Romeo+and+Juliet+Act+1

1. What lines in the Prologue tell you in advance what is going to happen to Romeo and Juliet by the play's end? 2. What does the Prologue say is the only thing that will end the rage of the Montagues and Capulets? 3. Who is Tybalt, and why is he dangerous? 4. What warning does the Prince give the street brawlers in Scene 1? 5. In scene 4, how does Mercutio try to snap Romeo out of his depression over Rosaline? 6. Where do Romeo and Juliet meet? 7. The first scene of R/J is a brilliant example of how information can be conveyed through theatrical activity. Look at each segment within the first scene (Gregory/Sampson and the Montague servants; Benvolio/Tybalt; the Prince's warning). Explain how each episode clarifies the forces/themes at work in this story. 8. How would you characterize Mercutio based on what he has said and done so far? Is his character believable? Have you ever known someone like him? In what specific ways is Mercutio a foil to Romeo. A foil is a character or a scene which is opposite to another. 9. What expressions of foreboding have you seen so far in the story? Cite at least three examples. 10. The action of the play occurs in Italy in the fourteenth century; which episodes could you imagine taking place today? What details would have to change? Cite at least two examples. 11. What are Shakespeare's references to light and dark in this act? Their effect? Cite three examples. 12. Evidently R/J fall in love immediately. Do you think this is plausible based on Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline? Explain.