HW for Friday, 5/18

If you missed class today, you will have to read these scenes on your own. Please see the links for Tuesday, May 15 to access the play.


Act I, scenes 4-5 questions

Please answer 10 of the 14 questions below.  Answer in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

Scene 4
1) The stage is lit with torches and filled with masked men. It is night. The mood is one of excitement. As we see Romeo, what does he say in the next speeches to indicate that he is still heavy-hearted?
2) Line 13 Mercutio is a key character. He and Romeo speak about love. In their dialogue, how do Mercutio and Romeo differ in their attitude toward love?
3) In what ways does Mercutio show that he is a good friend to Romeo? Would you want to be Mercutio’s friend?
4) Line 53. Mercutio is a ringleader and a born entertainer. As he tells this story about Queen Mab, everyone stops and listens in fascinated silence. How is Mercutio in his famous speech trying to get Romeo’s mind off serious thoughts about dreams and their significance? According to Mercutio, what does Queen Mab have to do with Romeo?
5) Romeo again expresses feelings that something terrible will happen. Does he give any reasons for his fears? Which words in this speech suggest that he is going to the party because he is in the hands of fate?

Scene 5
1) What has happened to Romeo as soon as he has seen Juliet?
2) Why would we feel a sense of fear when we see Tybalt stepping onto center stage again?
3) What is Capulet’s sensible reply to Tybalt’s hostility?
4) Line 95 In contrast to the raging Tybalt is Romeo, now on center stage with Juliet. Romeo takes Juliet’s hand and in their next 14 lines, the two lovers speak works from a sonnet. What does Romeo pretend to be to describe Juliet’s beauty?
5) Romeo and Juliet bring their palms together. What in their words suggest that this is what they are doing?
6) As the two kiss, what would the audience fear as they watch this?
7) What do we know about the Capulet’s plans that Romeo does not know?
8) Who interrupts the dance?
9) At the end of this scene, what has Juliet just realized?