..._______________________ Per. ___ Romeo and Juliet – Discussion Questions Act II.i 1. Summarize this brief scene. What is the purpose of this scene? * Romeo decides to go seek Juliet – jumps wall into Capulet compound * Benvolio and Mercutio look for Romeo – Mercutio makes obscene jokes about Romeo’s love * Benvolio and Mercutio give up and leave * In the beginning of scene ii, we learn that Romeo hears them but says they don’t understand because they have never loved Act II.ii 1. According to Romeo, why is the moon “sick and pale with grief?” * The moon is sick with grief because the moon is not as beautiful as Juliet, who Romeo compares with the sun; * “That thou her maid art far more fair than she.” (I ii 5-6). 2. How do Romeo and Juliet feel about their respective last names? Provide textual evidence for each. Romeo: * Romeo says that if Juliet will love him, he will cease to be Romeo Montague: ““Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized:/Henceforth, I never will be Romeo.” (I ii 49-50) * He says his name is hateful to him: “My name, dear saint is hateful to myself/Because it is an enemy to thee.” (I ii 54-55) Juliet: * Juliet says that she wishes Romeo would deny his heritage and no longer be a Montague; she in turn would no longer be a Capulet. She says that Romeo’s name only is her enemy. * “’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.” 3. Why isn’t Romeo afraid to tell Juliet how he feels? * Because Romeo, when hidden...
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...The Development of Juliet's Character Throughout William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Juliet is first introduced to us in Act 1 Scene 3, where we learn about Juliet’s character. We know she is a polite, obedient girl. We can see this in the line where she says: “Madam, I am here. What is your will?” (Act 1 Scene 3 L78). This shows that Juliet is a well-mannered girl because she addresses her mother as Madam. This quotation also shows Juliet as obedient and always willing to help her mother because she says: “What is your will?” This scene also tells us that Juliet is thirteen and has never considered marriage, something which would have been common for girls her age at that time. She is still pure and innocent. “It is an honour I dream not of.” (Act 1 Scene 3 L66). From this scene we can observe that Juliet has a closer relationship with the nurse rather than with her own mother. “Faith, I can tell her age unto an hour.” This example shows how well the nurse knows Juliet. Shakespeare shows us that Juliet is still of the age where she does what her mother asks of her, without question. In the same scene again she says “Well, think of marriage now.” Which also shows us that Juliet does what her mother says. In Act 1 Scene 5 the first conversation between Romeo and Juliet is in the form of a sonnet (poem of sixteen lines). Romeo and Juliet take it in turns to speak; which shows how perfect they are for each other. A good example: If I profane with my...
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...Romeo and Juliet - Luhrmann vs. Shakespeare It is a well known fact that when ever a movie is made based on a book or play, chances are, the literature will always be preferred. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is arguably one of the greatest tragic love stories ever written. The story of two teenagers who fall helplessly in love with each other but cannot be together on account of the their families rivalry. Many film adaptations of this timeless romance have been made, but one that stood out in particular was Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, which was released in 1996. This certain movie stood out so much since not only was set in a modern era, but still retained the original dialogue from the play. Daggers were replaced with guns, the prince with a cop. The twist of modernization wasn’t the only thing Luhrmann brought to the the table though, he also made some changes to the plot and characters. One change that I felt really added depth to Romeo’s “sensitive” side was when we are shown Romeo writing his feelings in a diary in the beginning of Act 5, Scene 1: In this scene Romeo is basically talking about how he dreams to see Juliet and how the very thought of her makes him so happy. In the original play he states, “Ah me! How sweet is love itself possessed, when but love’s shadows are so rich in joy!” (5.1.10-11). The fact that Romeo was not just saying this but actually writing his thoughts and feelings down in a diary makes him not only look even more romantic...
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...drastically changed. Love can also be expressed through works of art, literature, and songs. One such example is the play Romeo and Juliet. In this play it shows a tragic love story between two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Romeo comes from the family of Montague’s and Juliet comes from the Capulet’s. The Montague’s and Capulet’s have had a major feud going on for many generations, which subdues the deep love between Romeo and Juliet. In the famous balcony scene Juliet pours out all her true feelings for Romeo with thinking that Romeo is no there, but actually Romeo is hidden in the...
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...Time in Romeo and Juliet At times, it can feel as if everything is moving at a slower or faster pace. Deep emotions such as love can be a huge cause of this. In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare educates his audience on how the speed of time for lovers is influenced by the need to fulfill and answer their decisions and problems that their love has caused. Throughout the play, the characters perceptions of time are affected by their strong emotions which causes them to take time into their own hands by trying to change the time of day and rushing different occasions. For instance, Romeo, a character that is arguably in love with the idea of love itself, does not go at the same pace as time to try and satisfy his need for love. When Rosaline...
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...Story of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is know all over the world for being one of the most famous love stories. The play teaches us about forbidden love and young death. Romeo and Juliet's unforgettable story of love and loss is the inspiration for many well know songs. The play and these songs relate to each other in many ways. Check Yes Juliet written and performed by We The Kings has almost direct relation to Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet". Romeo and Juliet are teenagers who come from two of the richest families in Verona, Italy (Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet) . Their families are enemies and this causes trouble for the two young lovers. In the popular song Check Yes Juliet the singer's lover is off...
