Act II, sc. 3 Questions

1. Act II, sc. 3 Questions • How does the friar describe the daybreak? • What does the friar say about herbs, plants, and stones? • What practical lesson does he express? • What request does Romeo make? • What is the friar’s motive in marrying Romeo and Juliet? • What warning does the friar give when Romeo urges haste?

2. Act II, sc. 4 Questions • What opinion does Mercutio express as to what is the cause of Romeo’s melancholy? • What information does Benvolio give? • What is the dramatic purpose of this information? • How does Mercutio describe Tybalt? • When Romeo enters, what do he and Mercutio banter about? What effect does this have on Romeo? • What effect do Mercutio’s comments have on the Nurse? • What message does Romeo send to Juliet? • What does the Nurse tell Romeo about Paris?

3. Act II, sc. 5 Questions • There is a long delay before the Nurse returns. What is the effect on Juliet? • What is revealed about the Nurse’s character in the way that she handles herself when she is in possession of information that Juliet wants?

4. Act II, sc. 6 Questions • What does Friar Lawrence say at the beginning of scene 6 that foreshadows what is soon to come to the young lovers? • What warning does Friar Lawrence give? • How does the friar describe Juliet? • What action does the friar take?

5. ACT THREE Climax and Falling Action

6. Act III Climax Act II Rising Action Act I Exposition The climax is the point of highest tension in the story. It is the point when the plot changes direction; in a tragedy, this is the downward spiral towards catastrophe. In R+J, the climax is in III, i. Act III – Climax

7. Act III Climax Act II Rising Action Act I Exposition III, i – Climax: Duel/deaths; Romeo banished by Escalus. Act III – Climax

8. A Note on Dueling For centuries a challenge to duel (a one-to-one fight) was an honorable and expected response to an insult among the upper classes in Europe. Wounds from dueling were often fatal. It was also very common, and during the Middle Ages a code of conduct was created for participating in a duel.

9. Dueling was not uncommon during the Middle Ages as a way to settle disputes. All freemen were permitted to duel, and it was considered a matter of honor. Swords were the common choice of weapon. The duel would continue until one of the parties “gained satisfaction” (i.e. drew blood).

10. Act III, sc. 1 Questions • Does Tybalt deliberately insult Romeo? How can you tell? • Why is Tybalt so angry with Romeo? • How does Romeo react to Tybalt’s angry words? • Which two characters get into a fight? • What does Romeo try to do when the two men fight? What is the result? • In his soliloquy, what personal feelings about the events does Romeo reveal?

11. 7. What warning does Benvolio give Romeo? 8. What does Romeo say about himself? Is it true? 9. Who begs for revenge? 10. What does Montague say? 11. What sentence does the Prince pronounce upon Romeo? Is this consistent with what he said would happen in Act I, sc. 1? Explain how this sentence is “justice”. 12. Do you think the sentence is fair? Explain why or why not.

12. Act III, sc. 1 Answers • Yes. He calls him a villain. (line 58) • Romeo sneaked into the Capulet ball, and Tybalt was scolded by Capulet for wanting to attack Romeo then and there (Act I, sc. v). Tybalt believes Romeo has offended him personally as well as his family, and seeks revenge. • Romeo refuses to fight with Tybalt. • Tybalt and Mercutio fight. • Romeo tries to come between the fighting, which results in Mercutio being stabbed. • In his soliloquy (lines 105-111) Romeo reveals that he blames his love for Juliet for his inaction, and so he blames himself for the death of Mercutio, his friend.

13. Act III, sc. 1 Answers • Benvolio warns that “the Prince will doom thee death/If thou art taken” (lines 130-131); that is, that Romeo must flee, for the Prince will order his death. • Romeo says, “Oh I am Fortune’s fool” (line 132). (Answers will vary based upon whether you think Romeo is to blame for the tragedy of the story, or that Romeo is really a victim of circumstances beyond his control.) • Lady Capulet begs for revenge. (see line 144-5) • Montague tries to argue that the law demands two deaths, and the events have yielded two deaths, so no more debt to the law needs to be paid. (180-2) • The Prince pronounces banishment upon Romeo. This is somewhat inconsistent with what he said he would do in Act I, sc. I (put to death those who fight), but after hearing the arguments of the Capulets and Montagues, this is his decision. • (Answers will vary)

14. Act III, sc. 2 Questions • What does Juliet reveal about her feelings in this scene? • What does the Nurse bring? • What mission does the Nurse leave to fulfill? • What does Juliet send to Romeo?

15. Act III, sc. 2 Answers • She reveals that she is eager to see Romeo that night. Later, she reveals that she has divided feelings about the death of Tybalt – the banishment of Romeo affects her more strongly. • The Nurse brings news of the death of Tybalt and the banishment of Romeo. She also brings a rope ladder, to allow Romeo to get into the window that night. • The Nurse leaves to see Romeo, to be the communication bridge between them. • She sends a ring.

