Romeo and Juliet
Find an example of personification in the Prologue.
"The fair for which love groaned for and would die" - love has human traits (personification)
Read the Prologue to Act 2: Now old desire doth in his death-bed lie, And young affection gapes to be his heir; That fair for which love groaned for and would die, With tender Juliet matched, is now not fair. 5 Now Romeo is beloved and loves again, Alike bewitched by the charm of looks; But to his foe supposed he must complain, And she steal love's sweet bait from fearful hooks. Being held a foe, he may not have access 10 To breathe such vows as lovers use to swear, And she as much in love, her means much less To meet her new beloved anywhere; But passion lends them power, time means, to meet, Temp'ring extremities with extreme sweet. Summarize what the prologue is saying:
(3 quatrains and 1 couplet) The chorus reviews how Romeo and Juliet have fallen in love and suggest both the problems and the delights they now face. He also hints about what will result from the events of Act 1.
The Prologue is written as a sonnet. What is the structure and rhyme scheme of a sonnet?
(Shakespearean sonnet) 3 quatrains with 1 couplet. 14 lines. Written in iambic pentameter. 5 feet = 10 syllables. (Shakespearean and Elizabethan)
Romeo-Many characters from his family/friedns end in o
-Benvolio -cousin and friend of Romeo; peaceful -Mercutio -friend of Romeo -Mercutio is one of the most extraordinary characters in all of Shakespeare's plays -Full of imagination and wit; he loves wordplay (especially double meanings) -He can be a hothead. He hates pretentious people (like Tybalt who loves fashion). -He finds Rome's romanticized ideas about love tiresome. He tries to convince Romeo that love is really just lust -Important note- he is a friend of both the Montagues and the Capulets which is why he was invited to the Capulet party
Reading Shakespearean Drama
-Cast of characters and stage directions see the setting -Important character traits may be revealed through dialogue, soliloquies, and asides -Character flaws or weaknesses. Cause and effect relationships between events -Use marginal notes -Paraphrase passages in your own words for understanding
William Shakespeare- More about the man
-Lived in Avon. Dad was a glove maker. Later became mayor -Bard of Avon -Baptized April 26, 1564 -Got married to Anne Hathaway at age 18. 1 daughter and twins, boy and girl. Son died during lost years. -Wrote at least 37 pla6s -Wrote plays during the outbreak of the plague -Romeo and Juliet was first performed in 1596 -Became the part owner of the new Globe Theater -His company was called the King's Men. He died on April 23, 1616. Kind James, new ruler kings men.
Theater in Shakespeare's Day
-London ended up containing more theaters than any other European capital in the 1590's -These theaters attracted the rich and poor -Shakespeare appealed to both classes alike -Crowds were very invested in the plays -Globe Theater-Most of his plays were performed here -Plays mixed with intellectual and and without so it is everyone -Center of the Elizabethan stage -One of the few things the poor could afford -George Orwell called Shakespeare a word musician
Impact on Language- Word Master
-Master of dramatic language and was a great experimenter with spoken English -Contributed more words, phrases, and expressions to the English language than any other writer -First to use many words in writing -Many of his phrases are used in our everyday language without us even realizing it
Blank verse-Shakespeare wrote his plays primarily in blank verse
-Most resembles natural speech -Unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter (a type of meter that has 5 unstressed syllables, each followed by a stressed syllable). Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all. (Unstressed, stressed pattern) -While this pattern is the general rule, it is often broken. -Variations in the rhythm prevent the play form sounding monotonous. -Breaks in the pattern also help to emphasize important ideas or dramatic moments
The language of Shakespeare
-Plays deal with experiences and emotions that are easily relatable -Included allusions, puns, romance, drama, and humor -Blank verses, iambic pentameter -Alluded to Greek or Roman mythology and the Bible -Clever puns and jokes. Rhyming sounds
Characteristics of Shakespearean Tragedy
-Romeo and Juliet was a tragedy. It ended in catastrophe -Included some comedic moments -The catastrophe is often death for the main characters -Characters-Tragic hero, antagonist, foil -Dramatic conventions - soliloquy, aside, dramatic irony
Themes/ Big questions/ Big ideas
-The BIG question-IS love stronger than hate? -Was Romeo really in love with Juliet or was he just in love with the idea of love? -Love vs. infatuation -Fate and the inevitability of fate -Star-crossed lovers- relationship is doomed to fail. Those who believe in astrology claim that the stars control human destiny. Shakespeare used this phrase to describe Romeo and Juliet -The individual verse society -Light and dark imagery/ light verses dark- many references to light and darkness (symbolism) -Religious reference - especially in terms of the "holiness" of Romeo and Juliet's live -Greatest love story ever told
England in Shakespeare's day
-The Renaissance took place during his time -The Queen, Elizabeth 1, was a supporter of English culture like play-writes, poems painters, sculptors, musicians, and architects. -Lord Chamberlains Men. -The people hired by the Queen to perform Shakespeares' plays This is where he did his theater. -He did most of his work during the Elizabethan era. -Renaissance period began in 14th century Italy and gradually spread towards England. It reached its peak in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth
Setting
-Verona and Mantua in northern Italy -July-It is unbearably hot in Verona in July: this adds to the tension -During the Renaissance period in Italy - most likely during 14th century
Read lines 82-89. What is the extended metaphor that Lady Capulet uses? She compares Paris to . . .
