1.
Question: What is a tragic flaw? What is Romeo’s tragic flaw? Support with evidence from the play.
2.
Question: What is a tragic flaw? What is Juliet's tragic flaw? Support with evidence from the play.
3.
Question: Define tragedy. Is Romeo's downfall the result of fate, his tragic flaw, or a combination of
the two? Is Juliet's downfall the result of fate, her tragic flaw, or a combination of the two?
4.
Question: Is Romeo’s love for Rosaline different from his love for Juliet? Does Romeo’s character
change during the play? Cite specific evidence to defend your answer.
5.
Question: Why do you suppose Shakespeare included the scene in which we learn of Romeo’s
infatuation for Rosaline?
6.
Question: Does Juliet develop a will of her own during the play, or does she merely shift her
obedience from her parents to Romeo? Support your answer with quotations from the play.
7.
Question: As the play is presented, do you think that Romeo and Juliet are responsible for what
happens, or are they just playthings of fate or "Star-crossed lovers"?
8.
Question: Fate often intervenes in the lives of Romeo and Juliet. Explain three instances in the play
where fate alters the possible outcome.
9.
Question: Each of the following may or may not be responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Explain why or why not. Nurse, Romeo, Juliet, Prince Escalus, and Tybalt.
10.
Question: Each of the following may or may not be responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Explain why or why not. Paris, Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, and Balthasar.
11.
Question: At the end of the play, Prince Escalus announces that “all are punished.” Does everyone
deserve to be punished? Does anyone get off too easily? Discuss.
12.
Question: Dramatic irony is a device whereby an audience’s understanding of a character’s words or
actions is quite different from the character’s understanding. The audience’s special knowledge
enables it to view the characters with superior understanding.
a. How is Juliet’s meeting with Paris in Friar Lawrence’s cell an example of dramatic irony?
b. Find at least one other example of dramatic irony in the first four acts.
13.
Question: Dramatic irony is a device whereby an audience’s understanding of a character’s words or
actions is quite different from the character’s understanding. The audience’s special knowledge
enables it to view the characters with superior understanding.
a. Review Scene iv, in which Capulet is preparing for Juliet’s wedding to Paris. What makes
this scene an example of dramatic irony?
b. Find at least one other example of dramatic irony in the first four acts.
14.
Question: What foreshadowing is present in Act V? Find two other examples of foreshadowing in the
first four acts.
15.
Question: Locate a soliloquy, an aside, and a monologue. Be able to explain/defend your choice.
16.
Question: A dramatic foil contrasts with another character and helps to highlight this character’s traits.
Explain how the first character in each of the following pairs in a foil for the other.
a. Mercutio and Romeo
b. the Nurse and Juliet
17.
Question: What effect does the feud have on love? What effect does love have on the feud? What
theme is implied?
18.
Question: “Love can cause enemies to forget their differences” is one of the themes in Romeo and
Juliet. Explain what this theme means and give at least two examples from the play that support your
answer.
19.
Question: How does the lack of moderation--acting without thought and caution--contribute to many
of the problems and deaths in the play? Give four good examples and explain each.
20.
Question: Discuss the following theme. Support with evidence from the Romeo and Juliet. Order is
important--government and society must run smoothly.
21.
Question: Discuss the following theme. Support with evidence from the Romeo and Juliet. Love
teaches the lessons of peace, loyalty, and devotion.
22.
Create a creative way for the class to remember the following:
a.
Friar Lawrence's plan so Juliet won't have to marry Paris
23.
Create a creative way for the class to remember the following:
a.
Juliet's fears before she takes Friar Lawrence's potion