Romeo and Juliet
Do any of the characters choose their own fates? If so, who? If not, why not? Explain.
Although many of the characters in the play made dumb, impulsive decisions, they all chose their own fate by this series of bad decisions that were not well thought out. For example, Romeo chose his own fate- death. He chooses to kill himself because he hears of Juliet's death. Both Romeo and Juliet chose their fates because they decided that death was better than life without each other. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): - "Thus with a kiss I die (Romeo, 268)." - "I'd rather they killed me than have to live without your love (Romeo, 83)."
Are the characters making conscious decisions about their futures OR are they just reacting to their circumstances? Explain with examples from the text.
The characters are NOT making conscious decisions about their futures, they are instead reacting to their circumstances. I believe this because with every decision they make, it was impulsive and invoked immaturity. They never thought about the consequences and instead did things as they could, with no thought about how it could affect their futures. For example, when Romeo and Juliet decided to marry each other, they never used practicality to make that decision- they were being inconsiderate of how momentus of a risk it was.
What social obstacles do Romeo and Juliet experience during the course of their romance?
The main social obstacle that Romeo and Juliet experience during the course of their romance is the family feud between the Montagues and Capulets. This hatred between these families makes it impossible for the two lovers to marry and express their love openly. This causes them to secretly get married to each other, both of their families oblivious to the marriage. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "Paris: So will ye, I am sure, that you love me. //Juliet: If I do so, it will be more of a price. Being spoke behind your back than to your face. (210)"
Why is death better than banishment, according to Romeo? What do you think of this attitude?
According to Romeo, he believes that death is better than banishment because he thinks he cannot live anywhere else but Verona. Based on Romeo's attitude, I think that he is not used to change. He doesn't want to be anywhere else than Verona because he's used to it. Romeo needs to realize that there is so much life outside of his hometown- and has to embrace the change. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "there is no world without Verona walls but purgatory, torture, hell itself (Romeo, 166)."
Did Romeo and Juliet rush into marriage carelessly? Do you think they should have gotten married? Explain.
From my standpoint, I believe that Romeo and Juliet did rush into marriage carelessly. The main problem of this entire story is young love and the immaturity of it all. Romeo and Juliet are young in love and are not careful about their decisions. They do not know how to handle their lust because they simply are just so young. I do not think they should've gotten married because, in the end, their marriage has led to their deaths. As Friar Lawrence stated, "Violent delights may have violent ends." Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "These violent delights have violent ends" Friar Lawrence, 132
Does the play, as a whole, criticize Romeo and Juliet's type of love or support it? Explain.
From my standpoint, I believe that the play criticizes Romeo and Juliet's type of love- it does not necessarily support it. I think the play highlights the immature idea of love, and in fact, Shakespeare glorifies it. An example of this is Romeo's perspective on the idea of love. In the first act, he is heartbroken by Rosaline- but then quickly moves on completely to Juliet. Romeo moved on from Rosaline so quickly, he could most likely move on from Juliet quickly as well, showing that his judgment of the word "love" is benighted. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "Did my heart ever love anyone before this moment? My eyes were liars, then, because I never saw true beauty before tonight." Romeo, 63
Do the deaths in the play happen because of free will or because of fate? Consider all the deaths. Are any of the characters responsible for the deaths? Explain.
I believe that everyone has a fate, however, they can always be altered. Our fate is never set. I believe that everyone's deaths happened because of free will, whether that be their own or another's free will of deciding to kill one another. For example, Romeo uses his free will by deciding whether or not to avenge Mercutio by killing Tybalt, or just to be sad for his friend. He decides that he wants to kill Tybalt, sadly making death as Tybalt's fate. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "Enough with mercy and consideration. It's time for rage to guide my actions. (Romeo, 147)."
Is it better to just "follow your heart" even if it doesn't make sense? OR should you discipline yourself to think these types of things through before acting? Discuss this in the context of the play too..
