Romeo & Juliet – Act III Questions
Act III Scene 1
1. What do the first four lines of this scene foreshadow? Explain.
2. What does Mercutio tell us about Benvolio in the lines 15-30? Explain.
3. What does Romeo remind Mercutio and Tybalt about in the lines 87 and 88?
4. Explain "a grave man" (Line 97). What figure of speech is used? What is the meaning?
5. Explain what Romeo is saying in lines 107-113.
6. What does Benvolio tell Romeo in lines 132 -135 and why?
7. What does the Prince mean in the lines which state:
"But I'll amerce you with so strong a fine
That you shall all repent the loss of mine" (lines 190-191).
8. What does the Prince promise to do if Romeo is found?
9. What does this line mean? "Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill" (line 197).
10. How does it apply to the "capital punishment" issue in politics today?
Scene 2
1. Explain the classical allusions in lines 2 and 3.
2. Explain the words: a. cockatrice (line 47) b. bier (line 60) c. serpent (line 73)
3. What is Juliet's first reaction when learning of Tybalt's death?
4. What does Nurse think of men in general? Quote the lines which support your answer.
5. What is Juliet's reaction when Nurse curses Romeo? Quote.
6. Where is Romeo hiding?
Scene 3
1. Explain Romeo's statement: "Tis torture, and not mercy." (Line 29)
2. Which solution to his despair is Romeo contemplating? Quote the lines which support your answer.
3. The Friar proposes to give Romeo "Adversity's sweet milk" (Line 55). What is it? But Romeo does not want to
listen. The Friar makes the statement that ... (Line 61) Romeo reports that ... (line 62)
4. "A pack of blessings light upon thy back;" (Line 141) List the 3 blessings.
Scene 4
1. Explain what is decided in this short scene. Speculate as to why Capulet is making this decision.
Scene 5
1. Explain the line: "I must be gone and live, or stay and die." (Line 11)
2. In Greek mythology what is "Cynthia"?
3. Explain the meaning of "affray".
4. Juliet has a vision. Who does she see where? What is the significance of this vision?
5. What does Lady Capulet mean in the following:
"Some grief shows much of love;
But much of grief shows still some want of wit." (Lines 72-73)
6. What is Lady Capulet actually wishing in the line: "I would the fool were married to her grave!? (Line 140).
7. What is a "hurdle"? (Line 155).
8. Describe how Capulet reacts towards his daughter when she refuses to take Paris for a husband.
9. What is Capulet's threat in lines 190-196?
10. Is Lady Capulet willing to intercede (to speak in favor of Juliet)? Quote.
11. What does the Nurse say to Juliet in an effort to comfort her? How does Juliet react?
12. At the end of Act III, Scene 5, where does Juliet go?
13. If the Friar is not able to help, what does she plan to do? Quote lines in support.