Act I Study Guide:
Complete 12 Questions in complete sentences. You may choose any 12.
ACT I Questions:
1) In what city and country does the play take place?
verona italy
2) Why are Romeo and Juliet called “star-cross’d lovers”?
are not supposed to be together because they come from different houses, that have feuded for some time, fate has
decided to bring them together. Romeo is compared to the moon and Juliet to the sun
3) Who is fighting at the beginning of the first scene? Why are they fighting?
Samson and Abram cause sampson made a rude comment
4) Who tries breaking up the fighting?
benvolio\
What threat does the Prince make to Lord Montague and Lord Capulet? What does he reveal about the
two families in his speech?
Death if they disturb the streets again
5) Benvolio and Montague describe the way Romeo has been acting. What do they say about him? What
do these descriptions imply about his character?
Romeo ran away when aware of Benvolio, locks himself in his room in the dark, depressed, cries
6) In what state of mind is Romeo when we first see him in the play? Why?
hes sad cause a girl doesnt like him back
7) Why does Shakespeare focus so much on Romeo’s love for Rosaline?
likes her
8) What is Benvolio’s advice to Romeo?
Tells Romeo to look at other women
9) Who is in love with Juliet and asks Capulet for Juliet’s hand in marriage?
paris
10) What is Capulet’s first answer? What does this suggest about his character?
No- she's only thirteen. Wait two years.
11) How old is Juliet?
13
12) Describe Juliet and her mother’s relationship.
meh
13) How does Shakespeare represent class through language? (can you think of any examples?)
the higher the class the more developed the language
14) According to Mercutio, who is Queen Mab?
Fairy who makes people dream of things they were thinking of or wanting
15) What does Romeo think of Juliet the first time he sees her?
Thinks she's beautiful, says he hasn't loved until now.
16) Who recognizes Romeo?
tybalt
17) What is unique about the first conversation between Romeo and Juliet? (hint – what kind of poem does
this make?)
Love, sin being exchanged by kisses and touches pretty