Romeo and Juliet Overview

Questions and Answers

In what city does the play take place?

Verona, Italy

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

They are thwarted by fate through influence of the stars

Who is fighting at the beginning of the first scene?

The Montague and Capulet servingmen

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?

He threatens to kill them if they are caught fighting again Signup and view all the answers

What do Benvolio and Montague say about Romeo's behavior?

Romeo is depressed, isolated, and secretive Signup and view all the answers

Why is Romeo so sad? Explain.

Because he loves a girl but she does not love him back Signup and view all the answers

What is Benvolio's advice to Romeo?

He advises him to forget her and find someone else Signup and view all the answers

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

Because they have the same punishment and are older/more mature now Signup and view all the answers

What does Paris ask about Capulet? What is Capulet's first answer? What does he change his mind to?

Paris asks for consent to marry Juliet; Capulet first says she is too young, but later tells Paris to 'woo' Juliet at the party Signup and view all the answers

What problem does the servant have?

He cannot read the list 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 go to the party to meet girls Signup and view all the answers

How old is Juliet?

13 (almost 14) Signup and view all the answers

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

Juliet does not think about it Signup and view all the answers

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

She tells her that she should at least meet Paris Signup and view all the answers

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

She is a dream-giving midwife of fairies Signup and view all the answers

What does Mercutio say about dreams?

He says dreams are not indicative of real life Signup and view all the answers

What is Romeo's mood at the end of this scene? Explain.

Romeo is apprehensive because he believes he will die as a result of tonight's events; yet he is accepting and believes he is in fate's hands 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 Romeo's voice Signup and view all the answers

When Tybalt is ready to seize Romeo and throw him out of the party, what does Capulet say to Tybalt?

Capulet says Romeo should be allowed to stay because he is a good man Signup and view all the answers

Explain what the conversation is between Romeo and Juliet.

They discuss (in a metaphor/sonnet) praying & kissing Signup and view all the answers

How does Romeo find out Juliet's last name?

He asked the Nurse Juliet's mother's name Signup and view all the answers

How does Juliet find out Romeo's last name?

She tells her Nurse to find out Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The play is set in Verona, Italy, a city marked by feuding families.
Romeo and Juliet are characterized as "star-cross'd lovers," suggesting that fate and astrological influences thwart their love.

Characters and Conflict

Fighting erupts among the Montague and Capulet servingmen, showcasing the longstanding feud.
Benvolio attempts to pacify the conflict, reflecting his role as a peacemaker.
The Prince of Verona threatens death to any who disturb the peace, emphasizing the seriousness of the family feud.

Romeo's State of Mind

Romeo is described as depressed, isolated, and secretive due to unrequited love for Rosaline.
Benvolio encourages Romeo to forget his unattainable love and seek new romantic interests, highlighting Benvolio's supportive nature.

Familial Relationships and Proposed Marriages

Capulet believes maintaining peace with Montague will be manageable given their maturity compared to earlier conflicts.
Paris expresses his desire to marry Juliet, initially receiving caution from Capulet regarding her youth, before being encouraged to woo her at the upcoming party.

Plot Developments

A Capulet servant struggles to read the guest list for the party, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the characters.
Romeo and Benvolio decide to attend the party to meet new women, unaware of Juliet's identity.

Juliet's Perspective

Juliet is just shy of 14 years old and shows initial indifference towards marriage when asked by her mother.
Lady Capulet suggests Juliet meet Paris, pushing her toward social expectations of marriage.

Imagery and Themes

Mercutio introduces the whimsical character of Queen Mab, a dream-bringer, during a speech about dreams, indicating the play's exploration of dreams versus reality.
He argues that dreams do not reflect true life, which contrasts with the romantic idealism of the lovers.

Foreshadowing

Romeo feels an ominous sense of foreboding about the night's events, suggesting a premonition of tragedy.
Upon seeing Juliet for the first time, he is captivated by her beauty, contrasting with his previous infatuation with Rosaline.

Recognition and Repercussions

Tybalt recognizes Romeo by his voice, signaling immediate tension.
Capulet intervenes, defending Romeo's presence at the party, recognizing his good character and averting conflict.

Connection Between Romeo and Juliet

Their conversation during the party is laden with religious imagery, where they metaphorically engage in a shared act of prayer and kiss.
Romeo learns Juliet's last name from the Nurse, while Juliet sends her Nurse to inquire about his identity, revealing the complexity of their situation.

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Description

Explore the key elements of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' including its setting in Verona, the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets, and the complexities of the characters' relationships. Analyze Romeo's emotional struggles and the implications of familial ties on their love story.