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...How does Fate play a role in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Change Slide: What is fate? Fate is the idea that the future is already planned even if people do not know what is going to happen to them. I’m going to talk about Romeo and Juliet, a play by William Shakespeare's, one of the greatest love stories of all time. This story has been known to be timeless even though it was written around 1595. This play is a story of forbidden love that is resolved in two tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet, who come from feuding families. Their ignorance of defy and falling in love is not accepted by their families. For the five short days they share love, many events take place. All of the events surround characters from both the Montague and Capulet families. The powers and affects of love and hate are also very evident between the two families throughout the play. In the end, Romeo and Juliet's love finds a tragic way to overcome the hate between their families. The story mainly revolves around Juliet while she grows up and falls in love, only to have fate keep her from complete happiness. Change Slide: Juliet is the beautiful, courageous young daughter of Capulet, a rich man in Verona. Shakespeare made her character a mere thirteen years old, but she acts very mature compared to her age. She appears to be practical, honest, and loyal to herself and her family. The play is about how she discovers and loses love. She appears to have thought very little about love and marriage...
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...affection towards Juliet and would do anything for. And for example he goes to Juliet’s window and tells her how she feels. (B) To Romeo Juliet was his everything he cared for and loved her with all his heart . and he knew that she felt the same way, he didn’t care of the family feud because all he wanted was Juliet’s heart and be together for the rest of their life (A) I agree that peace is for Benvolio’s goal because he wanted everything to go well with Romeo , as Romeo’s cousin he didn’t want any trouble between them or anyone else .For example Benvolio attempts to stop the fight between the servants. (B) Benvolio wishes to help Romeo's parents by learning from Romeo why he has been acting so strangely and trying to avoid everyone. When he questions Romeo gently and learns that his problem is lovesickness, he counsels Romeo to look at other beauties and forget about anyone who is not interested in him. (A) I agree the Tybalt wanted revenge on Romeo because Romeo came to a Capulet party without being invited. (B) Tybalt shows his stubbornness at the Capulet party. Lord Capulet urges Tybalt to control himself, telling him that he is acting like a boy trying to be a man. Although Tybalt has to give in to his uncle, he wants to get revenge on Romeo for coming to the Capulet party uninvited. The next day, Tybalt sends a letter to Romeo's house challenging him to a duel. PART B: A) After the Capulet party, Benvolio and Mercutio try to find Romeo and still believe...
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...characters in Romeo and Juliet and the speakers in the sonnets you have studied. Love is presented through the use of characters, themes, linguistic, structural and contextual references. That pieces are ‘Romeo and Juliet’ written by William Shakespeare, ‘Sonnet 116’ by William Shakespeare again, ‘Sonnet 43’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ‘Sonnet 130’ by Shakespeare and also ‘Sonnet 18’ again by Shakespeare. They were all written in the time that was considered the Elizabethan Era. A religious theme is set in both Romeo and Juliet and sonnet 43 to convey the attitudes to love. In Romeo and Juliet the theme of religion is used to express their love between each other and suggesting it is similar to religion can impose that it is a life-long commitment and will always be there even if they lose faith. At that time their attitude towards religion was very strong and it was their integral, which links to the love between Romeo and Juliet that now they have found it fully they will be part of each other’s’ lives for eternity. In Act 2, scene 2 Romeo states that Juliet’s eyes were “Two of the fairest stars in all of heaven” this is conveying that Juliet is angelic. Angels are referred to as innocent, Godly, pure and a good person; so although Romeo does not know a lot about her or even spoken to Juliet he is still portraying her as someone who is greatly looked up to and has, in the eyes of a religious person, the huge authority as they are seated with God. Romeo describes Juliet as a “messenger...
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...Romeo and Juliet, Act III Directions: Answer the following thoughtfully and thoroughly in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper. Scene i 1. Explain why you think Romeo should or should not have fought Tybalt after Mercutio's death. 2. Mercutio and Tybalt were both hotheaded. What made Mercutio a more likeable character? 3. Should Romeo go to the Prince and explain his actions, including his marriage to Juliet? Explain you answer. Scene ii 1. How does Juliet feel at the start of this scene? Why does she feel this way? 2. The fact that Juliet feels this way, but we in the audience know that Romeo is in serious trouble, is an example of what literary technique? Consult your dictionary of literary terms if you're not sure. 3. Juliet believes banishment for Romeo is worse than death. Explain why you agree or disagree with her. Scene iii 1. What is Romeo afraid that Juliet feels? 2. What does Romeo mean when he says he wants to "sack the hateful mansion"? (Lines 123-124) 3. According to Friar Laurence, what reasons does Romeo have to be happy? There's more than one. 4. What is Friar Laurence's plan? Explain what you think of his plan. Scene iv 1. What plans does Lord Capulet make for Thursday? 2. Why is this an example of dramatic irony? Scene v 1. What foreboding vision does Juliet have as Romeo is leaving? 2. Why does Juliet's mother think Juliet is sad? 3. Explain how one of Juliet's answers...
