English Literature Flashcards

1
Q

What is the main conflict in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The main conflict is the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, which ultimately leads to tragedy.

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2
Q

Identify and explain the significance of the quote: “A plague o’ both your houses!”

A

Mercutio says this as he curses both the Montagues and Capulets, blaming them for his death.

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3
Q

How does Shakespeare present the theme of fate in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Through the prologue and various omens, Shakespeare presents fate as an unavoidable force that drives the plot.

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4
Q

Describe the character development of Juliet from the beginning to the end of the play.

A

Juliet evolves from a naive, obedient girl to a strong, determined woman who defies her family for love.

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5
Q

What role does Friar Lawrence play in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet?

A

Friar Lawrence acts as a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed advisor whose plans contribute to the tragedy.

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6
Q

How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Shakespeare uses dramatic irony extensively, particularly in scenes where the audience knows more than the characters, like Romeo’s misunderstanding of Juliet’s “death.”

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7
Q

What are the key themes in the play “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The key themes include love, conflict, fate, and death.

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8
Q

What is the historical context of “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The play is set in Verona during the Renaissance, a period marked by family honor and arranged marriages.

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9
Q

Compare the characters of Romeo and Tybalt.

A

Romeo is impulsive and passionate, while Tybalt is aggressive and obsessed with family honor.

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10
Q

How does the setting influence the events in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The setting in Verona, a city plagued by family feuds, amplifies the sense of inevitable tragedy.

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11
Q

Explain the significance of the balcony scene (Act 2, Scene 2).

A

The balcony scene symbolizes the idealistic and passionate love between Romeo and Juliet, set apart from the real world’s conflicts.

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12
Q

Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt initially?

A

Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt because, unknown to Tybalt, they are now family through Romeo’s secret marriage to Juliet.

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13
Q

What is the meaning of the quote: “These violent delights have violent ends.”?

A

Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that intense emotions, like his passion for Juliet, can lead to destructive outcomes.

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14
Q

How does the theme of conflict manifest in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Conflict manifests through the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, Romeo’s inner struggles, and the societal pressures on the characters.

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15
Q

Discuss the role of fate versus free will in the play.

A

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.

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16
Q

What is the function of the character of the Nurse?

A

The Nurse serves as Juliet’s confidante and messenger, adding comic relief and highlighting Juliet’s youthful innocence.

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17
Q

Analyze the role of Paris in the play.

A

Paris represents the social expectations of arranged marriage and the conventional suitor, contrasting with Romeo’s passionate love.

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18
Q

How does Shakespeare use light and dark imagery in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Light and dark imagery is used to contrast the beauty of Romeo and Juliet’s love with the darkness of the surrounding conflict.

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19
Q

What is the climax of the play “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The climax occurs when Romeo kills Tybalt, setting off a chain of events leading to the ultimate tragedy.

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20
Q

How does Juliet defy gender roles in the play?

A

Juliet defies gender roles by making independent decisions, pursuing her love for Romeo, and rejecting Paris, who is chosen for her.

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21
Q

Explain the significance of the prologue in “Romeo and Juliet”.

A

The prologue sets the stage for the tragedy by introducing the themes of fate, love, and the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

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22
Q

What role does time play in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Time is a recurring theme, emphasizing the haste and urgency of Romeo and Juliet’s actions, which contributes to the tragic outcome.

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23
Q

How does Shakespeare portray the theme of love in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Shakespeare portrays love as multifaceted, showing romantic love, familial love, and the destructive consequences of passionate love.

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24
Q

What is the significance of Romeo’s dream in Act 5?

A

Romeo’s dream foreshadows the play’s tragic end, highlighting the theme of fate as he dreams of Juliet finding him dead.

25
Q

How does the play explore the theme of individual versus society?

A

The play explores this theme through the lovers’ struggle against societal expectations and family pressures that ultimately lead to their demise.

26
Q

What literary device is used in the line “O brawling love! O loving hate!” and what does it signify?

A

This is an example of an oxymoron, signifying the conflicting emotions Romeo feels towards love.

