Romeo and Juliet
Study Guide Questions

Act I

  1. What dramatic functions are served by the Prologue?

  2. How is the feud portrayed in the play's first scene?

  3. What does the first scene of the play reveal about Romeo's behavior?

  4. What contrasting concepts of love are presented in Scene 1?

  5. What is learned about the Capulets' father-daughter relationship during Scene 2?

  6. What complications of plot arise in Scene 2?

  7. What concepts of love are presented by the female characters in Scene 3?

  8. Characterize Mercutio as he appears in Scene 4.

  9. In what ways does Capulet prove himself a good host?

  10. Describe Romeo and Juliet's discoveries of each other's identity.

Act II

  1. What is significant about Mercutio's remarks to Romeo in Scene 1 and Romeo's response in Scene 2?

  2. What images of light and fire does Juliet inspire in Romeo?

  3. What concerns does Juliet express in Act II, Scene 2?

  4. Locate examples of dramatic irony in Act II, Scene 2.

  5. What philosophical observations does Friar Laurence make in Act II, Scene 3?

  6. What is Friar Laurence's reaction to Romeo's request in Act II, Scene 3?

  7. Characterize Mercutio as he appears in Act II, Scene 4?

  8. Describe the interview between Juliet's nurse and Romeo in Act II, Scene 4.

  9. How does the nurse inform Juliet of Romeo's plans?  How does Juliet react?

  10. What elements in Scene 4 foreshadow the fatality of Romeo and Juliet's love?

Act III

  1. Structurally (the pattern of events), how does Act III, Scene 1 resemble Act I, Scene 1?

  2. Analyze Mercutio's dying remarks in Scene 1?

  3. What purposes are served by Benvolio's summary in Scene 1?

  4. Compare Juliet's soliloquy in Act II, Scene 5 with her soliloquy of Act III, Scene 2?

  5. How does the nurse reveal the details of Romeo's banishment in Scene 2?  What is Juliet's reaction?

  6. Describe Romeo's reaction to banishment in Scene 3?

  7. What admonition (advice) does Friar Laurence give Romeo in Scene 3?

  8. Discuss the rash offer which Capulet makes Paris in Scene 4.

  9. Compare the parting of the lovers in Act II, Scene 2 with their farewells in Act III, Scene 5.

  10. What occurs in Scene 5 to alienate Juliet from her family?

Act IV

  1. What plan does Friar Laurence propose to Juliet?

  2. What concerns does Juliet express in Scene 3?  How does she relieve each?

  3. Describe the reactions of the following characters to Juliet’s apparent death in Scene 5: Capulet, Lady Capulet, Nurse, Friar Laurence

Act V

  1. What preparations does Romeo make in Scene 1 when he learns of Juliet's death?

  2. Examine Paris' function in Scene 3?

  3. Examine Romeo's last soliloquy in Scene 3.

  4. Describe Juliet's awakening and death.

  5. How does the Prince investigate the deaths?

  6. How does the Prince intend to punish the guilty?

  7. What memorial will be built for Romeo and Juliet?