Act 1 Scene 1

Brendon
Guerrero
Mar18
P2
Act 1 Scene 1

1. In which town is the play set? In what country do you suppose this town exists?
It was set in Verona, Italy.

2. In the prologue, Shakespeare tells us that our two title characters are going to kill themselves. His 1600’s audience would’ve already known the story of Romeo and Juliet from a famous poem of the time, so this information would not have ruined the experience. In fact, many scholars say that knowing the deaths are coming actually improves the play. How could this be? Explain your thoughts.
I think it improves the play because you are prepared for what is happening next and you won’t get mad because it came out of surprise.

3. When Sampson says he will not “carry coals,” what does he mean? What literary technique is being used in this silly exchange between Sampson and Gregory?
I think Sampson means he will not hear this nonsense. An oxymoron.

4. Complete this sentence: In Shakespearean times, biting your thumb was…
An insult.

5. Is Benvolio a Montague or a Capulet?
Benvolio is a Montague.

6. Why doesn’t Lady Capulet want her husband to get involved in the fight?
He is old so he can’t fight.
7. How many times have the Capulets and Montagues had street fights recently?
They have had 3 street fights recently.

8. How has Romeo been spending his days recently?
He closes the blinds and makes it dark and gets frustrated.

9. List three of the oxymorons Romeo uses to describe the conflict between his family and the Capulets. Then, explain how the family feud is oxymoronic in its nature.

10. In your own words, rewrite Romeo’s speech about love in Scene 1, lines 176-180, line by line. He talks about Rosaline and how she doesn’t like him back.

12. Romeo is heartsick over a girl (it’s not Juliet) who is not at all interested in Romeo. Name three of the ineffective romantic strategies Romeo has used to woo this girl.
She won’t buy all the romantic stuff he says. Won’t be interested in a lot of gold. She won’t accept the flowers he gives her.

13. Why doesn’t this girl like Romeo?
She will ignore anyone who tries to hit on her.

14. What does Benvolio tell Romeo to do in order to forget the girl who doesn’t want him?
He tells Romeo to look at other girls because there are going to be prettier girls than Rosaline.