1. Things to know & Literary terms

2. The prologue to Act I suggests that the relationship of Romeo and Juliet is doomed from the start. Some people believe that things are fated to happen, no matter what. Others believe that your actions can change the course of your life. What are your beliefs about fate?

3. What role do you think a family should have in the selection of their child’s wife or husband?

4. As you read, notice the opposites (love/hate; light/dark) that Shakespeare provides in his language and imagery. Think about what purposes opposites might have in this play.

5. A foil is a character in literature who has qualities that are in sharp contrast to another character, thus emphasizing the traits of each. Example: Paris is responsible and highly regarded and Romeo is brash and emotional.

6. Hyperbole is exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. Example: Lord Montague to describe Romeo’s lovesickness claims that Romeo locks himself up in his room “and make himself and artificial night”

7. A pun is a play on words that have similar sounds but more than one possible spelling or meaning. Example: Romeo says Mercutio has “nimble soles”, but he himself has “a soul of lead”.

8. Lord Capulet Lady Capulet Juliet Tybalt Nurse (not an actual member of the family)

9. Lord Montague Lady Montague Romeo Benvolio

10. Mercutio Prince Escalus Paris