Romeo and Juliet - Study Guide Act I Sc. 2-5
English 9 - Mrs. Mace
Act I Scene 2
Plot Summary Lines 1-46
Questions to consider:
· What seems to be Capulet's attitude toward the Prince's latest rule regarding the violence of the feud?
· What does Paris want?How does Lord Capulet feel about his request?
· What is his concern for Juliet? What sort of a parent does he seem to be, at this point?
· What does he suggest Paris do that evening?
· Lord Capulet sends Peter on an errand. Why will this errand be difficult for him to fulfill?
QUOTES:
· "She hath not seen the change of fourteen years. Let two more summers whither in their pride Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride..."
· "My will to her consent is but a part. And, she agreed, within her scope of choice lies my consent and fair according voice."
· “Younger than she are happy mothers made” “And too soon marred are those so early made.”
Plot Summary Lines 46 - 108
Questions to consider:
· What does Romeo read?
· Whose name is of particular interest to him?
· Why does Benvolio suggest that they attend this party? What is Romeo’s hasty decision at the end of this scene?
QUOTES:
· "Compare her face with some that I shall show, and I will make thee think thy swan a crow..."
Scene 3
Plot Summary
Questions to consider
· How old is Juliet?
· What silly story does the Nurse relate? (40-52)
· What does Lady Capulet want to discuss with Juliet?
· What is the metaphor Lady Capulet uses? (87-98)
· How does Juliet respond? How would you characterize her relationship with her parents?
QUOTES:
· "It is an honor that I dream not of..."
· "I'll look to like, if looking liking move. But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly."
Act I Scene 4
Plot Summary Lines 1-53
Questions to consider:
· What is wrong with Romeo?
· Why is he reluctant to go?
· How would you describe Mercutio?
QUOTES:
· "I deamt a dream tonight..."
Plot Summary Lines 58 - 121
Questions to consider:
· Who is Queen Mab?
· Why does Mercutio talk about her?
· What does Mercutio think of dreams?
· What premonition does Romeo have?
· What does he do anyway?
QUOTES:
· “Oh then I see Queen Mab hath been with you…”
· "I fear too early, for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night's revels, and expire the term Of a despised life closed in my breast By some vile forfeit of untimely death..."
Literary Elements:
· dream motif
· dramatic irony
· foreshadowing
· FATE
· tragic flaw: impulsiveness
Scene 5
Plot Summary Lines 1-46
Plot Summary Lines 46 - 103
Questions to consider:
· Who does Romeo intend to see at the party? Who catches his eye instead?
· Who overhears him and recognizes that he is a Montague?
· How does Lord Capulet react to the news that Romeo is at the party?
· What does Tybalt vow to do later?
Plot Summary Lines 103 - 160
Questions to consider:
· When Romeo and Juliet first speak, their lines form what sort of poem?
· What is the extended metaphor they use in their conversation?
· At the end of the party, what do they find out about each other?
QUOTES:
· “Oh she doth teach the torches to burn bright…”
· “This, by his voice, should be a Montague, --”
· “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall,
Now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall.”
· “O then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do…”
· "My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me That I must love a loathed enemy.
Literary Elements
· Light motif
· Foreshadowing
· Sonnet
· Extended metaphor