A book (volume) written by beauty's pen. A precious book of love.
What is a soliloquy
A character speaks aloud to him or herself for a long speech unheard by other characters.
Foil (in a play)
A character who provides a striking contrast to another character.A character whose personality and attitude contrast sharply with those of another character. By using a foil, a writer can call attention to certain traits possessed by a main character or simply enhance a character by contrast. -Highlight both character' traits- for example, a timid character can make a talkative character seem even chattier. -Mercutio is a foil to Romeo- Mercutio's high spirits and playfulness contrast with Romeo's lovesick melancholy -Tybalt is a foil to Benvolio ⇨ Benvolio's peaceful nature highlights Tybalt's eagerness to fight. Lady Capulet is a foil to the nurse ⇨ Lacy Capulet's dignity and short, direct statements contrast with the nurse's light, crude chatter.
Pun
A joke that comes from a play on words. It can make use of a word's multiple meanings or of a word's sound. -In Act 1, a depressed Romeo puns on two meanings of the word light when he offers to carry a torch: "Being but heavy, I will bear the light." -When Mercutio is wounded, he says, "Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man," with a pun on the word grave, meaning both "solemn" and "a tomb." -Shakespeare was a master of clever puns.
Protagonist
A main character in a work of literature- the character who is involved in the central conflict of the story. Usually, the protagonist changes after the central conflict reaches a climax. he or she may be hero and is usually the one with whom the audience tends to identify.
Antagonist
A principal character of force in opposition to a protagonist, or main character. The force working against the protagonist. The antagonist is usually another character but sometimes can be a force of nature a set of circumstances, some aspect of society, or a force within the protagonist.
Sonnet
A sonnet is a lyric poem of 14 lines, commonly written in iambic pentameter. The Shakespearean, or Elizabethan, sonnet consists of three quatrains (four-line units), and a final couplet (a rhymed pair of lines). The typical rhyme scheme is: abab cdcd efef gg Shakespearean Sonnet -14 lines (3 quatrains + 1 couplet) -iambic pentameter -abab cdcd efef gg
Soliloquy
A speech given by a character alone on stage. In drama, a soliloquy is a speech in which a character speaks his or her thoughts aloud. Generally, the character is on the stage alone, not speaking to other characters and perhaps not even consciously addressing an audience. -Lets the audience know what the character is thinking or feeling. -Allows the character to "think out loud." -Example ⇨ At the beginning of Act 2, Scene 3, Friar Laurence has a long soliloquy.
Tragedy
A tragedy is a dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character (tragic hero) or characters who are involved in historically or socially significant events. The events in a tragic plot are set in motion by a decision that is often an error in judgement (tragic flaw) on the part of the hero. Succeeding events are linked in a cause-and-effect relationship and lead inevitably to a disastrous conclusion, usually death. -Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy -Tragedies end in disaster, most often death, for the main characters -Fate often plays a part in the catastrophic course of events -Shakespearean tragedies, however, offer more than just despair,; they also include comic moments that counter the overall seriousness of the plot
Allusion
An allusion is a reference to something that the audience is expected to know: a famous person, place, event, literary work, Greek mythology, the Bible, etc. -In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare included allusions to Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Tragic Flaw
An error in judgment on the part of the tragic hero
Prologue
An introductory scene in a drama. Some Elizabethan plays include prologues that comment on the theme or moral point that will be revealed in the play
After listening to Juliet for a bit, Romeo wonders whether he should speak to her or listen to more of her private thoughts. He thinks aloud, "Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?" What is this called when an actor says something to the audience that is not heard by the other characters on stage? What is this literary device used for?
