Discussion Questions for Romeo and Juliet, Act III
Choose three of the prompts listed below and write a multi-paragraph response for each.
l. The fray in Scene I has many causes, based on the code of honor by which the young men
live. Write an essay explaining how each man’s beliefs and actions lead to fighting. Include
answers to the following questions in your essay. Why does Tybalt want to fight Romeo? Why
does Romeo refuse to fight him? Why does Mercutio insist on dueling with Tybalt? Finally, why
does Romeo later fight and kill Tybalt? What is the final result of the young men’s code of
behavior?
2. Events happen quickly in Act III, and Romeo and Juliet face dilemmas caused by their secret
love. Each character has problems as a result of his or her role in society. What are Romeo’s
predicaments? Juliet’s? Which predicaments do they share? How do events in the plot cause
these predicaments? How does each action seem to cause more problems for Romeo and Juliet?
Write a brief essay explaining how they get into difficulties and how they react to these
dilemmas.
3. In Scene iii, Friar Lawrence speaks a monologue to scold Romeo and to comfort him. The
friar uses reason to counteract Romeo’s distraught state of mind. Read the beginning of the
monologue (lines 109-113) and write a paraphrase of Friar Lawrence’s words. Then explain why
the friar speaks so harshly to Romeo as he begins the monologue.
4. Juliet often uses language skillfully, both to express her feelings and to keep her secrets.
Write an essay describing an example of each case in Act III. Identify the scene and lines and her
reason for speaking; explain the context of her speech. Paraphrase what Juliet says, using
contemporary language.
5. In Scene v, why doesn’t Juliet just tell her father that she is already married? He is angry that
Juliet is disobeying him and rejecting his “gift” (Paris). Perhaps his anger would have lessened
had he known why she was disobeying him. In an essay, discuss the consequences Juliet might
face if she tells her father about Romeo. Explain why Juliet doesn’t tell her father she is married,
and to whom.
6. The following excerpt is from Scene I, following the fight. Benvolio has just told the Prince
what has happened; Lady Capulet then responds. In an essay, paraphrase the passage. Then
discuss how the words of the prince hint at the decision he will make about Romeo.
Lady Capulet. He is a kinsman to the Montague;
Affection makes him false, he speaks not true.
Some twenty of them fought in this black strife,
And all those twenty could but kill one life.
I beg for justice, which thou, Prince, must give.
Romeo slew Tybalt; Romeo must not live.
Prince. Romeo slew him; he slew Mercutio.
Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?
7. The following is Juliet’s final soliloquy in Act III. In an essay, discuss what effect Nurse’s
advice has on Juliet, why Juliet is going to see Friar Lawrence, and what else is revealed.
Juliet. Ancient damnation! O most wicked fiend!
Is it more sin to wish me thus forsworn,
Or to dispraise my lord with that same tongue
Which she hath praised him with above compare
So many thousand times? Go counselor!
Thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain.
I’ll to the friar to know his remedy.
If all else fail, myself have power to die.