Love & Hate in Verona Act 1, Scene 1 To explore Act 1, Scene 1 of the play To analyse Romeo’s character and his role as a Tragic Hero

Act 1, Scene 1 Parts Montagues Capulets Neutral Abram Benvolio Lady Montague Romeo Capulets Sampson Gregory Tybalt Capulet Lady Capulet Neutral Officers Prince

The Servants’ Exchange Does the servants’ exchange make sense? Is it always clear who is talking to whom? Which lines are confusing? What is the meaning of the following statements: “I will frown as I pass by them” “bite your thumb” “draw if you be men”

Prince Escalus Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, Profaners of this neighbour-stained steel- Will they not hear? – What, ho! You men, you beasts, Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground, And hear the sentence of your movéd prince. Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, By thee, Old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets. If ever you disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. Once more, on pain of death, all men depart. What is revealed about the character who intervened? Why did he intervene? What does he say and why? What is the new law he has passed? What does ‘on pain of death’ mean? Why has Shakespeare chosen this moment for the Prince to enter the play?

Meet Romeo Montague Why is Romeo sad? What metaphors does Romeo use to describe love in lines 176 – 185? What advice does Benvolio give Romeo to stop him from feeling sad?

Romeo as a Tragic Hero So far in the play, how does Romeo fulfill the requirement for being a Tragic Hero? What stage is he on in his downfall? What is his Tragic Flaw?

Romeo’s OKCupid Profile Read over the selected quotes from Scene 1. What do they tell you about Romeo? What kind of a person is he? What is he looking for in a girl? Based on your findings, complete Romeo’s OKCupid profile. Once finished, e-mail it to dkempner@canons.harrow.sch.uk