Romeo and Juliet
Pre-reading:
(Student Copy)
MMDBJH
Complete Resource Sheets: 1-3
Reading #1 Prologue
Question
1. What type of poem is this? How do you know? What dramatic functions are served by
the prologue?
Complete Resource Sheet #4
Sonnet
Act 1 Scene 1
Language: Bawdy Language (sexual humour lines 18-29) and talk of violence captures the
audience’s attention.
Reading #2 Fight Scene
Read lines 17-52; 54-63
Key concepts: shows the audience how serious the feud has become in Verona, its affecting
everyone—harmony is disrupted.
Reading #3 Prince’s reaction to the brawl
Read lines 79-81; 86-90
Key concepts: This is the third fight-- the prince is very annoyed and threatens execution for
those who break the peace again. The speech emphasizes the depth of hatred between the
feuding families.
Background information: Scene switches to the Montague family discussing Romeo’s
depressed attitude. Romeo’s friend Benvolio noticed that Romeo avoided him early one
morning.
Language: Personification lines 108-110 description of the sunrise.
Question
2. Benvolio, Lord Montague, and Lady Montague discuss Romeo's mood. Quote three
things they say about Romeo that show he is depressed (lines 108-132). Why is Romeo
depressed?
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Act 1 Scene 1
Continued
Background information: Benvolio promises Romeo’s parents that he will find out the source
of Romeo’s depression. They eventually meet and Benvolio finds out that Romeo is in love with
a girl (Rosaline) who is not interested in him.
Language: Oxymoron lines 168-170
Complete Oxymoron resource sheet # 5
Reading #4 Benvolio’s advice to Romeo
Read lines 220-223
Question
3. What advice does Benvolio give Romeo? Quote the lines and summarize his advice in
your own words. Is the solution always that easy? Explain.
Act 1 Scene 2
Paris discusses marriage with Lord Capulet
Background information: The scene shifts to the Capulet home where Paris asks Lord
Capulet for Juliet hand in marriage.
Reading #5
Capulet’s reaction to the marriage proposal
Read lines 8-10; lines 15-21
Question
4. Paris asks Capulet for permission to marry Juliet. What are two reasons why Capulet
hesitates to give his permission to Paris (lines 8-19; 30-34)?
Key concepts: Shows Lord Capulet’s love for his daughter—he’s very protective. He also feels
Juliet should have a say in who she marries—this is unusual because wealth family tended to
go with arranged marriages for their daughters.
Background Information: Lord Capulet suggests that Paris meet with Juliet at a masquerade
party he is hosting later that evening. By coincidence, Benvolio and Romeo find out about the
party when they are asked by an illiterate Capulet servant to help read the guest list. The two
boys find out that Rosaline is invited to the party and the boys decide to crash it.
Read Lines: 86-98 Romeo and Benvolio decide to attend the Capulet feast
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Act 1 Scene 3
Juliet and her mother discuss marriage
Background information: The scene changes back to the Capulet house where Lady Capulet,
the Nurse and Juliet discuss Paris’ marriage proposal.
Purpose: Shows the cold relationship between Juliet and her mother Lady Capulet, introduces
the nurse who has a stronger relationship with Juliet—the nurse likes crude sexual humour. In
this scene, Juliet seems young and innocent—she hasn’t really thought of marriage.
Bawdy Language: Line 2 we find out when the nurse lost her virginity and throughout this scene
we get a sense of the Nurse’s crude humour and overall lack of class.
Read: Lines 2; 8-19; 21-35;39-47;50-51;56-60
Figurative Language: Conceit (extended metaphor) Lines 84-91
Question
5. Lady Capulet describes Paris (lines 84-91) in a very poetic way. Discuss the poetic
device used by Shakespeare in this speech. What is Paris compared to? Explain.
Act 1 Scene 4
On the way to the Capulet masquerade party
Background Information: Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio decide to crash the Capulet party.
Everyone is in a good mood except for Romeo. He’s a little spooked about attending the party,
but decides to attend anyway
Reading #6
Romeo’s premonition before the party
Read Lines: 112-118
Question
6. Romeo is afraid to go to the banquet. Why? He decides to go to the Capulet feast
anyway. Is this fate intervening in his life or is he responsible for the consequence of his
actions (free will)?
