Act 1 Scene 5

Question 1

LINES 1-16: Why do you think Shakespeare shows us this cheerful, busy scene?

Answer 1

It forms a contrast with the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet.

Question 2

LINES 17-41: What is Old Capulet talking about when he says, “ Tis gone, ‘tis gone, ‘tis gone”?

Answer 2

His youth is gone - the time when he was able to dance with all the pretty girls.

Question 3

Why do you think Shakespeare wants us to understand clearly that Capulet is an old man?

Answer 3

It makes us realises that Romeo and Juliet are very young. And because they are so young, their deaths are all the more tragic.

Question 4

LINES 42-53: What do you think is the most important word in this passage?

Answer 4

The word “true” in “For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night”

Question 5

Name at least two series of contrasts in the passage?

Answer 5

Contrasts: The brightness of the torches and the blackness of night / the whiteness of a snowy dove and the blackness of a crow / the sparkle of a jewel a black complexion.

Question 6

Many words that have a religious meaning are found in the play. What word in this passage has such a meaning?

Answer 6

“Blessed”.

Question 7

About whom is Romeo talking?

Answer 7

He is talking about Juliet.

Question 8

LINES 54-92: What does Tybalt think is the reason why Romeo came to the dance?

Answer 8

He thinks Romeo has come to make a mockery of, and to sneer at, the Capulet family.

Question 9

Why would Tybalt not think it a sin to kill Romeo?

Answer 9

If it were true that Romeo had mocked the honour of the Capulet family, Tybalt would think it right to kill him. (Of course, the irony is that Romeo will fall in love with a member of the Capulet family)

Question 10

Tybalt is described as “stormy” (Capulet says “wherefore storm you so?”). What phrase used to describe Romeo has an opposite meaning to stormy?

Answer 10

Romeo is behaving himself very well. Moreover, many people in Verona admire and like Romeo because he is good and well-mannered.

Question 11

What makes Tybalt’s flesh tremble?

Answer 11

Tybalt trembles because he has been forced to be patient when he is filled with anger.

Question 12

LINES 93-100: Lists a many words from this passage as you can that have a religious meaning?

Answer 12

Profane, holy, shrine, pilgrims, devotion, saints, palmers, prayer, pray, sin, purged, trespass

Question 13

Why do you think Shakespeare has used so many words that have a religious meaning?

Answer 13

Shakespeare shows that the love between Romeo and Juliet has a spiritual quality, in contrast to the physical and sometimes bawdy attitudes of people like the Nurse and Mercutio.

Question 14

LINES 111-127: What does the Nurse mean by “chinks”?

Answer 14

“Chinks” mean money - that is, the Capulets are very rich.

Question 15

Why is it surprising that Romeo is not interested in the fact that the Capulets are rich?

Answer 15

He is really in love with Juliet, and money is not important.

Question 16

What does Romeo mean when he says, “my life is my foe’s debt”?

Answer 16

The Capulets are the greatest enemies of the Montagues. Romeo is saying that his happiness (which depends on his life with Juliet) is at mercy of the Capulets, who are his enemies.

Question 17

What feelings does old Capulet show towards Romeo?

Answer 17

Old Capulet is polite and courteous. He is making an effort to keep the peace, as the Prince commanded. Also, Romeo has behaved well and everyone in Verona has a good opinion of him.

Question 18

LINES 128-146: What remark of Juliet’s is much truer than she knows?

Answer 18

“My grave is like to be my wedding-bed”. This is an example of dramatic irony.

Question 19

What does Juliet mean when she says, “My only love sprung from my only hate”?

Answer 19

Romeo is the only man Juliet loves, but his name is Montague. As a Capulet, she is suppose to hate this name.