English Literature Flashcards
What is the main conflict in “Romeo and Juliet”?
The main conflict is the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, which ultimately leads to tragedy.
Identify and explain the significance of the quote: “A plague o’ both your houses!”
Mercutio says this as he curses both the Montagues and Capulets, blaming them for his death.
How does Shakespeare present the theme of fate in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Through the prologue and various omens, Shakespeare presents fate as an unavoidable force that drives the plot.
Describe the character development of Juliet from the beginning to the end of the play.
Juliet evolves from a naive, obedient girl to a strong, determined woman who defies her family for love.
What role does Friar Lawrence play in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet?
Friar Lawrence acts as a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed advisor whose plans contribute to the tragedy.
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Shakespeare uses dramatic irony extensively, particularly in scenes where the audience knows more than the characters, like Romeo’s misunderstanding of Juliet’s “death.”
What are the key themes in the play “Romeo and Juliet”?
The key themes include love, conflict, fate, and death.
What is the historical context of “Romeo and Juliet”?
The play is set in Verona during the Renaissance, a period marked by family honor and arranged marriages.
Compare the characters of Romeo and Tybalt.
Romeo is impulsive and passionate, while Tybalt is aggressive and obsessed with family honor.
How does the setting influence the events in “Romeo and Juliet”?
The setting in Verona, a city plagued by family feuds, amplifies the sense of inevitable tragedy.
Explain the significance of the balcony scene (Act 2, Scene 2).
The balcony scene symbolizes the idealistic and passionate love between Romeo and Juliet, set apart from the real world’s conflicts.
Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt initially?
Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt because, unknown to Tybalt, they are now family through Romeo’s secret marriage to Juliet.
What is the meaning of the quote: “These violent delights have violent ends.”?
Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that intense emotions, like his passion for Juliet, can lead to destructive outcomes.
How does the theme of conflict manifest in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Conflict manifests through the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, Romeo’s inner struggles, and the societal pressures on the characters.
Discuss the role of fate versus free will in the play.
While fate seems to dictate the characters’ destinies, their choices, such as Romeo and Juliet’s decision to marry, also drive the plot towards tragedy.
What is the function of the character of the Nurse?
The Nurse serves as Juliet’s confidante and messenger, adding comic relief and highlighting Juliet’s youthful innocence.
Analyze the role of Paris in the play.
Paris represents the social expectations of arranged marriage and the conventional suitor, contrasting with Romeo’s passionate love.
How does Shakespeare use light and dark imagery in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Light and dark imagery is used to contrast the beauty of Romeo and Juliet’s love with the darkness of the surrounding conflict.
What is the climax of the play “Romeo and Juliet”?
The climax occurs when Romeo kills Tybalt, setting off a chain of events leading to the ultimate tragedy.
How does Juliet defy gender roles in the play?
Juliet defies gender roles by making independent decisions, pursuing her love for Romeo, and rejecting Paris, who is chosen for her.
Explain the significance of the prologue in “Romeo and Juliet”.
The prologue sets the stage for the tragedy by introducing the themes of fate, love, and the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
What role does time play in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Time is a recurring theme, emphasizing the haste and urgency of Romeo and Juliet’s actions, which contributes to the tragic outcome.
How does Shakespeare portray the theme of love in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Shakespeare portrays love as multifaceted, showing romantic love, familial love, and the destructive consequences of passionate love.
What is the significance of Romeo’s dream in Act 5?
Romeo’s dream foreshadows the play’s tragic end, highlighting the theme of fate as he dreams of Juliet finding him dead.
How does the play explore the theme of individual versus society?
The play explores this theme through the lovers’ struggle against societal expectations and family pressures that ultimately lead to their demise.
What literary device is used in the line “O brawling love! O loving hate!” and what does it signify?
This is an example of an oxymoron, signifying the conflicting emotions Romeo feels towards love.
What is the role of the Prince in “Romeo and Juliet”?
The Prince represents law and order in Verona, trying to quell the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
How does the theme of death shape the narrative of “Romeo and Juliet”?
Death is a constant presence, shaping the characters’ decisions and leading to the inevitable tragic conclusion.
What lesson does “Romeo and Juliet” offer about family loyalty?
The play suggests that blind loyalty to family can lead to destructive outcomes, as seen in the tragic end of the lovers.
How does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Shakespeare uses foreshadowing through dialogue and imagery to hint at the tragic fate awaiting the protagonists.