Aside. It is used to show thoughts and speak their thoughts aloud. So the other characters dont hear. (speaking to the audience)
Romeo comes out of hiding and reveals himself to Juliet. She is startled and embarrassed that he overheard her talking about her feelings for him. She warns him that her Capulet relatives will kill Romeo, the Montague, if they find him in Capulets' garden. Read what Romeo says in lines 75-78: 75 I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight; And but thou love me, let them find me here. My life were better ended by their hate Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love. Think about Romeo's character. What does Romeo mean here? Do you think he is seriously thinking of death, or is he just exaggerating because he's head over heels in love? Explain.
At this stage, I think he is over exaggerating and is just really in love. he just wants to be with her and doesn't care of the consequence. He is in love with the idea of love.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Capulet's Orchard
Balcony scene and plan to marry. (This is one of the most famous scenes in all literature. The speeches contain some of the most beautiful poetry Shakespeare ever wrote.)
Act 2 Scene 4 - A street
Benvolio and Mercutio are talking about Tybalt. Romeo joins them. The Nurse arrives and talks to Romeo. Romeo gives The Nurse a message for Juliet.
What is the metaphor in lines 143-148?
Compare Romeo to things happening in nature. Bud bit by worm, can speed his sweet leaves to the air, dedicate his beauty to the sun.
Read lines 91-108. This is the moment Romeo and Juliet first talk. What are some religious references in their conversation?
Compares his lips to pilgrims who have traveled to a holy shrine. Praying. Kissing her is like a wish granted.
Identify and explain the simile in the following lines: Romeo. Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books, But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.
Compares love to school boys leaving school and how is is like seeing your lover but going to school is like them having to be apart.
Read lines 201- 204. What allusions are in these lines? Why doesn't Rosaline love Romeo back?
Diana- Goddess of Chastity Rosaline isn't interested in falling in love. Diana "blocks cupids' arrows"
Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is when the reader or viewer knows something that a character does not know. -The audience is aware of Romeo and Juliet's tragic demise long before the characters themselves face it; the Prologue already told us. -Helps build suspense.
Mercutio makes fun of Romeo and his lovesick condition. What is the irony of this scene? What type of irony is it?
Dramatic irony. Situational irony too. Benvolio and Mercutio dont know that he is over Rosoline. They dont know he met Juliet.
Who does Romeo visit to ask for help? What is he doing when Romeo visits?
Friar Laurence. He is gathering herbs in a basket.
Read lines 11-22. Find two puns. What effect do they have on the mood of this scene?
Give me a torch. Being but heavy, I will bear the light. He is depressed and in the dark. he feels sunk and heavy inside.
How does Mercutio talk to the nurse in lines 88-126?
He compares her walking towards them in her petticoats to a huge chip coming towards them. She is trying to be fancy with the fan. They said they would rather see the fan than her face.
Why did the servant invite Romeo and Benvolio to the party when he knew Montagues were the enemy? What type of irony is this?
He didn't know he was a Montague. Dramatic irony because we know he is.
What is Friar Laurence's initial reaction to Romeo's request? Why does he change his mind?
He didn't want to marry them but Romeo convinced Friar Laurence that they are really in love.
Note examples of light imagery in lines 2-25:
He see's Juliet as a good, bright, and beautiful person because Shakespeare uses light to symbolize goodness. Bright sun.
How does Benvolio tell Romeo to get over Rosaline and move on? How does Romeo respond?
He tells him to forget her and look at other beauties to not think of her. Romeo says No way! he is overly devoted, and won't move on. Last remembrance.
Tybalt recognizes Romeo's voice and calls for his sword. Why does Capulet talk Tybalt down?
He wants him to act like a gentleman and to be patient. Calm down and back off. He doesn't want to make a scene. Romeo has a good reputation.
Why did Benvolio want Romeo to go to the party if he knew that Rosaline would be there and Romeo was still in love with her?
He wants them to crash the party and to meet girls more pretty than Rosaline to get over her.
Let's really think about what Romeo is saying in lines 42-51. He is saying that he has never seen true beauty until this night. Compare this to what he was just saying about Rosaline. What are your thoughts about all of this so far?
