Romeo and Juliet Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the setting of the play?

Verona, Italy

Who are the groups not getting along?

The Montagues and Capulets

How are the hero and heroine described?

Star-crossed lovers

What will happen to the hero and heroine?

They will take their lives Signup and view all the answers

How will this affect their families?

They will bury their parents' strife Signup and view all the answers

How long does the author say the play will last?

Two hours long Signup and view all the answers

Does the length of the play seem reasonable?

True Signup and view all the answers

What poetic form is the prologue?

Sonnet Signup and view all the answers

Why does the play begin with a fight between servants?

To show how large the feud between the two houses is Signup and view all the answers

How do the citizens feel about the feud?

It annoys them and they are over it Signup and view all the answers

What does the Prince of Verona say?

If the two houses fight again they will be killed Signup and view all the answers

How would you characterize Romeo's friend Benvolio?

Caring, kind, likes to stay out of trouble, problem solver Signup and view all the answers

Who is the real 'bad guy' in the play and how is he described?

Tybalt, hot-headed Signup and view all the answers

What information do we get about Romeo?

He is depressed, quiet, and lovesick Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rosaline?

The woman who Romeo is in love with but she does not return his love, she is related to the Capulet family Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Benvolio give Romeo about Rosaline?

"Examine other beauties" Signup and view all the answers

What is Romeo's answer and why is it ironic?

He won't, he will fall deeply in love with another girl Signup and view all the answers

What dramatic functions are served by the prologue?

The prologue tells us what to expect in the play Signup and view all the answers

How is the feud portrayed in the play's first scene?

The feud is portrayed as very deep Signup and view all the answers

What does the first scene of the play reveal about Romeo's behavior?

Romeo is quiet and lovesick Signup and view all the answers

What contrasting concepts of love are presented in Scene 1?

Love of family, one-sided love, brotherly love, and paternal love Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the sources of tension in the first scene. Why are these characters upset?

The sources of tension in the first scene are caused by the feud between the Capulet and Montague households. These characters are upset because they were biting their fingers at each other. Signup and view all the answers

How does Romeo describe the woman he loves in Scene 1?

Romeo describes the woman he loves by saying 'She is too fair, too wise, wisely too fair.' He also says 'She is rich in beauty.' Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Nurse in three words. Describe her relationship with Juliet.

Sassy, loud, and caring. Her relationship with Juliet resembles those of mothers and their daughters. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Romeo's friends and what is their plan?

Romeo's friends are Benvolio and Mercutio. They have a plan to make Romeo get over Rosaline and to fall in love with someone else. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Romeo's reaction when he first sees Juliet.

Romeo reacts to Juliet by instantly falling in love with her when they first meet. Signup and view all the answers

Refer to Mercutio's lines in Act 1. What kind of friend is he to Romeo?

Mercutio is a good friend to Romeo because he values Romeo's feelings and emotions. Signup and view all the answers

If you were Romeo and Juliet, would you follow love or stay loyal to your family and friends? Explain your reasons.

If I were Romeo and Juliet, I would follow love because of how deep their love is. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The play is set in Verona, Italy, establishing a historical backdrop and romantic ambiance.
The main conflict arises between two rival families: the Montagues and the Capulets.

Characters and Relationships

Romeo and Juliet are defined as "star-crossed lovers," highlighting the tragic nature of their romance.
Tybalt is characterized as the primary antagonist, known for his hot-headed attitude.
Benvolio, Romeo's friend, is depicted as caring, kind, and a problem solver, often seeking to avoid conflict.
Rosaline is a Capulet, the woman Romeo loves unreciprocated, contributing to his initial lovesickness.

Plot and Themes

Romeo and Juliet ultimately take their lives, leading to the end of their families' feud, symbolizing the tragic consequences of familial conflict.
The Prince of Verona threatens death to anyone who disturbs the peace between the two families, emphasizing societal tensions.
Themes of love are explored through contrasting concepts: familial loyalty, unrequited love, and the powerful bond between the titular characters.

Structure and Style

The prologue is written as a sonnet, indicating a structured poetic form that introduces the play's themes and foreshadows conflict.
The play's runtime is approximately two hours, which feels reasonable for the unfolding drama.

Key Events and Tensions

The opening scene features a fight between servants, demonstrating the deep-rooted animosity between the Montagues and Capulets.
Citizens of Verona express annoyance towards the feud, reflecting the broader community's fatigue and desire for peace.
Romeo's melancholic demeanor is evident; he is described as depressed, quiet, and lovesick.

Character Development

Romeo's description of his love interest emphasizes his romantic idealism, with phrases indicating her beauty and wisdom.
Juliet's relationship with her Nurse is maternal yet sassy, showing a blend of care and humor.
Romeo's friends, Benvolio and Mercutio, devise a plan to help him move on from Rosaline, debating the nature of love and its enjoyment.

Initial Encounters

Upon seeing Juliet for the first time, Romeo instantly falls in love, showcasing the theme of passionate, immediate attraction.
Mercutio, a playful and caring friend, enhances the narrative with his lively personality and insights into love.

Reflections and Choices

If faced with the choice, one might prioritize love over familial loyalty, considering the depth of connection between Romeo and Juliet.
Foreshadowing elements signal upcoming tragedy, suggesting that their love faces significant obstacles from the start.

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Test your knowledge of Shakespeare's classic play 'Romeo and Juliet' with these flashcards. Explore key elements such as the setting, character relationships, and the tragic fate of the protagonists. Ideal for students and literature enthusiasts alike!