tybalt, he seems resigned to his death, possibly because Tybalt’s temper had caused much trouble.

2. What decision does Capulet make, thinking that it will cheer up Juliet?

• Capulet decides that Juliet will marry Paris on Thursday.

3. What is Paris’ reply when Capulet makes his announcement?

• Paris is pleased with Capulet’s decision and expresses his eagerness to marry Juliet.

Act 3, Scene 5

1. Why does Juliet want to believe the songbird she can hear is a nightingale, not a lark?

• Juliet wants to believe it’s a nightingale because nightingales sing at night. If it’s

still night, Romeo doesn’t have to leave yet. A lark sings in the morning, meaning it’s dawn and Romeo must go.

2. What does Juliet mean by an “ill-divining soul” in Scene 5, line 54?

• Juliet means that she has a foreboding feeling, a premonition of something bad happening, which turns out to be accurate since this is the last time she sees Romeo alive.

3. Why do Juliet’s parents believe she is upset? What is their plan to help cheer her?

• Juliet’s parents believe she is upset over Tybalt’s death. To cheer her up, they plan to marry her to Paris.

4. Earlier in the play, Capulet said Juliet will get to have a voice in whom she marries. Now, he’s raging at his daughter for speaking up against his choice. Explain why Capulet has changed his mind about listening to his daughter’s opinion about her future spouse.

• Capulet is now focused on what he believes is best for the family’s social standing and sees Juliet’s disobedience as a personal insult and a threat to this plan, hence his anger.

5. How does the Nurse describe Paris in Scene 5, lines 218-223?

• The Nurse describes Paris as a fine, handsome gentleman who would make a good match for Juliet, trying to convince her to marry him. “Man of wax”.

Act 4, Scene 1

1. What reason does Paris give for not having spent much time courting Juliet?

• Paris says that Juliet’s grief over Tybalt’s death has prevented him from courting her properly.

2. Name three of the horrible things Juliet says she would find preferable to marrying Paris.

• Juliet says she would rather:
  • Jump from a tower.
  • Walk among thieves.
  • Be chained with roaring bears.

3. Describe the Friar’s plan in your own words.

• The Friar gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours. She will be laid in the Capulet tomb, and while everyone believes she is dead, Romeo will come and take her away when she awakens.

Act 4, Scene 2

1. How do you know if you’re hiring a good cook?

• Capulet jokes that you can tell a good cook if he licks his own fingers, implying that the food is good.

2. Juliet was supposed to marry Paris on Thursday, but what has her father decided?

• Capulet has moved the wedding up to Wednesday, thinking it will cheer Juliet up sooner.

3. Who will stay up all night to make sure the wedding party preparations are complete?

• Capulet decides to stay up all night to ensure everything is ready for the wedding.

Act 4, Scene 3

1. In case the potion doesn’t work, what item does Juliet keep with her in the bed?

• Juliet keeps a dagger with her, intending to kill herself if the potion doesn’t work.

2. Describe three things Juliet thinks might go wrong if she takes the potion.

• She would have suffocated
• The potion might actually kill her.
• She might wake up alone in the tomb and go mad from the fear.

3. Write down six words from Juliet’s speech (Scene 3, lines 30-58) that show her feelings about death.

• Words such as hideous, mangled, loathsome, terror, horrible, and distraught express Juliet’s dread of death.

Act 4, Scene 4

1. What time in the morning is it?

• It is almost daybreak.

2. In the midst of all the cooking and prepping, Paris arrives for his wedding date. Given the answer to the previous question, what does this arrival show us about Paris?

• Paris’s early arrival shows that he is eager and punctual, taking his marriage to Juliet seriously.

3. What does Capulet mean when he says the Nurse should “go and trim her up” in Scene 4, line 27?

• Capulet is telling the Nurse to go and help Juliet get dressed and ready for the wedding.

Act 4, Scene 5

1. Who is the first to find Juliet’s body and think that she’s dead in Scene 5?

• The Nurse is the first to find Juliet’s body.

2. In what three ways does Capulet say he can tell Juliet is dead?

• Capulet says that Juliet’s body is cold, her blood is settled, and her joints are stiff.

