Structure of a Five Act Play

Question

Definition
Act 1- Exposition

Act 2- Rising Action (Complication)

Act 3- Climax

Act 4- Falling Action

Act 5- Resolution

Romeo & Juliet:

What plan does Friar Lawrence devise to help Juliet avoid marrying Paris?

How does Juliet’s behavior towards her parents and the Nurse reflect her determination to follow through with Friar Lawrence’s plan?

What use of comic relief do you see in Act 4, Scene 2?

What fears does Juliet express before taking the potion? How does she rationalize taking the potion despite these fears?

What is the name for the kind of dramatic speech Juliet gives at the end of Scene 3? How Is this different from a monologue?

make it short and simple

Answer 1

Structure of a Five Act Play

Definition: A framework for storytelling that divides a play into five distinct parts.

1. Act 1 - Exposition: Introduction of characters, setting, and the main conflict.
2. Act 2 - Rising Action (Complication): Development of the conflict and complications arise.
3. Act 3 - Climax: The peak of the story where the main conflict reaches a turning point.
4. Act 4 - Falling Action: Aftermath of the climax; leads to resolution.
5. Act 5 - Resolution: Conclusion of the story; conflicts are resolved.

Romeo & Juliet Questions

1. Friar Lawrence's Plan: He gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours, allowing her to escape marrying Paris.

2. Juliet’s Behavior: She becomes defiant and deceptive towards her parents and the Nurse, showing her commitment to Friar Lawrence's plan by insisting she will marry Paris while actually planning to avoid it.

3. Comic Relief in Act 4, Scene 2: The light-hearted banter between the servants lightens the mood, providing humor amidst the tension of Juliet's situation.

4. Juliet’s Fears: She fears the potion might actually be poison or that she will wake up alone in the tomb. She rationalizes taking it by thinking of her love for Romeo and the despair of marrying Paris.

5. Dramatic Speech: Juliet gives a "soliloquy," a speech that reveals her inner thoughts. Unlike a monologue, which may be directed towards other characters, a soliloquy is meant for the audience and reflects personal feelings.