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Act 1 Scene 5
The Capulet Party
Background information: Lord Capulet enjoys hosting parties and everyone seems to be
having a good time except Tybalt. He recognizes Romeo and is insulted by his crashing the
Capulet party. Lord Capulet tells him that Romeo is known to be a good guy and he orders
Tybalt to leave Romeo alone. Tybalt is very upset and he vows revenge—the feud is still on.
Meanwhile Romeo sees Juliet at the party and immediately forgets Rosaline. Romeo and Juliet
fall in love and as the party ends they each discover the other’s identity.
Reading #7 Romeo’s first reaction to Juliet’s beauty
Read Lines: 40-52
Questions
7. When Romeo first sees Juliet, his sad mood suddenly changes. He goes on to describe
Juliet's beauty. Summarize in your own words two phrases that Romeo uses to describe
Juliet (lines 44-52).
8. What is the problem with Tybalt? Why is he so upset? How does Lord Capulet react
Tybalt’s aggressive behaviour? What does this say about both characters?
9. What is the rhyme scheme for lines 95-109? This is an example of what type of poem?
Explain.
Reading #8 Romeo and Juliet realize there is a problem associated with their love.
Read Lines: 123-124 (Romeo) and 142-150 (Juliet)
Questions
10. Describe Romeo's reaction when he learns that Juliet is a Capulet. Explain why he feels
this way (lines 123-124).
11. What does Juliet say when she learns who Romeo is? Write her words and explain what
she means (lines 143-144, 147-149).
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Act 2 Scene 1
Background Information: Romeo dumps his friends and climbs into the Capulet orchard. He
hears Mercutio and Benvolio discussing Romeo temporary infatuation with Rosaline. Love for
Mercutio is a kind of temporary mental illness (also a reference to the bawdy language which
initially was associated with people of lower class). At this point, Romeo’s friends still don’t know
about Juliet. They grow tired of searching for Romeo and decide to go home.
Purpose: The scene provides the audience with comic relief after the two lovers express their
intense lover for each other and the challenges posed by the Capulet and Montague feud.
Language: Bawdy Language and Sexual Innuendo
Act 2 Scene 2
The Balcony Scene
Background information: Romeo sees Juliet on her balcony and he overhears Juliet talking
about her feelings for him. He eventually decides to talk to her and in a short time they
exchange vows of love. Juliet then states that if Romeo’s intentions are serious and he must
make wedding arrangements. She will send a messenger to discuss this with him the next day.
Romeo agrees and leaves to find Friar Laurence in his garden.
Reading # 9 Romeo recognizes Juliet on the balcony
Read Lines: 1-25 (Romeo)
Purpose: To describe Juliet’s beauty and to convey his feelings for her.
Language: Light Imagery, Metaphor, Personification
11. Soliloquies are speeches in which actors talk to the audience about themselves and
their intentions. The other characters in the play are either not present or don’t hear
what is said. In lines 2-25, Romeo delivers a soliloquy. Briefly summarize in your own
words what he says. Do you think his speech is believable?
12. This is the most famous scene in the play. Romeo and Juliet both speak of their love for
each other. Shakespeare liked to use images of light and brightness to create certain
feelings. Notice how Romeo uses these kinds of images when he talks to Juliet. Write
three examples in which Romeo compares Juliet's beauty to something that is light (lines
2-22).
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Act 2 Scene 2
Continued
Reading #10
Read Lines: 35-64 (Juliet and Romeo)
Purpose: Juliet and Romeo both realize that the ongoing feud will be a source of conflict. They
both feel that their love for each other can overcome their family’s hatred.
Language: Metaphor, Personification, Imagery
Reading #11 Romeo and Juliet exchange vows of love
Read lines: 111-120; 122-129 (Juliet and Romeo)
Read lines: 131-142 (Romeo and Juliet)
Purpose: Juliet is concerned Romeo thinks she is “too quickly won.” Romeo swears his love for
her. The theme of haste (dangers of impulsive behavior) is introduced by Juliet. The pair
exchange vows and Juliet expresses her love for Romeo in an extended simile.
