Question

Lesson 3: Structure of Poetry

Romeo & Juliet Act 2 Scenes 3-6



Lesson pages 6-9:

_______________ is how a poem is organized, including rhyme, rhythm, number of lines, etc.

A _______________ is a group of lines in a poem.

A _______________ _______________ is the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem.
_______________ is the number of beats or stressed syllables per line of poetry.

Romeo & Juliet:

How does Friar Lawrence react to Romeo’s sudden change of heart from Rosaline to Juliet? What does this reveal about Romeo’s character?

Why does Friar Lawrence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet despite his initial hesitation? What does he hope to achieve?

How does the Nurse act when she meets Romeo, and what does this show about her character?

What instructions from Romeo does the Nurse give to Juliet?

How does Friar Lawrence advise Romeo and Juliet before he marries them? What does this reveal about his concerns?

How are the themes of love and conflict developed in these scenes?

Answer 1

Lesson pages 6–9 — answers

Fill-in blanks
- Form is how a poem is organized, including rhyme, rhythm, number of lines, etc.
- A stanza is a group of lines in a poem.
- A rhyme scheme is the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem.
- Meter is the number of beats or stressed syllables per line of poetry.

Romeo & Juliet Act 2, Scenes 3–6 — answers

1. How does Friar Lawrence react to Romeo’s sudden change of heart from Rosaline to Juliet? What does this reveal about Romeo’s character?
- Friar Lawrence is surprised and scolds Romeo for being fickle and impulsive; he compares Romeo’s love to a sudden smoke or a fire that may burn out. This shows that Romeo is quick to fall in love, passionate and idealistic, but also impulsive and prone to extreme, rapid shifts of feeling.

2. Why does Friar Lawrence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet despite his initial hesitation? What does he hope to achieve?
- He hopes that their marriage will reconcile the feuding Montague and Capulet families and end the public violence between them. He agrees because he sees a chance to turn hatred into peace, even though he worries the match is rushed.

3. How does the Nurse act when she meets Romeo, and what does this show about her character?
- The Nurse is talkative, bawdy, protective of Juliet, and tests Romeo with teasing questions. She shows earthy humor, deep affection and loyalty to Juliet, and a practical, meddling nature — she cares more about Juliet’s happiness than propriety.

4. What instructions from Romeo does the Nurse give to Juliet?
- The Nurse tells Juliet that Romeo asks her to go to Friar Lawrence’s cell that afternoon “to shrift” (confess) and that Romeo and Juliet will be secretly married there. She also brings Romeo’s message about arranging for a way (the rope ladder) so Romeo can visit Juliet afterward.

5. How does Friar Lawrence advise Romeo and Juliet before he marries them? What does this reveal about his concerns?
- He warns them against haste and excess, urging caution: “wisely and slowly; they stumble that run fast.” This reveals his concern that their passion is too sudden and could lead to harm; he wants love to be guided by reason and hopes the marriage will bring good consequences rather than more trouble.

6. How are the themes of love and conflict developed in these scenes?
- Love: Presented as intense, immediate, and secretive (Romeo and Juliet’s rapid courtship, the private plans to marry). Different views of love are contrasted — fervent youthful passion (Romeo, Juliet) vs. worldly, practical care (Nurse) and cautious wisdom (Friar).
- Conflict: The family feud looms in the background and raises the stakes (Tybalt’s challenge/letter appears), forcing the lovers into secrecy. Friar Lawrence’s hope that marriage will end the feud shows love as a possible remedy for conflict, while the need for secrecy shows how conflict obstructs and complicates love.