Name: ______

Romeo and Juliet Annotations Packet

Directions: Either fill in the blanks provided for you in the left column or answer the questions in the space provided for you in the right column.

Romeo and Juliet Study Guide
Prologue
1. The feud is between two prominent families,
the ______vs. the ______.
2. The two families are fighting over an old ______, which has started up again and is now involving the townspeople. The parents' anger is finally ended by ______. According to this prologue, how many hours will it take for this play to be acted out? ______hours.
ACT ONE
ACT ONE SCENE ONE (1.1)
*Do Quick Write #1
1. What decree does the prince make after the street brawl?
2. What do Benvolio and Lord Montegue say about Romeo’s behavior recently? List 3 things said that show he is depressed.
3. What advice does Benvolio give to Romeo about Rosaline?
ACT ONE SCENE 2 (1.2)
1. How does Capulet first respond to Paris’ proposal to marry Juliet?
2. Later in the scene, what then does Capulet say to Paris about his proposal?
3. How do Romeo and Benvolio find out about Capulet’s party?
4. Why does Romeo want to go?
Benvolio?
ACT ONE SCENE 3 (1.3)
1. Juliet’s birthday in on Lammastide – August 1st. On that day, the Nurse says Juliet will be how old?
2. The Nurse has a daughter, Susan, and a husband. Where are they?
3. Why does Juliet’s mother want to talk to her?
4. What is Juliet’s attitude about marriage?
Her Mother’s?
5. What is the only thing Juliet agree to do for her mother when they both attend the party downstairs?
* Do Quick Write #2
ACT ONE SCENE 4 (1.4)
1. When and where does this scene take place?
2. What does Mercutio think about the reality of dreams?
3. Why does Romeo think it may be a bad idea to attend the party tonight: what did his dream predict?
ACT ONE SCENE 5 (1.5)
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. Romeo spots Juliet. He recites a soliloquy about her noticeable beauty that begins, “Oh she doth teach the torches to burn bright!...” Write 2 more phrases Romeo says to describe Juliet.
*Do Quick Write #3
3. Tybalt overhears Romeo’s speech above and is ready to fight him. Write 2 lines Capulet says that shows he does not share Tybalt's views.
4. Describe both Romeo and Juliet's reaction to learning who the other is - what do each say?
A) Romeo's response
B) Juliet's response
ACT TWO
Prologue: Briefly summarize the prologue here:
Both Romeo and Juliet have been bewitched by the charm of ______, but it will be difficult because of at least 2 things: 1. ______
______and 2. ______
______
______
ACT TWO SCENE ONE (2.1)
1. Explain the dramatic irony in this scene:
ACT TWO SCENE 2 (2.2)
(The most famous scene in the entire play)
1. Fill in the blanks in this paraphrase of Romeo’s soliloquy when he spots Juliet on her balcony:
Shhh! What ______is at the ______? ______shines through the window like the ______rises in the ______. Arise beautiful sun (Juliet) and replace the ______, who is jealous because you, the maid of Diana, virgin moon goddess are ______than she is. Don’t be a ______, since the moon is ______of you. Her innocence is sickly, and only a ______would keep it.
Oh! It is Juliet! I wish she knew that I ______her. She speaks, but she says ______. How strange. She speaks with her eyes. I’ll ______her. No, I better not, since she really isn’t ______to me.
Two of the ______in heaven have asked her (Juliet’s) ______to twinkle for them while they have some ______to take care of. If Juliet’s eyes were there (in the night sky), those eyes would make the stars seem dull, just as ______outshines a lamp. Her eyes would shine so ______that the ______would think it were already ______and begin to ______.
Look how she leans her cheek upon her hand! Oh, how I wish that I were a ______so that I could touch that ______.
She speaks! Oh, speak again, bright ______, for you are as glorious to this ______, which is above my head, as an angel from ______is to those of us who look up and see him when he walks upon the ______and sails upon the ______of the ______.
2. Explain Juliet’s famous line, “O, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore…”
3. How is Juliet’s soliloquy on the balcony a form of dramatic irony? What do we know that she does not?
4. Juliet is both surprised and worried that Romeo is at her house. Why? How does Romeo claim he got over the garden wall?