He was saying he would never find another true love but then see's Juliet
Any predictions as to what some of Romeo's tragic flaws might be?
He will now be looking at other beauties (pretty people) and may once again fall in love. Leads to his death. Very emotional!
Read lines 42-51. This is the moment when Romeo first sees Juliet. -Paraphrase what Romeo is saying: -What do you hear when you read this passage out loud? How is this passage different from the rest of the play? -What are two things that Romeo compares Juliet to? (lines 42-46)
Her has never seen true beauty until this moment when he see's Juliet Rhyming couplets Torches, Jewels, snowy dove, Ethiopian jewel
According to Romeo, why is the moon "sick and pale with grief"? (lines 4-5)
His feelings for Rosoline are the moon and Juliet, the sun, must destroy them. The moon, Romeo's feelings, is sick with grief and unrequited love. Moon is envious of the sun.
Comic relief
Humorous scenes, incidents, or speeches that are included in a serious drama to provide a reduction in emotional intensity. Because comic relief breaks the tension, it allows an audience to prepare emotionally for events to come. Shakespeare often uses this device in his tragedies. -Intended to lighten the mood -Serves to heighten the seriousness of the main action by contrast. -Example ⇨ In many of Shakespeare's plays, a scene involving a fool, or bawdy (humorously indecent) interplay among common folks or between a servant and his or her master, provides comic relief. -Comic relief in Romeo and Juliet is provided by the nurse in Act 2, Scene 5, when she returns to Juliet after learning the wedding plans from Romeo. Although Juliet is anxious to hear of the plans, which the audience already knows, the nurse deliberately withholds the information until the end of the scene. -Provides breaks that allow the audience to absorb earlier events in the plot and get ready for new developments
Everyone leaves but Montague, Lady Montague, and Benvolio. What do Montague and Lady Montague ask Benvolio about?
If he was there when the fight started. if he knows where Romeo is or if he has seen him. Asks what is wrong with Romeo. Wanted privacy. Romeo- darkness imagery
What did Prince Escalus warn?
If there is fighting between the Capulet and Montague family's or if they disturb the streets again, there will be execution.
Aside
In drama, an aside is a short speech directed to the audience, or another character, that is not heard by the other characters on stage. -In Act 4, Scene 1, Paris is urging that his marriage to Juliet take place soon. Friar Laurence expresses his uneasiness in an aside: -Friar Lawrence (aside): I would I knew not why it should be slowed -- Look, sir, here comes the lady toward my cell. -The Office - Characters look directly at the camera to tell the audience something he/she doesn't want the other characters to know.
Act 1 Scene 5 - A hall in Capulets' house; the scene of the party
Juliet and Romeo meet and they fall in love even though they are enemies
How does Romeo treat her?
Kindly. Tries to be nice and smooth things over. He is a good person.
Juliet-Main characters from her family end in t
Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, Tybalt - Juliet's cousins. (Vain, fashionable, aggressive, violent, quick to fight- especially when his pride has been injured. Loathes the Montagues)
Read lines 169-175. What is Romeo describing in these contradictory phrases?
Love is painful or is the opposite of what is should be. Doesn't feel the love anymore. His feelings of being confused. Oxymoron. Feeling of love is good while the feeling of not being loved back is bad and painful.
What did Juliet's mother want to talk to Juliet about before the party?
Meeting the Prince to maybe marry him. Blind-date
How is Mercutio shown as a foil to Romeo in this scene?
Mercutio is very light about things while Romeo is very serious. They are complete opposites! Mercutio tries to tell Romeo not to take his dreams too seriously.
What is unrequited love?
One sided love
Act 1 Scene 2 - A street near the Capulet house
Paris tells Lord Capulet he wants to marry Juliet. Romeo and Benvolio decide to go to the Capulet party.
What are some of the powers of herbs (lines 15-18 and 23-26)? How does Friar Laurence compare man to herbs (line 28)?
Poison and medicine power. Good and bad. Man is also good and bad.
Act 1 Scene 4 - A street near the Capulet house, the evening of the Capulet masque, or costume ball
Romeo and his friends arrive at the Capulet party. They are wearing disguises.
