Study+guides

Act I Study Guide 1. Where and when does the action of the play take place? 2. In scene i, a street brawl between the Capulets and the Montagues ends when the Prince appears. What does the Prince say the punishment will be for the next persons who “disturb the quiet of our streets”?

3. When we first meet Romeo in scene i, he appears distracted. What is Romeo’s problem?

4. In scenes ii and iii, there is much talk about a possible marriage for Juliet with a young nobleman named Paris. What are her parents’ attitudes toward the marriage? (You should present both her mother’s and father’s viewpoints.)

5. Where and when will Juliet see Paris for the first time?

6. For what reason does Benvolio urge Romeo to go to the masquerade party that night at the house of Lord Capulet?

7. In scene iv, the masked Mercutio, Rome and Benvolio are on their way to the Capulets’ party. What does Mercutio’s long speech about Queen Mab explain?

8. Romeo, remember, is madly in love with fair Rosaline. What happens to Romeo as soon as he sees Juliet for the first time?

9. In scene v, Romeo and Juliet fall in love without knowing each other’s identities. How does Romeo find out that Juliet is a Capulet?

10. Juliet sends the Nurse to find out who Romeo is. In your own words, tell what Juliet says in lines 137-140 (pg. 791).

Act II Study guide

1. In scene i, Benvolio and Mercutio look for Romeo, who is avoiding them. Where is he hiding?

2. When scene ii begins, Romeo, who is madly in love with Juliet, watches her as she stands on the balcony. Romeo compares Juliet and her eyes to various heavenly bodies. What specific comparisons does he make?

3. Not realizing that Romeo is listening, Juliet declares her love for him. In your own words, summarize what she says in lines 33-36 on page 798.

4. In lines 142-148 on page 801, what does Juliet ask Romeo to do?

5. In scene iii, Romeo tells Friar Laurence of his love for Juliet. What is the Friar’s initial reaction? What hope does the Friar express in lines 91-92?

6. Scene iv opens with a conversation between Benvolio and Mercutio. What piece of bad news do we learn in this conversation? (See p. 805)

7. What is the important message for Juliet that Romeo tells the Nurse in scene iv?

8. Scene v provides some comedy. What is funny about the way the Nurse tells Juliet of Romeo’s message?

9. In your own words, tell what warning Friar Laurence gives Romeo in scene vi on page 814.

10. At the end of Act II, what important action is about to take place?