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...English Essay- Evolution of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare’s well-known play, Romeo and Juliet addresses the ill-fated love of two young children from feuding households set in Verona. Even though they are both children and Juliet is younger than Romeo, they both mature at different rates and ways. In addition, they are very different characters. Romeo is withdrawn, whereas Juliet is bold and brave. The differences go on and are made more obvious as the play progresses. This essay will highlight these differences and how they evolve as characters through the course of this play. Both the characters strike us as very different when we meet them for the first time. Romeo is recovering from his unrequited love. He is shown to be pining with love for a woman called Rosaline. He seems very immature in the beginning as he loses track of time and he stays in a dark room throughout the day due to his love-sickness. The play's emphasis on characters' eyes and the act of looking accords with Romeo's role as a blind lover who doesn't believe that there could be another lady more fair than his Rosaline. Romeo denies that he could be deluded by love, the "religion" of his eye. This zeal, combined with his rejection of Benvolio's advice to find another love to replace Rosaline, highlights Romeo's immaturity as a lover. We immediately feel as though his feelings are not real love, it is more of a infatuation. Romeo is in love with the concept of being in love. Juliet on the other hand is more...
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...responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because he is being ambitious, ignorant, and careless. To begin with, Friar Laurence tries convincing Romeo that the feud between their families will end if he marries Juliet. “ In one respect i’ll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households’ rancour to pure love” (2.3.93-95). This shows that Friar Laurence is guilty for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because he is persuading Romeo to marry Juliet in order to end the feud. He should know that them getting married will only make it worse for them because they are getting married in a secret and their families are feuding and would not approve. Friar should be acting like the older and wiser adult...
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...How far do you think Shakespeare presents Romeo and Juliet as victims of fate? “Romeo and Juliet” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1597, when people believed that their lives were controlled by fate, like a force or spirit that decides the course a person’s life should take. They believed in magic, horoscopes and that the Sun, Moon and stars could change their destiny. In this play Shakespeare presents Romeo and Juliet as victims of fate in many different ways. At the prologue of the play the chorus describes Romeo and Juliet as "star-crossed lovers". This suggests that they fight against (or cross) their fate, which is written in the stars. It means that they are in love but fate is against them, their families have been arguing for years, so they have grown up hating each other, however Rome and Juliet are inseparable. Secondly, the Capulets and Montagues are at odds with each other. After the prologue, members of each house, as well as their servants break into a sword fight, crossing swords with each other. Sampson says "Draw, if you be men. Gregory, remember thy swashing blow." (Act 1, Scene 1, Line 60). The feuding between the two families motivates Sampson to challenge the Capulets. Another example of how the two houses despise each other is what Romeo and his friends have to do to get into the Capulet feast. So they will not be recognized, Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio wear comic masks to hide their faces. Romeo and his friends would never have...
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...beneficial at times. In the revolutionary tragic play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the complicated impact of love is significant on the passionate, violent and often desperate lives of the citizens of Verona. The play emphasizes true love and its consequences between the main characters, Romeo and Juliet, as well as significant others. Shakespeare exhibits love in its many complex forms, demonstrating how true love has significant potential, but it requires heavy sacrifice. Romeo and Juliet are the star crossed lovers who take their own lives; their fate calls them to be together and the role of destiny is a powerful influence from the start of the play. Although the Capulet’s and Montague’s would not approve of their children’s love, Romeo and Juliet are convinced that they can overcome the hatred and feud; they are willing to shed their old lives to be together. Juliet is willing to go to any lengths to pursue her love interest, “Deny thy father and refuse thy name;/ Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,/ and I’ll no longer be a Capulet” (II, ii, 34-36). Juliet experiences a personality change throughout the play as the love she encounters towards Romeo encourages her to rebel against her family whom would not approve of the young lovers relationship. She continues to disreguard parental authority and does not carry through the obedient and sheltered child personality that she originally represents. Her love for Romeo has given her bravery and she is now willing to...
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...ROMEO & JULIET Prologue (ACT 1) As a prologue to the play, the Chorus enters. In a fourteen-line sonnet, the Chorus describes two noble households (called “houses”) in the city of Verona. The houses hold an “ancient grudge” (Prologue.2) against each other that remains a source of violent and bloody conflict. The Chorus states that from these two houses, two “star-crossed” (Prologue.6) lovers will appear. These lovers will mend the quarrel between their families by dying. The story of these two lovers, and of the terrible strife between their families, will be the topic of this play. ANALYSIS This opening speech by the Chorus serves as an introduction to Romeo and Juliet. We are provided with information about where the play takes place, and given some background information about its principal characters. The obvious function of the Prologue as introduction to the Verona of Romeo and Juliet can obscure its deeper, more important function. The Prologue does not merely set the scene of Romeo and Juliet, it tells the audience exactly what is going to happen in the play. The Prologue refers to an ill-fated couple with its use of the word “star-crossed,” which means, literally, against the stars. Stars were thought to control people’s destinies. But the Prologue itself creates this sense of fate by providing the audience with the knowledge that Romeo and Juliet will die even before the play has begun. The audience therefore watches the play with the expectation that it must...
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