16. Act III, sc. 3 Questions • The friar makes an announcement regarding the Prince. What effect does this have on Romeo? • What comfort does the friar offer? Does it comfort Romeo? • What does Romeo think of philosophy? • Why does Romeo think the friar is unable to sympathize with him? • What effect does the Nurse’s message have on Romeo? • What plan has the friar outlined for Romeo’s future?

17. Act III, sc. 3 Answers • Romeo is stricken with grief; he says he would rather be dead than banished. • The friar offers comfort in the form of words, pointing out that Romeo is not in as difficult circumstances as he thinks. • Romeo does not think philosophy helps. (see lines 57-60) • Romeo thinks the friar cannot possibly understand how he feels, because he has never been in such circumstances (see lines 64-70). • Romeo is comforted and somewhat cheered by the news and the ring. • The friar has plans for Romeo to spend the night with Juliet, then wait in Mantua for word, until the friar can help set everything right in Verona. (see lines 146-154)

18. Act III, sc. 4 Questions • What arrangements for Juliet’s marriage to Paris does Capulet make? • What day is it at this point? • What command regarding the marriage does Capulet give to Lady Capulet? • What is the dramatic effect of the well-intended, but ill-advised, action of Capulet?

19. Act III, sc. 4 Answers • Capulet arranges for Paris and Juliet to be married on Thursday of the same week at St. Peter’s Church. • It is Monday. • He orders his wife to deliver the news to Juliet, and to prepare her for her wedding day. • Capulet’s attempt to do the right thing by marrying his daughter to a fine gentleman provides dramatic irony, because the audience knows what else is actually going on. It advances the plot and creates suspense by providing a short timeline for things to be worked out, since Juliet cannot be married twice. It also shows clearly that Capulet believes himself to be the head of his household, and that he sees it as his right to make such decisions.

20. Act III, sc. 5 Questions • Why does Juliet speak of Romeo to her mother as she does? • What “joyful news” does Lady Capulet bring to Juliet? • How did Lady Capulet propose to avenge Tybalt’s death? • How does Juliet refuse to marry Paris? • What is the effect of her refusal on Capulet? • How does the Nurse come to Juliet’s defense? • How does Capulet sum up his disgust and anger toward Juliet’s determination not to marry Paris? • How does Lady Capulet reply to Juliet’s plea to delay the marriage? • How does Juliet appeal to the Nurse? What does the Nurse advise? • What does Juliet decide to do?

21. Act III, sc. 5 Answers • Juliet is upset by what her mother is saying, and defends her new husband against her mother’s verbal attack. • News of her marriage on Thursday to Paris. • Lady Capulet proposes sending an assassin to Mantua to give Romeo poison. • Juliet defiantly refuses, and proclaims her love for Romeo. • Capulet becomes very angry at her declaration and her defiance of his patriarchal authority. • The Nurse criticizes Capulet openly for treating Juliet as he does. • Capulet calls Juliet names (e.g. a “disobedient wretch”, line 160) and then orders her to be married on Thursday, or else she will be removed from his household for good, to “beg, starve, die in the streets” (line 192). • Lady Capulet reinforces gender roles by telling Juliet she will not say or do anything to help her. (see lines 202-3) • She asks the Nurse for some comfort when her mother does not deliver any. The Nurse advises marrying Paris on Thursday. • Juliet decides to go to the friar for help. If he cannot help her, she says she will kill herself.

22. ACT FOUR Falling Action

23. Act III Climax Act II Act IV Rising Action Falling Action Act I Exposition The falling action is the downward spiral undergone by the tragic hero because of his actions in the climax. In R+J, the falling action is from III, ii through V, ii. Act IV – Falling Action

24. Act III Climax Act II Act IV Rising Action Falling Action Act I Exposition III, ii – Juliet learns of Tybalt’s death. III, iii – Romeo’s predicament. III, iv – Capulet decides to marry Juliet to Paris. III, v – Parting of Romeo and Juliet. IV, i – Friar Lawrence’s plan. IV, ii-v – Juliet agrees to marry Paris, but implements Lawrence’s plan. V, i – Romeo’s misinformation, buys poison, and goes to Juliet’s tomb. V, ii – Explanation of the cause of Romeo’s misinformation. Act IV – Falling Action

25. Act IV, sc. 1 Questions • Explain Friar Lawrence’s objection, “Uneven is the course, I like it not.” • What character traits does Juliet portray in her conversation with Paris? • After Paris leaves, what different revelation does she make of her thoughts and feelings? • If the friar cannot help her, what does she intend to do? • What does the friar say about the remedy he has to offer? Does Juliet agree? • How does Juliet receive the plan? • What immediate action does the friar take?

26. Act IV, sc. 1 Answers • Lawrence means that the way Paris is going about things has involved little input from Juliet; it is a very one-sided decision to get married so quickly. • Juliet is calm and polite (maybe overly-polite) with Paris, but her words carry double meanings, which suggests that she is somewhat deceptive. • After Paris leaves, Juliet gives in to her grief. • She will kill herself, if she must, with a knife. • The friar suggests that Juliet take a potion that makes it appear as though she is dead, and then the family put her in the Capulet tomb. The friar will tell Romeo to meet her there, and in two days she will awake and go to be with him. • Juliet is eager to implement the plan. • Friar Lawrence immediately sends word to Romeo in Mantua via a friar.

