This Packet Will Be Due the Block After We Finish the Act in Class

Name ______Block ______

Romeo and Juliet

Act II study guide

This packet will be due the block after we finish the act in class.

The first act took place in the span of only one day! This act does exactly the same. We have met most of the characters throughout the first act, and now we will see their impact on our “star-crossed lovers.” Get ready: the plot is building.

Directions: Use as many relevant details as you can to fully answer all of the questions and tasks. Please answer in complete sentences.

Prologue:

Please summarize the sonnet.

scene i:

After we listen to the scene in class, summarize as much as you can:

1. What are Romeo’s friends saying about him?

1. Who do they think Romeo is in love with?

1. Why does Romeo hide?

scene ii

1. Why does Shakespeare use light imagery when Romeo speaks to Juliet (remember all the references to heavy and dark in Act I)? * Capulet always asking for more light at the party

1. Why do you think this scene is set in an orchard – a type of garden?

1. What does Romeo value most now? What does he say he no longer values? Do you think this is realistic?

1. How does Juliet feel about Romeo overhearing her?

1. What is Juliet saying when she compares their love to lightening (describe as many layers as possible)?

1. In Act I, scene I, Montague refers to Romeo as a bud of a flower being eaten by a worm. What flower metaphor does Juliet use, and what does it mean? What do you think it means? Why do you think Shakespeare used flower images and metaphors?

1. Explain, in brief, what Juliet asks Romeo to do in the speech beginning with “Three words, dear Romeo.” (p 29)

scene iii:

1. Why does Romeo seek out Friar Lawrence immediately after the scene with Juliet?

1. Why is Friar Lawrence so surprised in his speech that begins, “Holy Saint Francis…”?

1. Why does the Friar decide to assist Romeo? Write down the key quote.

1. Describe how Romeo and the friar differ.

scene iv:

1. Describe Romeo’s mood now.

1. What news does Benvolio have about Tybalt?

1. Do you think the nurse is wise to act as an intermediary between Romeo and Juliet? Why?

1. What does the Nurse mean when she warns Romeo not to “deal double” with Juliet?

scene v:

1. What is Juliet’s state during her opening soliloquy – what is the tone of her speech?

1. Explain the misunderstanding between the Nurse and Juliet.

1. What phrases indicate the haste involved in the plot?

scene vi:

Find the key line in the Friar’s opening monologue that foreshadows the lovers’ end and describe its meaning.

Act II: key quote analysis

As we read, you will have time to interpret each of the following quotes into “modern English” and write their importance in our play. Use the chart below to organize your thoughts.