Reading #12
The lovers discuss wedding arrangements
Read lines: 148-154 (Juliet)
Read Lines: 179-183; 198-199; 202-203
Purpose: Romeo and Juliet are determined to be with each other despite the conflict between
their families. It appears that they are willing to give up everything to be together. The theme of
haste is also supported by the behavior of the two lovers.
Act 2 Scene 3
Romeo discusses his marriage plans with the Friar
Background information: Romeo tells Friar Laurence about his love for Juliet and his intention
to marry her. The Friar scolds Romeo for being so impulsive and reminds him that only days
earlier he was crying about Rosaline’s lack of interest in him. The Friar eventually agrees to
marry Romeo and Juliet because he thinks it may help end the feud and bring the two families
together.
Reading #13
The Friar’s reaction to Romeo’s news
Read lines: 67-70; 92-97
Questions
13. How does Friar Laurence react when he hears about Romeo’s plan to marry Juliet?
Why does he agree to marry them? Use three (3) specific quotes from the text to
support your response.
6
Act 2 Scene 4
Juliet’s nurse meets Romeo to discuss the wedding
Background information: Mercutio and Benvolio find out that Tybalt has sent a challenge to
Romeo’s house. Mercutio is very concerned about this because Tybalt is an excellent
swordsman. Romeo meets up with them and Juliet’s nurse arrives looking for Romeo. Mercutio
has some fun insulting her and eventually Romeo whisks her away so they can talk privately
about the wedding arrangements. She returns to Juliet with the good news.
Purpose: The scene foreshadows future conflict between Romeo and Tybalt. It also serves as a
bit of comic relief—Mercutio is sexually suggestive to the nurse and she becomes aggressive
and upset about his inappropriate behavior toward her.
Language: Sexual innuendo lines 94-106; 120; 133-136.
Act 2 Scene 5
Juliet waits for the nurse to return with wedding news
Background information: Juliet is impatiently waiting for the Nurse and when she arrives the
Nurse delays telling her the news Juliet has been waiting for. Eventually the Nurse tells Juliet
the exciting news.
Purpose: The Nurse delays telling Juliet the “good news” and this helps create tension and
suspense for audience.
Language: Haste theme lines 29-30
Act 2 Scene 6
Friar Laurence marries Romeo and Juliet
Background information: The two lovers ignore another warning about impulsive behavior
(Haste)
Reading #14
Act 3 Scene 1
Read Lines: 9-15 (Friar Laurence)
Mercutio is killed by Tybalt
Background Information: Mercutio and Benvolio are talking in a public place when Tybalt
approaches and asks for Romeo. Mercutio spends some time insulting him and then Romeo
arrives on the scene. Tybalt immediately turns his attention on Romeo and challenges him to a
duel. Romeo (who is now related to Tybalt by marriage) refuses to get into a fight with him.
Tybalt assumes that Romeo is a coward and he proceeds to bully him. Mercutio is confused
about Romeo’s behavior and he defends Romeo and challenges Tybalt. They both fight and
while Romeo tries to break up the brawl, Tybalt fatally wounds Mercutio.
Reading #15
Read lines: 60-68 (Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt and Mercutio decides to step in)
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Act 3 Scene 1
continued
Reading #16
Read lines: 80-83 (Romeo tries to break up the fight)
Reading #17
Read lines: 85-94; 100-103 (Mercutio is stabbed)
Background information: Mercutio’s dying words blame his death on the Capulet-Montague
feud and he curses both families. Romeo who now must “save face” vows to avenge Mercutio’s
death. He chases down Tybalt and kills him.The Prince is called to the scene, listens to the
evidence, and then decides to banish Romeo from Verona. Mercutio was a relative of the Prince
and now even the Prince is affected by the feud.
Reading #18
Read lines: 185-194 (The Prince reacts to this last public brawl)
Language: Climax/turning point, Pun lines 93-95
Purpose: Mercutio’s death is considered the climax or turning point in the play. From this point
on everything goes wrong for the two lovers.
