Romeo and Juliet
Study Questions: Act 1
After reading each scene, you should answer the questions that correspond with that section on a sheet of notebook paper. These questions should be turned into the “box” during Bell-Work. This is a homework assignment. These assignments will not be taken late.
Act 1 Scene 1
1.
What does the prologue mean when it states that Romeo and Juliet are “starcross’d lovers?”
2.
Who tells the prologue and what does it reveal?
3.
Who is fighting in the first scene and what does it reveal about the plot of the play?
4.
Look at lines 59-60. What do they reveal about Benvolio?
5.
Look at lines 65-66. What do we learn about Tybalt?
6.
What threat does the prince make to the Montagues and Capulets?
7.
Why is Romeo so sad? Explain in detail.
8.
What is Benvolio’s advice to Romeo?
Act 1 Scene 2
1.
What two reasons does Capulet give for not wanting Juliet to marry at this time (lines 13-19)?
2.
How old is Juliet?
3.
On what condition will Lord Capulet agree to Juliet’s marriage with Paris?
4.
What does Capulet’s speech about Juliet reveal about their relationship?
5.
In lines 54-56, Romeo makes a analogy. What is he comparing and why does he make this comparison?
6.
What makes Romeo decide to go to the party?
7.
In lines 85 and 86, Benvolio makes an analogy. What is he comparing and why does he make this comparison?
8.
How is the theme, The Power of Love developed in this scene? Give at least one example.
Act 1 Scene 3
1.
Describe the nurse’s relationship with Juliet.
2.
In lines 61-62, what is the nurse’s wish for Juliet and why do you think this is?
3.
When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about being married, what is
Juliet’s answer (line 66), and what does it reveal about her character?
4.
What is the nurse’s opinion of Paris and why does she think this?
5.
Who serves as a foil character to Lady Capulet? Explain.

6.
Re-read lines 97-99. Explain Juliet’s answer to her mother when asked if she can love Paris. (What does it reveal about her knowledge of being in love?
What is her attitude toward love and marriage?)
Act 1 Scene 4
1.
How do Romeo and friends plan to hide their identity at the Capulet's party?
2.
Reread lines 106-111. Why does Romeo feel uneasy about going to the party?
3.
Describe the Queen Mab speech. What does it reveal about superstition during the Elizabethan era?
4.
What is Mercuito’s purpose for making the speech?
5.
In lines 98-99, what connection is Mercutio making between dreams and
Romeo’s love?
Act 1 Scene 5
1.
What does Romeo say about Juliet? What does he compare her to?
2.
How does this speech about his love for Juliet compare to his speeches about being in love with Rosaline? What does this show about Romeo’s character?
3.
Tybalt recognizes Romeo’s voice and tries to start a fight. What two reasons does Lord Capulet give for stopping him (lines 65-69)?
4.
How does Juliet react to first meeting Romeo?
5.
How does Romeo react to Juliet?
6.
Lines 136-139 are very famous lines from the play. What does Juliet mean when she says these lines? Why is it important?
7.
The nurse overhears Juliet saying lines 136-139. What excuse does Juliet give the nurse for saying them?