Answer each following question.

Question

1.) William Shakespeare was born in the town ___________________ in the center of England and was baptized in __________. He moved to _______________ in 1592 to become part of the theatre scene.

2.) Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the _______________ _______________, and Shakespeare himself acted in some of his plays.

Romeo & Juliet:

1.) In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, how does Shakespeare let you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning?

2.) What is the Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets? Why is this important?

3.) When we first meet Romeo, what kind of mood is he in? What is the reason for his mood?

4.) Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?

5.) How could Montagues Romeo and Benvolio go to the Capulet’s party when their families are enemies?

6.) How does Juliet respond to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris?

7.) What does Juliet's attitude towards marriage tell us about her character?

8.) What themes do you see developing in these opening scenes?

Answer 1

1.) William Shakespeare was born in the town Stratford-upon-Avon in the center of England and was baptized in April 1564. He moved to London in 1592 to become part of the theatre scene.

2.) Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the Globe Theatre, and Shakespeare himself acted in some of his plays.

Romeo & Juliet:

1.) In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, Shakespeare lets you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning by introducing the concept of "star-crossed lovers" and stating that their deaths will end the feud between their families.

2.) The Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets is that any further altercations between the two families will be punishable by death. This is important because it sets the stakes for the conflict between the families and establishes the authority of the Prince in maintaining peace in Verona.

3.) When we first meet Romeo, he is in a melancholic mood, feeling forlorn and lovesick. The reason for his mood is his unrequited love for Rosaline, who has rejected him.

4.) Romeo desires to attend the Capulet party because he hopes to see Rosaline there, as he is still infatuated with her despite her vow to remain chaste.

5.) Montagues Romeo and Benvolio could go to the Capulet’s party because they were able to attend in disguise, allowing them to mingle without being recognized as members of the rival family.

6.) Juliet responds to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris by saying that she has no interest in marriage at that time, saying she will consider him only if it pleases her.

7.) Juliet's attitude towards marriage tells us that she is somewhat naive and obedient; she has not given much thought to marriage as a romantic ideal and seems to prioritize her own feelings over social expectations.

8.) Themes that are developing in these opening scenes include the conflict between love and hate, the tension between youthful passion and societal expectations, and the role of fate versus free will in the characters' lives.