3. What does the Friar advise Juliet’s parents to do with her body?

• The Friar advises Juliet’s parents to prepare her body for the funeral and lay her in the family tomb.

4. In a sly way, the Friar actually blames Juliet’s parents for her lifelessness. Write the lines in which he says they are being punished by God.

• The Friar says, "The heavens do lour upon you for some ill; / Move them no more by crossing their high will."

5. Why does Shakespeare end this heavy, emotionally wrenching scene with the odd exchange between Peter and the musicians?

• The humorous exchange between Peter and the musicians provides comic relief, easing the tension after the heavy, emotional scene.

Act 5, Scene 1

1. Describe the dream that Romeo has just had at the beginning of Scene 1?

• Romeo dreams that Juliet found him dead and revived him with her kisses, symbolizing life-giving love.

2. Who brings news from Verona? What is the news?

• Balthasar, Romeo’s servant, brings news that Juliet is dead and has been laid in the Capulet tomb.

3. Write down three odd things Romeo noticed in the apothecary shop.

• Romeo notices:
  • A stuffed alligator.
  • Weird-Shaped fishes
  • Dusty seeds

4. Why is it difficult to get poison in Mantua? Why does Romeo believe this apothecary will sell him some despite this?

• It is illegal to sell poison in Mantua, but Romeo believes the apothecary, being poor and starving, will sell it to him out of desperation.

Act 5, Scene 2

1. In Scene 2, what is Friar John’s excuse for not having delivered the letter to Romeo?

• Friar John explains that he was quarantined due to a suspected plague outbreak and couldn’t deliver the letter.

2. What is Friar Laurence’s plan of action once he realizes Romeo hasn’t received his letter?

• Friar Laurence plans to go to Juliet’s tomb to be there when she wakes up, and then hide her in his cell until he can contact Romeo.

Act 5, Scene 3

1. Who is the first person to arrive at Juliet’s tomb in Scene 3? Why is he there?

• Paris is the first to arrive at Juliet’s tomb. He is there to mourn her death and bring flowers to her grave.

2. Explain Paris’ logic in thinking that Romeo is responsible for Juliet killing herself.

• Paris believes that Juliet died of grief over Tybalt’s death, for which Romeo is responsible. He assumes Romeo has come to desecrate the tomb further.

3. Did Paris love Juliet? Give evidence to support your answer.

• Yes, Paris loved Juliet. His grief at her death and his determination to visit her grave show his genuine feelings. He also asks to be laid beside her when he dies.

4. Romeo comments that Juliet looks just as beautiful in death as she did in life, with roses in her cheeks and lips. He doesn’t realize that the “death” is just a potion that’s wearing off. Instead, why does he figure Juliet is still so beautiful?

• Romeo believes that death has not yet claimed Juliet’s beauty, which is why she still looks so vibrant.

5. Does Juliet wake up just before Romeo dies or just after?

• Juliet wakes up just after Romeo dies.

6. Who is present when Juliet awakens? Why doesn’t this person stay?

• Friar Laurence is present when Juliet awakens. He doesn’t stay because he hears the watchmen approaching and is afraid of being caught.

7. Why does Juliet kiss Romeo’s lips even after he already died?

• Juliet kisses Romeo’s lips, hoping there might still be some poison left on them so she can join him in death.

8. Juliet says, “Thy lips are warm!” This is, quite arguably, one of the saddest lines in the entire play. Why are these four little words so meaningful?

• These words are heartbreaking because they indicate that Romeo died just moments before she awoke, emphasizing the tragic timing and their missed chance to be together.

9. How does Juliet kill herself?

• Juliet kills herself by stabbing herself with Romeo’s dagger.

10. Which two characters are detained by the watchmen after Juliet’s death?

• Friar Laurence and

Balthasar are detained by the watchmen.

11. Who else died tonight? How do we find out?

• Lady Montague also died, and we learn this from Montague, who says she died of grief over Romeo’s exile.

12. How many people died in this play? List their names in order of their deaths.

• Six people died:
  1. Mercutio
  2. Tybalt
  3. Lady Montague
  4. Paris
  5. Romeo
  6. Juliet

13. Rewrite the final six lines of the play in your own words.

• The events that led to this tragedy are so sorrowful that there has never been a story sadder than that of Romeo and Juliet.