Act. 3 Scene 2
Juliet finds out the details of Tybalt’s death
Background information: Juliet is anxiously waiting to see Romeo and the Nurse arrives with
news of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment from Verona. Juliet is devastated and the
nurse decides to seek advice from Friar Laurence.
Reading #19
Read Lines: 71-81; 88-90 Juliet’s reaction to the news
Language: Oxymoron
Question
14. Juliet is very confused and has mixed emotions in this scene. How does Shakespeare
convey her emotional state to the audience? Explain using specific examples from the
play. (lines 73-87)
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Act 3 Scene 3
Romeo seeks advice from the Friar
Background information: Romeo fled the murder scene and arrives at Friar Laurence’s cell to
hide and ask for guidance from the priest. The priest informs Romeo that the Prince banished
him from Verona. Romeo insists that banishment is worth than death, he overreacts by
attempting to stab himself.
Reading #20
Read Lines: 4; 9; 11-13; 30-34 Romeo’s reaction to banishment
Reading #21
Read Lines: 108-115; 118-119
Romeo tries to stab himself
Background Information: Friar Laurence says the situation isn’t as bad as seems and he
manages to calm him down. The Nurse arrives at the scene and the two adults advise Romeo
to visit Juliet before he leaves Verona.
Reading #22
Read Lines: 139-156
The Friar tells Romeo to count his blessings
Question
15. Romeo overreacts to being banished by Prince Escalus. The Friar suggests that
Romeo has many reasons to be thankful and comes up with a plan. Summarize the
Friar’s react in your own words. (Lines 139-156).
Act 3 Scene 4
Lord Capulet decides that Juliet will marry Paris on Thursday
Background information: Paris and Lord Capulet discuss wedding arrangements. Juliet’s
father who believes that the wedding will help take Juliet’s mind off the death of her cousin
Tybalt pushes to have the wedding performed as soon as possible.
Language: Theme of haste lines 20-23; Dramatic Irony— Juliet is already married and she is
probably more upset about Romeo’s banishment.
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Act 3 Scene 5
Romeo and Juliet spend the night together
Background information: The two lovers spend the night together and Romeo must leave
Verona before he is caught by the Prince’s watchman. They both have premonitions
foreshadowing their own deaths..
Reading #23
Foreshadowing Technique
Read Lines: 53-59
Question
16. Explain how Shakespeare foreshadows (gives a clue or hint about what will happen
later) the deaths of the two lovers in this scene (lines 53-59). Use specific references
from the text to support your response.
Language: Light and Dark imagery (nightingale/lark) lines 1-36; Theme of fate lines 60-64
Background information: Lady Capulet informs Juliet about the marriage date and she refuses
to go along with the marriage. Lord Capulet is very upset and he threatens to slap her for being
so disobedient. He says he will disown her if she decides against marrying Paris. Lady Capulet
sides with her husband and Juliet quickly realizes she’s has little choice in the matter.
Reading #24
Read Lines: 156-159; 164-168; 185-189;193;195-196;199-205
Background information: After Capulet leaves, Juliet asks the Nurse for advice and she
advises Juliet to marry Paris. Juliet is shocked by the Nurse’s response and Juliet now realizes
that she is on her own. She decides to discuss the situation with Friar Laurence.
Act 4 Scene 1
Juliet receives help from Friar Laurence
Background information: Paris is discussing wedding arrangements with the Friar when Juliet
arrives. They both exchange awkward greetings and when Paris leaves, the Friar comes up with
a plan that requires Juliet to take a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours. The
Capulets will take Juliet to the family burial vault and the Friar will send a letter to Romeo
explaining the details of the plan and Romeo is to return to take Juliet with him to Mantua where
they can be with each other.