I believe that, in some situations, it's okay if you follow your heart. However, when it gets to the point where your heart, your feelings, and emotions are clouding your judgment, which can, in turn, influence your decisions, doing this is not practical. It's imperative that you discipline yourself to think these types of things through before acting. For instance, in Act 5, Romeo finds Juliet lying in the tomb and decides to kill himself so that he could die with her. Instead of prioritizing his love for Juliet and acting on his deep sorrow for her loss, Romeo should've (at least) tried to imagine how to move on and live his life after the tragedy. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "Should I believe that death is in love with you, and that the awful monster keeps you here to be his mistress? I don't like that idea, so I'll stay with you." Romeo, 269
Do you think any of the main characters of this tragedy are considering the consequences of their actions? Why or why not? Explain.
I do not think any of the main characters are considering the consequences of their actions. The reason why I think this is because Romeo killed Tybalt out of anger- and to avenge his best friend's death (Mercutio). This is a perfect example of why you should never make decisions impulsively, let alone out of anger. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "Not Romeo, Prince, he was Mercutio's friend. His fault concludes but what the law should end, The life of Tybalt." Montague, 180
Do the adults in the play have different views on love and/or marriage than the young people? If so, who and how do their views differ?
I most definitely agree with the fact that these adults in the play have certain views that differentiate from the young people's views on love. For example, Friar Lawrence believes that love will last only if you love your person with less passion and more in moderation. He tells Romeo to "love moderately", as Romeo believes that love is intense and full of desire and infatuation. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "...love moderately. Long love doth so. Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow." Friar Lawrence, 132
Create two questions of your own to discuss with your classmates. Your questions should be thought-provoking and require evidence from the text.
Question 1: What is one theme that YOU learned from Romeo and Juliet? How can this apply to your life? Question 2: How do you think the play would have been different if the characters were more thoughtful and considerate of their decisions? Do you think simple maturity and mindfulness could have prevented their deaths?
When is rebellion destructive (in life) and when is rebellion constructive/appropriate? Explain and use examples from the text.
Rebellion is destructive when it has a risk to dangerous outcomes, such as destruction of property or puts people at risk. An example of this is when Romeo kills Tybalt out of revenge for killing his best friend. "He is a kinsman to the Montague. Affection makes him false. He speaks not true...Romeo slew Tybalt. Romeo must not live (Lady Capulet, 152)." The outcome of this was his banishment from Verona. Rebellion is constructive and appropriate when it invokes what you believe is right. An example of this is when Juliet fought for her love; even though her family disapproved of Romeo, she'd rather marry someone who she actually loved. The nurse in Act 3, Scene 5 comforts Juliet, saying, "Curse my very heart, but I think you should be happy in this second marriage, because it's better than your first. Even if it's not better, your first marriage is over."
What are the different ways Romeo and Juliet rebels against their parents?
Romeo and Juliet both rebel against their parents by disregarding their rules and marrying each other- although the two families have been feuding. Juliet also rebels against her parents by marrying a Montague instead of Paris- the guy that her family had wanted her to marry. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "I won't marry yet. And, when I do marry, I swear, it will be Romeo, whom you know I hate, rather than Paris." Juliet, 197
How does the Friar break rules and/or rebel against the things he's probably supposed to do and/or say? What is the Friar's motivation for breaking such rules?
The Friar breaks the rules by agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet. The Friar does this out of nobility and in hopes to bring peace to the feud between the Capulets and Montagues. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "But come, young waverer, come, go with me. In one respect I'll thy assistant be. For this alliance may so happy prove. To turn your households' rancor to pure love." Friar, 102
How does the Nurse break rules and/or rebel against the things she is supposed to do and/or say? What is the Nurse's motivation for breaking such rules?
The Nurse rebels against the social order by becoming Juliet's accomplice in arranging the marriage.. She not only allows the marriage to happen in secrecy, but she also encourages Juliet's love for Romeo. For the honeymoon, the Nurse agrees to help Romeo climb into Juliet's bedroom using a ladder. The reason behind the Nurse's actions is because she wants Juliet to be happy. Despite her rule-breaking, she wants Juliet to be happy, even if it's forbidden. Supporting quote(s) and pg. number(s): "Peace. I have done. God mark thee to his grace! Thou wast the prettiest babe that e'er I nursed. An I might live to see thee married once, I have my wish." Nurse, 42