Notes

Romeo and Juliet - Act I


Vocabulary

Star-crossed: (of a person or a plan) thwarted by bad luck.

Toil: work extremely hard or incessantly.

Fray: (of a fabric, rope, or cord) unravel or become worn at the edge, typically through constant rubbing.

Woo: to seek the affection or love of someone, usually a woman; court:

Rapier: a thin, light sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting.

Gall: bold and impudent behavior.

Sirrah: used as a term of address for a man or boy, especially one younger or of lower status than the speaker.

Disparagement: to marry someone of unequal rank.

Drama terminology
Aside - a short speech delivered by an actor in a play expressing his character’s thoughts. The aside is directed towards the audience, and the other characters are not supposed to be able to hear.

Soliloquy - a speech in a play that the character speaks to himself or herself rather than to the other characters.

Tragic Flaw - Trait that causes the downfall of the protagonist




Scene 1 Questions

Who causes the fight in scene 1? Who tries to stop it? What is Tybalt’s attitude toward the fight?
Sampson and Gregory started the fight with the Montague men because they want to fight for their master, Capulet. Prince Escalus and Benvolio attempt to settle the situation and are successful; however, Tybalt is still enraged.

2. What does the Prince tell the feuding families? What is the penalty if they fight again?

The Prince tells the two families that whoever causes the next fight will be sentenced to death.

3. What is wrong with Romeo?

Romeo is solemn because he loves Rosaline, but she does not love him back.

4. What is Benvolio’s advice? What does he pledge to do? What does this say about him?

Benvolio’s advice is to go to a Capulet party where he pledges that he will find another woman who is more beautiful than Rosaline. Romeo’s resistance to this shows that he is easily blinded by love.


Scene 2 Questions

5. Why is Paris at the Capulets’?

Paris is at the Capulet party because he wants to marry Juliet.

6. What is Lord Capulet’s response to Paris? What does this say about his personality?

Lord Capulet says that Paris may marry if he wins her over. This shows that he feels his daughter should be able to make the decision.

7. How old is Juliet?

Juliet is 13 years old.

8. Why does the Capulet servant approach Romeo and Benvolio for help with the party list?

He cannot read the list.

9. Why do Romeo and Benvolio decide to attend the party?
Romeo wants to find another woman to love to get his mind off of Rosaline, and Benvolio comes to assist him.


Scene 3 Questions

10. What is Juliet’s opinion of marriage and Paris?

Juliet does not love Paris and does not want marriage with him.


Scenes 4-5 Questions

11. In lines 49-58 on page 55, Romeo’s speech is an example of what literary device? What does he say?

Romeo’s speech is an example of a soliloquy. He voices his own thoughts aloud about Juliet.



12. What is Romeo’s reaction when he first sees Juliet? What does this suggest about his personality?

Romeo is lovestruck when he first sees Juliet. This shows that he is a person who is easily won over by beauty instead of personality. It also shows that he is a very impulsive person.

13. What is Tybalt’s reaction when he hears Romeo’s voice? What character trait does this suggest?

Tybalt immediately knows that Romeo is a Montague. This shows that he is very sensitive in dealing with conflict. He also seems very keen to fight and senses a Montague instantly.


14. What is Lord Capulet’s advice to Tybalt? Why? What does this suggest about his character?

Lord Capulet advises Tybalt to relax and have a jolly time at the party so as not to disrupt the party. This shows that he cares a lot about his reputation more than anything else.


15. What do Romeo and Juliet realize about each other at the end of the scene?


Romeo and Juliet realize that they are from the Montague and Capulet families, respectively.




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