Act 2 Scene 1 - A lane by the wall of Capulet's orchard
Romeo doesn't go home with his friends and instead jumps the Capulet wall to be with Juliet
Act 2 Scene 3 - Friar Laurence's cell in the monastery
Romeo goes to Friar Laurence to ask if he will marry them and he agrees hoping it will bring the families together
Lady Capulet emphasizes Paris' good looks and wealth. She wants Juliet to be happy, but she also wants Juliet to marry someone who is socially acceptable and can provide for her. What is the dramatic irony here?
Romeo will also be at the party. We know that she will not choose him and will choose Romeo from and opposing family.
Why is Romeo so sad?
Rosaline, the girl he loves, doesn't love him back.
After Romeo's soliloquy, he hears Juliet talking to herself. Read lines 33-36 and answer the questions that follow: O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name! 35 Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet. What is Juliet asking here? What does Juliet ask Romeo to do? What does she promise to do?
She asks him to no longer be a Montegue and give up his name and father. She promises to give up being a Capulet for him.
Read Juliet's words to Romeo in lines 116-124: Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee, I have no joy of this contract tonight. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be 120 Ere one can say "It lightens." Sweet, good night! This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flow'r when next we meet. Good night, good night! As sweet repose and rest Come to thy heart, as that within my breast! Analyze Juliet's character. Describe her attitude at this point. How does she feel about Romeo? Why does she seem uneasy about their relationship? How is she similar to Romeo? How is she different?
She feels it is moving too fast. Love must prove itself to last. She also wants a good relationship and their love, but she isn't impulsive.
Read lines 134-139. These are some of Juliet's most famous lines: "My only love, sprung from my only hate . . . " -Paraphrase what Juliet is saying: -Listen closely. What do you hear? How is this passage different from the rest of the play?
She fell for an enemy and it is too late Rhyming. Rhymes about Romeo talking about Juliet and vise versa
Juliet continues her soliloquy. She says: 'Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. 40 What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. 45 So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name; And for that name, which is no part of thee, Take all myself. What is Juliet trying to convince herself of?
She is trying to convince herself that his personality and looks are still the same even with his name. It is not a part of him.
In lines 15-22, what does Romeo compare Juliet's eyes to?
Stars. "two of the fairest stars in heaven."
Read Mercutio's speech and answer the questions that follow: Romeo! humours! madman! passion! lover! Appear thou in the likeness of a sigh; Speak but one rhyme, and I am satisfied! 10 Cry but "Ay me!" pronounce but "love" and "dove"; Speak to my gossip Venus one fair word, One nickname for her purblind son and heir, Young Adam Cupid, he that shot so trim When King Cophetua loved the beggar-maid. [To Benvolio] 15 He heareth not, he stirreth not, he moveth not; The ape is dead, and I must conjure him. [To Romeo] I conjure thee by Rosaline's bright eyes, By her high forehead and her scarlet lip, By her fine foot, straight leg and quivering thigh, 20 And the demesnes that there adjacent lie, That in thy likeness thou appear to us! Notice that in lines 8-11, Shakespeare creates rhythm through parallelism (see the bold words in the text). What is parallelism? Identify two other examples of parallelism in Mercutio's speech.
Starts similar. They have similar types of wording. Line 15 has parallelism. Similar grammatical structure. 19 and 19.
Act 1 Scene 1 - A public square in Verona
The Montagues and Capulets fight in the streets. Prince Escalus warns that any more fighting will be punished with death. Romeo loves Rosaline and is very sad.
Act 1 Scene 3 - Capulet's house
The Nurse and Lady Capulet tell Juliet that Paris wants to marry her.
As Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio are heading to the party, Mercutio and Benvolio are in a playful, partying mood, but Romeo is still depressed. Romeo said he had a bad dream. What was his dream about? How did Mercutio respond?
The dream warned him of the harmful consequences of this party. he senses trouble. he tries to cheer him up. I want him to dance and find new love. He also had a dream.
What does Friar Laurence say about the earth?
The earth is both a place that can act as a tomb for death and a womb for life.
Tybalt sent a letter to Romeo's house. What did it say?
The letter challenges Romeo to a duel. He was still angry that they crashed the ball. Disrespect. Mocking.
Lord Capulet is hosting a party (a masque, or costume ball) that night and he invites Paris. He says that there will be many beautiful girls from Verona and that perhaps Paris will change his opinion of Juliet. Read lines 20-33. Make note of a metaphor and an example of light/dark imagery in this conversation.
