Act II - Romeo and Juliet

Question 1

What is the primary key to reading blank verse?

Answer 1

1) Pay attention to punctuation rather than line endings.
2) Blank verse is unrhymed iambic pentameter lines.
3) They have five iambic feet: . / . / . / . / . /

Question 2

In Act II, what does Friar Lawrence’s agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet show about his character?

Answer 2

Friar Lawrence believes that Romeo and Juliet’s marrying will end the feud. This shows that he looks beyond the immediate events and takes the long view.

Question 3

What character trait of Romeo is emphasized by the sociability of Benvolio and Mercutio in Act II?

Answer 3

Moodiness

Question 4

In Act II, why are Benvolio and Mercutio concerned about the letter that has arrived at Romeo’s father’s house?

Answer 4

Tybalt sends a letter challenging Romeo to a duel. Benvolio and Mercutio doubt that Romeo can win a duel with Tybalt because he is lovesick, struck by Cupid’s arrow.

Question 5

In Act II, how does Benvolio serve as a foil for Mercutio?

Answer 5

Mercutio is a joker. Benvolio is serious.

Question 6

In Act II, what are the differences in attitudes towards love between Romeo and Friar Lawrence and Mercutio?

Answer 6

1) Romeo is romantic.
2) Friar Lawrence is practical and realistic.
3) Mercutio is provocative and indecent.

Question 7

In Act II, what makes Romeo’s love for Juliet different from his love for Rosaline?

Answer 7

Unlike Rosaline, Juliet returns Romeo’s love. Romeo had a one-sided love affair/infatuation with Rosaline. Juliet loves Romeo back.

Question 8

What is Act II mainly about?

Answer 8

Romeo and Juliet’s marriage.