5. Fill in the blanks for this paraphrase of Juliet’s speech:
You know, it’s a good thing it’s ______, or you could see me ______because you overheard me talking about you. If I followed proper manners, I would ______I ever said it. But who cares about manners now! Do you ______me? I know you’re going to say ______, but don’t say that unless you really ______it. If you want, I’ll play hard to ______, so you can try to win my ______. The truth is, I am foolishly in ______with you, and you may not take me too ______. But, ______me, I’ll ______to you that I’ll be more true than those who know how to play hard to get. I probably would have tried to be more ______, I must be honest, but since you already heard me confess that I ______, there really is no ______to try to do that now. So, pardon me, but don’t think that my falling in love so quickly means that I don’t really ______what I say.
6. Once Romeo and Juliet vow their love for one another, Juliet challenges Romeo to show he means what he says. What is he supposed to decide, how is he supposed to get word of his decision back to her, and when is he supposed to deliver that message?
What:
How:
When:
*Do Quick Write # 4 – there is a graphic organizer to complete with group discussion before you write.
ACT TWO SCENE THREE (2.3)
This scene opens with Friar Laurence collecting herbs. He is discussing the properties of the herbs and the purposes for which they may be used. This demonstrates Friar Laurence’s knowledge of herbs and foreshadows that this knowledge may serve some purpose in future events in the drama.
1. The friar is collecting "deadly weeds and healing flowers." As he does this, he compares the earth to a "mother" and the plants as her "children," as well as stating that the earth is both a "womb" and a "tomb." What does the Friar mean in describing the earth in these ways?
2. The Friar holds up a flower and says that it contains both poison and medicinal power: smell it and you will be strengthened; taste it and you will die. What is the Friar trying to say about the powers of plants and herbs?
3. The Friar says the same thing about humans - the "two opposed kings" that "always live within man," like in the flower, are virtue and base lust. The friar is saying that humans can be what at the same time?
4. Why does Romeo go to see Friar Laurence?
5. At first, Friar Laurence is angry and disapproves of Romeo's behavior. Why?
6. Why does Friar Laurence change his mind and agree to the marriage?
ACT TWO SCENE FOUR (2.4)
This scene serves as a contrast to the preceding scene at Friar Laurence’s. Mercutio and Benvolio are in a merry mood as they walk along talking and laughing about Romeo, whom they think is still pining away for Rosaline. Benvolio mentions that Tybalt has sent a letter in which he issues a challenge to Romeo. Benvolio believes Romeo is up to fighting with Tybalt, but Mercutio gives a long description of why Tybalt would be a formidable opponent, with Romeo not standing much of a chance. Romeo comes along, in a happy mood, much to the pleasure of Mercutio, who thinks Romeo is wasting his time with this love business (he doesn’t realize that love is exactly the reason for Romeo’s good mood). As they exchange puns and jokes, Juliet’s nurse and her servant Peter show up.
1. For whom is the nurse looking and why?
2. What warning does she give Romeo?
3. Romeo brings the nurse good news and has a plan for how they can get Juliet to the church so Friar Laurence can marry them. What is Juliet to say to her parents to get out of the house?
4. Romeo gives the Nurse a rope ladder. Why?
ACT TWO SCENE FIVE (2.5
1. Juliet is waiting very impatiently for the nurse’s return. Why does Juliet become so irritated when the nurse finally does return and speaks to Juliet?
ACT TWO SCENE SIX (2.6)
1. Which lines in this wedding scene foreshadow future events? Find 2.
ACT THREE SCENE ONE (3.1) This scene marks the climax of the drama.
1. Tybalt, still enraged that Romeo crashed his uncle’s party, is determined to fight, but Romeo refuses. Why?
2. How does Mercutio get involved and what happens to him as a result?
3. How does Romeo react to this? What does he do?
4. What decree does the Prince make with regard to Romeo and his punishment?
*Do Quick Write #5
ACT THREE SCENE TWO (3.2)
Juliet is waiting for her nurse. She knows nothing of the two deaths. She is only thinking about the arrival of her new husband and is excited, scared and embarrassed, all at the same time. To emphasize the turn of events that is about to occur when Juliet gets the bad news from her nurse, Shakespeare has Juliet use the word "night" nearly a dozen times, illustrating the dark mood that is soon to overcome her.
