HW for Tuesday, 5/22

Romeo and Juliet

Act II, prologue through scene 2 questions

(not all line numbers will match)

Please answer all of the following questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

Prologue
1) According to the Prologue, what has happened to Romeo’s old love? What is his new problem? What line of the Prologue suggests what the love of these young people is based on?


Scene I
1) What is Benvolio’s tone here? W hy would Romeo be angry at Mercutio’s remarks?


Scene II
1) Romeo has heard all the joking. Whom is he referring to here, and what kind of “wound” is he talking about?
2) Romeo and Juliet rarely talk of each other in straightforward prose. What are some of the metaphors and images that Romeo uses to express his love here?
3) Juliet does not know Romeo is standing beneath her balcony. What has Romeo now learned about her feelings for him?
4) The two lovers will repeatedly remind us that they prefer death to separation. What does this speech tell us of Romeo’s intentions? Do you think he is seriously thinking of death here, or is he being impulsive and exaggerating----as many people are when they’ve fallen in love?
5) Why is Juliet afraid of having Romeo swear by the moon?
6) Romeo is quick with vows and promises. Why has Juliet become fearful and cautious?
7) What terrible future event does this line foreshadow?
8) Why is parting “sweet” to Juliet? Is she enjoying this prolonged farewell?