Discuss the significance of Mercutio’s character in the play.
Mercutio serves as a foil to Romeo, providing a cynical perspective on love and challenging the seriousness of the feud.
Why is Act 3, Scene 1 pivotal in “Romeo and Juliet”?
Act 3, Scene 1 is pivotal because it marks the transition from romance to tragedy with the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt.
What does Juliet’s soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 3 reveal about her character?
Juliet’s soliloquy reveals her inner strength, determination, and fear as she contemplates taking the potion.
How does the relationship between Romeo and Juliet develop throughout the play?
Their relationship develops from infatuation to deep, passionate love, ultimately leading them to defy their families and society.
What are the consequences of Romeo killing Tybalt?
Romeo’s killing of Tybalt leads to his banishment, which separates him from Juliet and accelerates the tragic events of the play.
What role do misunderstandings play in the tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”?
Misunderstandings, such as the miscommunication about Juliet’s feigned death, are central to the tragedy, leading to the lovers’ demise.
How is the theme of youth versus age portrayed in “Romeo and Juliet”?
The theme is portrayed through the impulsive actions of the young lovers compared to the cautious, often misguided decisions of their elders.
What is the effect of the poetic language used by Romeo and Juliet?
The poetic language emphasizes the intensity of their emotions and sets their love apart from the violence and hatred in the play.
Explain the importance of the setting in “Romeo and Juliet”.
The setting in Verona, a city of conflict and family honor, enhances the themes of love, violence, and fate.
How does the play end, and what message does Shakespeare convey through the ending?
The play ends with the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, conveying a message about the futility of feuds and the tragic consequences of unyielding hatred.
What is the significance of the novel’s ending in Jekyll and Hyde?
The novel ends with Jekyll’s confession, explaining Hyde’s creation, symbolizing the duality of human nature.
What is the major turning point in Jekyll and Hyde?
The turning point is when Dr. Lanyon witnesses Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde, revealing their connection.
How is Dr. Jekyll presented in the novel?
Jekyll is a respectable scientist who struggles with his dual nature and creates Hyde to separate good from evil.
What does Mr. Hyde represent in the novel?
Hyde represents Jekyll’s repressed evil desires and is violent, deformed, and lacks conscience.
How does Mr. Utterson serve as a key figure in the story?
Utterson is a moral figure who investigates the mystery of Hyde and represents Victorian values.
How does Stevenson explore the theme of duality in Jekyll and Hyde?
Stevenson shows that all people have both good and evil sides, with Jekyll and Hyde symbolizing this conflict.
How does the novel reflect repression in Victorian society?
Victorian society’s moral codes led people to repress darker desires; Jekyll’s transformation shows the results of repression.
In what ways does Jekyll and Hyde explore the conflict between science and religion?
Jekyll’s experiments challenge religious morality, reflecting anxiety about unchecked scientific progress.
What does the door symbolize in Jekyll and Hyde?
The door symbolizes the barrier between Jekyll’s respectable public life and his immoral activities as Hyde.
How is Hyde’s physical appearance symbolic?
Hyde’s deformed appearance symbolizes moral corruption and the evil inside Jekyll.
How does Victorian London influence the setting of the novel?
The foggy, dark streets of London enhance the novel’s themes of secrecy, duality, and societal decay.
What societal issues does Stevenson address in Jekyll and Hyde?
Stevenson critiques Victorian morality, scientific advancement, and the repression of human nature.
What is the significance of the quote, “Man is not truly one, but truly two”?
This quote reflects the central theme of duality, emphasizing the divided nature of man between good and evil.
What does the quote, “I concealed my pleasures” reveal about Jekyll?
It reveals Jekyll’s internal conflict and the repression of desires that leads to the creation of Hyde.
How does Stevenson use foreshadowing in Jekyll and Hyde?
Stevenson hints at the connection between Jekyll and Hyde through contrasting descriptions of their behavior.
What is the effect of using multiple narrators in Jekyll and Hyde?
It adds layers of mystery and suspense, offering different perspectives on the story’s events.
How does Stevenson present Hyde as evil?
Hyde is deformed, animalistic, and violent, symbolizing the embodiment of pure evil.
How is the theme of duality presented through the setting in Jekyll and Hyde?
The contrasting areas of London reflect Jekyll’s public persona and Hyde’s immersion in crime and immorality.