27. Act IV, sc. 2 Questions • What directions for the wedding feast does Capulet give the serving-men? • When Juliet appears, how does she conduct herself? • Why does she promise obedience to her father? • What does she say about the date of her marriage? • Does Capulet agree to Wednesday for the wedding? Why or why not?

28. Act IV, sc. 2 Answers • He tells them to hire twenty good cooks. • She acts like a repentant child, and asks for forgiveness. • She does this in order to make it appear that she is going along with the plan to marry Paris, and so dispel any questions about her intentions. • She does not say anything at all; she accepts it. • Yes he does. He is eager for the deal to be completed.

29. Act IV, sc. 3 Questions • What request does Juliet make of the Nurse? • In her soliloquy, what does Juliet reveal of her thoughts, feelings, hopes, and fears? • What description of death does Juliet recall? • What is her reason for drinking the potion?

30. Act IV, sc. 3 Answers • She asks to be left alone to pray. • In her soliloquy, Juliet reveals that she is afraid that the sleeping poison is real poison, or that she might wake up in the tomb before Romeo arrives and be faced with the sights and smells and fear attached to seeing bodies and be driven mad. She appears to be somewhat immature (or unstable) in this soliloquy. • She thinks of death as terrible. She uses words like “terror” and describes the bodies as “green” and “fest’ring”. She focuses on the images of the bodies and of bones. • The thought of Romeo gives her the strength to drink the potion.

31. Act IV, sc. 4 Questions There are no questions about this scene.

32. Act IV, sc. 5 Questions • What is Juliet’s condition when the Nurse attempts to awaken her? • What two things are in conflict in this scene? • Note that the speeches of the Capulets and Paris have a very formal tone. Why do you think this is? • Explain the dramatic irony in this scene. • What final advice does the friar give?

33. Act IV, sc. 5 Answers • She is death-like and unresponsive. • The cheerful, party-like atmosphere being created for the wedding is shattered by the apparent death of the bride. • Answers may vary. • The dramatic irony lies in that the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead, but of the characters on stage only Friar Lawrence knows otherwise. • The friar advises that they put her in the tomb right away.

34. ACT FIVE Catastrophe

35. Act III Climax Act II Act IV Rising Action Falling Action Act I Act V ExpositionCatastrophe The catastrophe is the outcome of the action that precedes it. In a tragedy, this means death and/or a funeral. In R+J, the catastrophe is in V, iii. Act V – Catastrophe

36. Act III Climax Act II Act IV Rising Action Falling Action Act I Act V Exposition Catastrophe V, iii – Catastrophe Act V – Catastrophe

37. Vocabulary: apostrophe – A figure of speech in which someone absent or dead or something nonhuman is addressed as if it were alive and present and could reply

38. Act V, sc. 1 Questions • Where does this scene take place? • What has been accomplished? What do we learn? • What superstition did Romeo have about this dream? • What is the dramatic purpose of Romeo’s dream? • What news does Balthasar bring from Verona? What is the immediate effect upon Romeo? • What does Romeo command Balthasar to do? • What does Romeo say about gold? • What apostrophe does he address to the poison?

39. Act V, sc. 2 Questions • Which character makes his first entrance here? • Upon what mission had he been sent? What report of the mission does he give? • What comment does Friar Lawrence make on Friar John’s report? • What does he instruct Friar John to do? • For whose safety is he most concerned? • What information regarding his purpose does he give in his soliloquy?

40. Act V, sc. 3 Questions • What orders does Paris give to his page? • What does Romeo send to his father? • What command does Romeo give Balthasar? Does Balthasar obey him? • What does Paris say to Romeo? How does Romeo respond? • What is the dramatic purpose of the duel between Romeo and Paris? • Note Romeo’s apostrophe to Juliet. What emotions are expressed in it?

41. Act V, sc. 3 Questions 7. Does Romeo still think he is a victim of fate? 8. What does Juliet say on waking? 9. What urgent request does the friar make of her? Does Juliet agree? 10. Note what she says to her dead husband. What does she do? 11. Whom do the watch arrest? 12. What fact does Montague announce?

42. Act V, sc. 3 Questions 13. How does Shakespeare reveal the whole plot and untangle its threads to complete the untying of the knot? 14. What final words does the Prince address to Capulet and Montague? 15. Does the Prince take any blame for what has happened? Explain. 16. What do Montague and Capulet decide to do?

43. What is Shakespeare trying to say about his society in Romeo and Juliet? About fighting over old disputes? About the relationship between humans and God? Between men and women? Between the elderly and youths? Choose ONE aspect of Shakespeare’s commentary, and decide what the play says about it.In a five-paragraph essay, explore how Shakespeare uses these devices to make a point in the play. • Hamartia • Hubris • Catharsis