Reading #25
Read Lines: 90-102; 106-119
The Friar’s plan
Language: Hyperbole lines 78-79; Dramatic irony—Paris and Juliet 18-21
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Act 4 Scene 2
The wedding date is moved up to Wednesday
Background Information: Juliet follows the Friar’s advice and apologizes to her father for
being disobedient. Lord Capulet is so delighted with the change in attitude that he hastily
decides to change the wedding date from Thursday to Wednesday. This will create problems for
Romeo and Juliet as the Friar has to send word to Romeo regarding the change in dates
regarding Juliet and the potion.
Language: Theme of haste
Act 4 Scene 3
Juliet takes the potion
Background information: Juliet is alone in her room late Tuesday evening debating whether or
not she should take the potion. After weighing out all her options she eventually summons to
courage to go along with the Friar’s plan.
Reading #26
Read Lines: 20-45; 50-59
Juliet’s concerns about taking the potion
Question
17. In this scene Juliet has a number of concerns about drinking the Friar’s potion. Explain
her concerns in your own words. (lines 21-59).
Act 4 Scene 4
The Capulets prepare for the wedding
Background: Lord and Lady Capulet joke over Capulet past reputation as a womanizer, Paris
arrives and Juliet needs to get ready for the wedding.
Language: Comic relief
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Act 4 Scene 5
The family finds Juliet’s body in her bedroom
Background information: The Nurse discovers Juliet body and the family, including Paris
express their grief over her death. They now must prepare for a funeral.
Reading #27
Read Lines: 27-31; 65-67
Lord Capulet’s reaction to Juliet’s death
Question
18. Describe how the characters reacted to Juliet’s death. Fill in the chart below. Use
specific quotations from the play.
Character
Quote from the Play
Modern translation
Nurse
Lady Capulet
Lord Capulet
Paris
The Friar
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Act 5 Scene 1
Romeo is unaware of the Friar’s plan
Background: The scene opens with Romeo’s premonition about Juliet’s death. Romeo is
unaware of the Friar’s plan and when Romeo’s servant, Balthasar, travels to Mantua with news
of Juliet’s death, Romeo blames fate for his bad luck. He decides to join Juliet in death at the
Capulet tomb and purchases poison from a poor apothecary on his way back to Verona.
Language: premonition lines 6-7; theme of fate line 24
Act 5 Scene 2
The Letter
Background information: The Friar realizes his letter to Romeo explaining the potion and
Juliet’s fake death wasn’t delivered because of a plague quarantine. He quickly writes another
letter, sends it to Mantua and hurries to the Capulet tomb to inform Juliet.
Act 5 Scene 3
Romeo arrives at the Capulet tomb
Background information: Paris has come to Juliet’s tomb with flowers when he recognizes
Romeo and tries to arrest him. The two get into a struggle and Paris is killed. Romeo then
enters the Capulet tomb, comments on Juliet’s beauty, blames fate for his problems, drinks the
poison, and dies beside his wife.
Reading #28
Read Lines: 49-53
Paris recognizes Romeo
Reading #29
Read Lines: 91-96
Romeo’s reaction to seeing Juliet in the tomb
Question
19. What is ironic about the lines 91-96? Explain.
Reading #30
Read Lines: 110-121 Romeo takes his life
Background information: Meanwhile, the Friar arrives as Juliet awakens. He tries to persuade
her to leave the tomb. Juliet sees Romeo’s body and refuses to leave. The Friar hears people
arriving at the tomb, panics, and flees the scene. Juliet, all alone in the tomb, decides to join
Romeo in death. She tries the left over poison, but finally she takes a dagger and stabs herself.
Reading #31 Read Lines: 166-173; 175-176 Juliet takes her life
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Background information: The families, the Prince, and some of the other characters gather at
the tomb. Lord Montague mentions he lost a son and a wife on the same night. The Prince
orders an investigation and the Friar decides to tell everything. After hearing the Friar’s
explanation, the Prince blames the feud as the source of all of the recent deaths.
Reading #32
Background information: After the Prince’s speech, Lord Capulet offers his hand in peace to
Lord Montague. Montague responds with a promise to build a gold statue in honor of Juliet. The
plays ends with the Prince’s final words.
Reading #33
Read Lines: 297-301
Question
20. Who does the Prince blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet? Explain using
supporting details from this scene.
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