Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

In what city does this play take place?

Verona

Why are Romeo and Juliet called 'star-cross'd lovers'?

Their love was by fate

Who is fighting at the beginning of the first scene?

Montagues and Capulets

Who tries to break up the fighting?

Benvolio Signup and view all the answers

What threat does the Prince make to Lord Montague and Lord Capulet?

Whoever starts the next fight will be put to death Signup and view all the answers

How has Romeo been acting?

He has been gloomy and sad Signup and view all the answers

What is Benvolio's advice to Romeo?

To look at other girls Signup and view all the answers

Why does Capulet think it will be easy for Montague and him to keep the peace?

He knows they are old and not in fighting condition Signup and view all the answers

What does Paris ask of Capulet?

To marry Juliet Signup and view all the answers

What is Capulet's first response to Paris?

Juliet is too young to be married Signup and view all the answers

What does Capulet later tell Paris?

To wait until after the party Signup and view all the answers

What job does Capulet give his servant?

To invite all of the guests on the guest list Signup and view all the answers

What problem does the servant have?

He can't read Signup and view all the answers

How does he solve the problem?

He asks Romeo and Benvolio for help Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the woman Romeo loves?

Rosaline Signup and view all the answers

What do Romeo and Benvolio decide to do?

They decide to attend the party Signup and view all the answers

How old is Juliet?

13 Signup and view all the answers

When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about marriage, what is Juliet's response?

"It is an honor that I dream not of." Signup and view all the answers

Following Juliet's answer, what does Lady Capulet then tell Juliet?

She should look at Paris and decide whether or not she should marry him Signup and view all the answers

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

She is a small fairy that causes and manipulates dreams Signup and view all the answers

What does Mercutio say about dreams?

They are the children of an idle brain Signup and view all the answers

What is Romeo's mood at the end of Scene 4?

He is upset that Rosaline doesn't love him, but is happy that he will have a chance to see her at the party Signup and view all the answers

What does Romeo think of Juliet the first time he sees her?

He thinks she is the most beautiful girl in the world Signup and view all the answers

How does Tybalt recognize Romeo?

He recognizes his voice Signup and view all the answers

What does Capulet say to Tybalt?

To let Romeo stay at the party Signup and view all the answers

Explain what the conversation is about between Romeo and Juliet.

They flirt with each other Signup and view all the answers

How does Romeo find out Juliet's last name?

The nurse tells him Signup and view all the answers

How does Juliet find out Romeo's last name?

She asks the maid Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The play takes place in Verona, Italy, a city marked by a long-standing feud between two noble families: the Montagues and the Capulets.
Romeo and Juliet are referred to as "star-cross'd lovers," indicating their love is doomed by fate.

Act 1 Scene 1: Conflict and Characters

A street brawl erupts between servants of the Montague and Capulet families, showcasing the intense rivalry.
Benvolio, a Montague, attempts to break up the fight, highlighting his peace-loving nature.
The Prince of Verona warns that any further disturbances will result in death for the instigators, aiming to restore order.

Act 1 Scene 2: Romeo's Melancholy

Romeo is introduced as a lovesick youth, displaying sadness due to his unrequited love for Rosaline.
Benvolio advises Romeo to move on and consider other women, reflecting his role as a supportive friend.

Act 1 Scene 3: Family Dynamics

Paris seeks Capulet's permission to marry his daughter, Juliet, but Capulet feels she is too young at 13.
Capulet suggests Paris wait until a party to gauge Juliet's feelings, indicating a protective parental stance.

Act 1 Scene 4: Invitations and Dreams

Capulet's servant is tasked with inviting guests but cannot read, creating a link to the interplay of social classes.
Romeo and Benvolio assist the servant, leading them to decide to attend the Capulet party despite the risk involved.

Act 1 Scene 5: The Party

Juliet has no interest in marriage but is encouraged by Lady Capulet to consider Paris, presenting a contrast to her youthful innocence.
Mercutio introduces Queen Mab, a fairy influencing dreams, suggesting a whimsical view on romantic aspirations.
At the party, Romeo is captivated by Juliet, quickly declaring her beauty as unmatched.

Key Interactions

Tybalt recognizes Romeo by his voice at the party and expresses anger, but Capulet's intervention allows Romeo to remain, emphasizing the complexity of social ties.
The flirtation between Romeo and Juliet begins during their first encounter, showcasing their instant connection.
Romeo learns Juliet's last name through the Nurse, and she discovers his identity by inquiring with a maid, setting the stage for their tragic fate.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first act of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with these flashcards. Covering key events and characters, this quiz will help you understand the foundation of this classic tragic tale. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!