Due date November 9, 2000 Grade =___________

Introduction to William Shakespeare

1. Although Shakespeare is the most famous writer in the world, he left no journals or letters. Therefore, how do we know anything about his personal life?

2. What was the name of the theatrical company to which Shakespeare was a charter member?

3. What was it later called?

4. What did these theatrical groups depend on for their support?

5. When was Romeo and Juliet written?

6. Who built the first permanent theater in England?

7. What did he name this theater?

8. Before this theater was built where did these acting companies perform?

9. In Shakespeare's day why did young boys play the parts of women?

10. What is the proscenium stage?

11. Movies are a visual medium. Describe what this means.

12. The theatre is a medium of words. What does this mean?

13. Why do some successful plays fail when they are translated to the movie screen?

14. List and describe the "tragic pattern" of most of Shakespeare's tragedies.

15. According to Shakespeare's time, what does the term "star-crossed" mean?

The Prologue

16. What is the setting of the play?

17. What previous events does the chorus explain to help the audience understand the play's plot?

18. What does the Prologue say will end the rage between Romeo and Juliet's families?

Act I - Scene I

19. The servants of the house of Capulet are already using insulting language to generalize about members of the Montague family. What does this show about attitudes in the two houses?

20. What are the attitudes of Gregory and Sampson towards the law? (Lines38-41)

21. Who is Tybalt, and why is he dangerous?

22. In Scene 1, Lines 76- 81, how are the responses of Lady Capulet and Lady Montague to their husbands different?

23. What warning does the prince (Romeo) give the street brawlers in Scene 1, Lines 82-104?

24. When Benvolio asks Romeo what is the cause of Romeo's strange behavior, what does Romeo tell him? (Lines 165-169)

25. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory elements, such as "deafening silence." List 4 of the oxymorons in lines 177-182.

26. According to Romeo, why does the young woman he is in love with refuse him? (Lines 213-219)

27. Why does Romeo not want to look at other women? (Line 237)
 

Act I - Scene II

28. At what age does Lord Capulet consider it proper age for Juliet to marry? (Lines8-11) Why did people in the Elizabethan times marry and start a family when they were so young?

29. Why doesn't Capulet want his daughter to marry right away? (Lines 13-34)

30. What advice is Benvolio trying to give Benvolio in Lines 50-51?

31. Who is Rosaline and how is she related to the Capulets?

32. Romeo does not want to go the party, but how does Benvolio try to lure him to the party? (Lines85-90)

Act I - Scene III

33. At the beginning of this scene, the Nurse gives a long speech about Juliet's family and upbringing. Why might she feel especially strong affection for Juliet?

Act I - Scene IV

34. In this scene, a sense of foreboding is set into play. Identify Romeo's specific expressions of foreboding as he sets off for the party.

Act I - Scene V

35. What happens to Romeo the first time he sees Juliet? Be specific - what does he say about true love?

36. When Tybalt enters, the audience should feel a sense of fear. Give two reasons why.

37. In Line 98, to what does Juliet liken their "palm to palm"?

38. When Romeo kisses Juliet in this scene, why could this be a mistake with Tybalt nearby?

39. What realization does Juliet have at the end of Act I?

Act II - Scene I

40. What is ironic about Mercutio says in Lines 17-21?

Act II - Scene II

41. At the beginning of this scene, to what does Romeo compare Juliet?

42. Why does Juliet tell Romeo to "Deny thy father and refuse thy name"?

43. In Lines 43-49, because Juliet loves Romeo so much what is she willing to do?

44. How does he respond to this? (Lines 49-51)

45. What complications threaten the lovers' happiness? (Lines 70-74)

46. Romeo is quick with vows and promises, but why is Juliet fearful and cautious? (NOT that he will be killed)

47. What is Juliet making clear to Romeo in Lines 145-148?

Act II - Scene III

48. In Lines 79-80, what does Friar Laurence's statement suggest about his view of men and women?

49. Why does Friar Lawrence decide to help the young couple?

Act II - Scene IV through Scene VI

50. At the beginning of this scene, why is Tybalt looking for Romeo?

51. What warning does the nurse give Romeo and why do you think she does it?

52. What part does the nurse play in Romeo and Juliet's schemes?

Act III - Scene I

53. What causes the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt? Explain how Mercutio is killed.

54. Explain why Romeo then kills Tybalt?

55. What curse has Mercutio pronounced four times in this scene?

Act III - Scene II

56. Why does Juliet become very upset when the nurse says, "He's gone, he's killed, he's dead"?

57. Who does the nurse blame for the death of Tybalt and why?

58. What doe Juliet threaten to do after she hears about Romeo's banishment?

Act III - Scene III through Scene V

59. To what do both Romeo and Juliet compare the news of his banishment?

60. Explain what plans are made to resolve Romeo and Juliet's difficulties?

61. What decision does Lord Capulet make because of the death of Tybalt?

62. In Scene IV, what dramatic irony unfolds?

63. In Scene V, as the lovers part, where does Juliet foresee Romeo's doom?

64. What does Lord Capulet think are Juliet's reasons for not wanting to marry Paris?

(Scene, Lines 187-189).

Act IV - Scene I

65. According to Paris, why is Lord Capulet pushing his daughter to marry so quickly?

66. What does Paris' statement in Line 29 tell us about his character?

67. What does Juliet threaten t do if Friar Laurence cannot help her?

68 -70. Explain the friar's plan for getting Romeo and Juliet together. (This should require several sentences.

Act IV - Scene II

71. What is the dramatic irony in Lines 33-37?

72. Explain how the fact that the wedding day has been changed from Thursday to Wednesday affects the timing of the friar's plan?

Act IV - Scene III - Scene V

73. Why does Juliet dismiss both the nurse and her mother from her chamber?

74. According to Juliet's speech in Lines 14-27, what are Juliet's two worst fears about the potion that the friar has given her?

75. In Scene V, Line 24, why does Lady Capulet repeat herself?

76. What motive might Friar Laurence have for speaking lines 94-95 of Scene V?

77. What main idea does Friar Laurence stress to the Capulets as they grieve over Juliet?

Act V - Scene I

78. What news does Balthasar bring Romeo at the beginning of this act?

79. Whom does Romeo visit before leaving Mantua and going to Verona? What is the purpose of this visit?

Act V - Scene II - Scene III

80. Why was Friar John unable to deliver the letter to Romeo explaining Juliet's coma?

81. Why is Paris at the tomb?

82. What does Romeo find when he enters the tomb?

83. In Lines 27-32, strange excuse does Romeo give his servant for wanting to descend into the tomb alone?

84. What does Paris do to provoke Romeo?

85. What does Romeo promise he will do for Paris as he (Paris) dies?

86- 90. In a short paragraph, explain what finally happens to Romeo and then to Juliet.

90-100. In a good paragraph, explain what you think really caused the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.