1.. How does Juliet first react to the nurse’s news? How does she change her attitude?
2. What does Juliet say she plans to do with the cords (rope ladder) now?
3. How does the nurse console her?
* Art meets literature analysis and discussion will take place here.
ACT THREE SCENE THREE (3.3)
1. What does Romeo say about his punishment of banishment?
2. Romeo is prevented from stabbing himself when Friar Laurence grabs the knife, but the Friar is enraged by Romeo's impulsive reaction. He accuses Romeo of acting like a woman and being insane, as well as blinded to his good fortune. The friar lists 3 ways Romeo is lucky. Name them
3. The Friar then tries to give Romeo encouragement and hope by advising him to do several things. List them.
ACT THREE SCENE FOUR (3.4)
1. How does Capulet’s attitude now differ from his attitude when Paris first came to ask for Juliet’s hand in marriage?
2. Today is Monday. Paris will "wed" Juliet on Thursday. How does this action complicate matters and contribute to the dramatic irony in the scene?
ACT THREE SCENE FIVE (3.5)
Day breaks and the two lovers must part after consummating their wedding vows. Juliet is very reluctant to have Romeo leave her and does not want to admit it is morning. Finally, Romeo leaves and Juliet’s mother comes to her chamber. Their conversation about Tybalt’s death has Juliet speaking in vague and mysterious terms, while her mother vows to exact revenge on Romeo.
2. What “good tidings” does Juliet’s mother have to tell her?
3. How does Capulet react to Juliet’s refusal of Paris?
4. What does her mother say after Capulet has spoken?
5. What is the Nurse’s advice?
6. What does Juliet decide to do?
ACT FOUR SCENE ONE (4.1)
Juliet is no longer the obedient child. The events of the last few days have caused her to mature, but with no hope of help from her parents, and the seeming loss of loyalty from the nurse, she feels desperate. She begins to take matters into her own hands. She gives the excuse of needing to go to confession for her actions and seeking absolution from Friar Laurence. Notice how she deals with Paris at the beginning of this scene when she coincidentally runs into him at the friar’s (she uses the same vague language and subtext that she used with her mother in the previous scene). Once Paris is gone, Juliet pleads with Friar Laurence to help her out of her predicament.
1. Explain in detail the plan they arrange.
See opposite page to fill in
ACT FOUR SCENE TWO (4.2)
1. What day is it now?
2. Juliet is so convincing in her deception that her father makes a critical decision regarding her wedding to Paris. What is it?
3. What complication does this decision foreshadow?
ACT FOUR SCENE THREE (4.3)
Juliet convinces her mother and the nurse to leave her alone so she can "pray," but she actually is going to drink the potion.
1. List Juliet’s fears as she is about to drink the potion:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ACT FOUR SCENE FOUR (4.4)
The Capulets are busy preparing for Juliet’s wedding. There is hustling and bustling and great happiness. Then, the Nurse goes to awaken Juliet to ready her for her wedding and the mood changes drastically.
ACT FOUR SCENE FIVE (4.5)
The Nurse discovers Juliet’s apparently lifeless body, and the happy day for the Capulet’s turns to a day of sorrow and mourning.
1. The Friar gives words of “comfort” for the Capulets, Paris, and the Nurse. Summarize what he tells them.
2. What is the dramatic irony in this scene?
ACT FIVE
ACT FIVE SCENE ONE (5.1)
1. How does Romeo’s dream that he describes in his opening speech compare to the news that Balthasar brings him?
2. How does Romeo convince the apothecary to sell him poison?
3. What is Romeo’s plan after he gets the poison?
ACT FIVE SCENE TWO (5.2)
1. Why doesn’t Friar John deliver the Friar’s letter to Romeo?
ACT FIVE SCENE THREE (5.3)
1. Why does Paris go to Juliet’s burial place?
2. What does Romeo tell Balthasar and what does he give him?
3. What happens when Romeo and Paris meet at the tomb?
Romeo enters the tomb and sees Juliet. He sets Paris next to her, asks Tybalt for forgiveness, and has his final words with her before he takes the poison and dies:
4. Romeo mentions several times how "beautiful" Juliet still is and how "rosy" her cheeks are. Why is this ironic?
5. As soon Romeo dies, Juliet wakes up and the Friar arrives. What happens next?