The lightness or good that comes from the Dark night. Earth treading stars make dark heaven light... (women at the party)
Romeo and Juliet declare their love for each other. Romeo swears by the moon that he loves her: Romeo. Lady, by yonder blessed moon I vow, That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops — Juliet. O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, 110 That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. Why doesn't Juliet want Romeo to swear by the moon?
The moon changes monthly and she doesn't want their love to change. Constant love.
Explain the situation with the guest list. How did fate play a role here?
The servant can't read. Romeo wants to come now thanks to reading the list with Rosaline's name on it. happens to meet Juliet later.
Describe the street fight in Scene 1.
The servants and relatives of each family argue and call each other cowards until Tybalt and Benvolio break into a real fight. officers and citizens cheering. Flipping each other off.
Background of Romeo and Juliet
The story of Romeos and Juliet had been told by several writers by the time Shakespeare produced his play between 1594 and 1596. The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet, for example, was written by a now nearly forgotten English poet names Arthur Brooke and was published in 1562. Shakespeare used virtually all of Brookes major characters and kept the setting of Verona in the 14th century, but added his own unique artistry to the characters and the story.
Tragic Hero
The tragic hero is the protagonist or central character, the one with whom audiences identify -Usually fails or dies because of a character flaw or a cruel twist of fate -Often has a high rank or status; shows strength while facing his or her destiny
At the party, how are Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio not noticed as being Montagues?
They all are wearing masks
What is Juliet's relationship like with the nurse? How would you describe the nurse? How is the nurse a foil of Juliet's mother?
They are very close. Closer than to the mom. Like a mother to her. They are opposites. She raised Juliet. Her daughter died. She loves Juliet. Her mom isn't actually very motherly.
Read lines 59-65. What does this conversation reveal about Benvolio and Tybalt?
They hat each other and each other's family. They think very little of each other. Tybalt is very hot headed and doesn't like peace. Benvolio is a peace maker. They are foils!
Read Lines 7-16. What are Sampson and Gregory, Capulet servants, talking about here?
They think the Montague's are weak. They also think they are like "dogs" and they dont like them. Chatting. Introduces hatred.
Juliet comes up with a plan: Juliet. Three words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed. If that thy bent of love be honorable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow, 145 By one that I'll procure to come to thee, Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite, And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay And follow thee, my lord, throughout the world. What is the plan? How does this passage advance the plot?
They want to get married now! Moves everything along very quickly.
What do you think is the purpose of this brief Scene 1?
This scene is only about Mercutio and Benvolio trying to convince Romeo to get over Rosoline. The next scenes will be about Romeo and Juliet. Not his focus anymore. Develops the plot. Romeo is on his own because nobody knows about him and Juliet.
What does Romeo ask Friar Laurence to do?
To have Juliet and Romeo married.
What was Count Paris, a young nobleman, asking Lord Capulet? How did Capulet respond?
To marry Juliet. He says she is too young but can date her and try to win her heart. She is only 13 years old.
Read lines 66-68. What is Friar Laurence saying in these lines?
Young love is more appearance based and not true love like with Rosoline. (Got over her fast)
What does this response show about Capulet's character?
he is a good father. he wants to see his daughter grow up and be a kid for now. His only child left. he was a forward-thinking dad for his time and cared about her and what she thought a lot.
Read Romeo's soliloquy (lines 2-25) and answer the questions that follow): Romeo. But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, 5 Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou her maid art far more fair than she. Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green, And none but fools do wear it; cast it off. [Juliet appears at the window] 10 It is my lady; O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were! She speaks, yet she says nothing. What of that? Her eye discourses; I will answer it. I am too bold; 'tis not to me she speaks. 15 Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, 20 As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven Would, through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand. O, that I were a glove upon that hand, 25 That I might touch that cheek! Analyze Romeo's character. What does this soliloquy tell you about Romeo's thoughts?
he is very passionate about how he feels and is very expressive. He is very verbal. His thoughts were too important to contain. In aw of her beauty.
Based on Romeo's last words in this scene, where do you predict the next scene will take place? What do you think Romeo will do there? Romeo. Hence will I to my ghostly father's [spiritual advisor] cell, His help to crave and my dear hap [good fortune} to tell.
he will go to church (pray) and ask for spiritual guidance. And for good fortune. Asks them to have them married.
What does Mercutio say about Tybalt?
making fun of him. He is an excellent swordsmen however.