27
Q

What is the role of the Prince in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The Prince represents law and order in Verona, trying to quell the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

28
Q

How does the theme of death shape the narrative of “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Death is a constant presence, shaping the characters’ decisions and leading to the inevitable tragic conclusion.

29
Q

What lesson does “Romeo and Juliet” offer about family loyalty?

A

The play suggests that blind loyalty to family can lead to destructive outcomes, as seen in the tragic end of the lovers.

30
Q

How does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Shakespeare uses foreshadowing through dialogue and imagery to hint at the tragic fate awaiting the protagonists.

31
Q

Discuss the significance of Mercutio’s character in the play.

A

Mercutio serves as a foil to Romeo, providing a cynical perspective on love and challenging the seriousness of the feud.

32
Q

Why is Act 3, Scene 1 pivotal in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Act 3, Scene 1 is pivotal because it marks the transition from romance to tragedy with the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt.

33
Q

What does Juliet’s soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 3 reveal about her character?

A

Juliet’s soliloquy reveals her inner strength, determination, and fear as she contemplates taking the potion.

34
Q

How does the relationship between Romeo and Juliet develop throughout the play?

A

Their relationship develops from infatuation to deep, passionate love, ultimately leading them to defy their families and society.

35
Q

What are the consequences of Romeo killing Tybalt?

A

Romeo’s killing of Tybalt leads to his banishment, which separates him from Juliet and accelerates the tragic events of the play.

36
Q

What role do misunderstandings play in the tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

Misunderstandings, such as the miscommunication about Juliet’s feigned death, are central to the tragedy, leading to the lovers’ demise.

37
Q

How is the theme of youth versus age portrayed in “Romeo and Juliet”?

A

The theme is portrayed through the impulsive actions of the young lovers compared to the cautious, often misguided decisions of their elders.

38
Q

What is the effect of the poetic language used by Romeo and Juliet?

A

The poetic language emphasizes the intensity of their emotions and sets their love apart from the violence and hatred in the play.

39
Q

Explain the importance of the setting in “Romeo and Juliet”.

A

The setting in Verona, a city of conflict and family honor, enhances the themes of love, violence, and fate.

40
Q

How does the play end, and what message does Shakespeare convey through the ending?

A

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.

41
Q

What is the significance of the novel’s ending in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

The novel ends with Jekyll’s confession, explaining Hyde’s creation, symbolizing the duality of human nature.

42
Q

What is the major turning point in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

The turning point is when Dr. Lanyon witnesses Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde, revealing their connection.

43
Q

How is Dr. Jekyll presented in the novel?

A

Jekyll is a respectable scientist who struggles with his dual nature and creates Hyde to separate good from evil.

44
Q

What does Mr. Hyde represent in the novel?

A

Hyde represents Jekyll’s repressed evil desires and is violent, deformed, and lacks conscience.

45
Q

How does Mr. Utterson serve as a key figure in the story?

A

Utterson is a moral figure who investigates the mystery of Hyde and represents Victorian values.

46
Q

How does Stevenson explore the theme of duality in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

Stevenson shows that all people have both good and evil sides, with Jekyll and Hyde symbolizing this conflict.

47
Q

How does the novel reflect repression in Victorian society?

A

Victorian society’s moral codes led people to repress darker desires; Jekyll’s transformation shows the results of repression.

48
Q

In what ways does Jekyll and Hyde explore the conflict between science and religion?

A

Jekyll’s experiments challenge religious morality, reflecting anxiety about unchecked scientific progress.

49
Q

What does the door symbolize in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

The door symbolizes the barrier between Jekyll’s respectable public life and his immoral activities as Hyde.

50
Q

How is Hyde’s physical appearance symbolic?

A

Hyde’s deformed appearance symbolizes moral corruption and the evil inside Jekyll.

51
Q

How does Victorian London influence the setting of the novel?

A

The foggy, dark streets of London enhance the novel’s themes of secrecy, duality, and societal decay.

52
Q

What societal issues does Stevenson address in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

Stevenson critiques Victorian morality, scientific advancement, and the repression of human nature.

53
Q

What is the significance of the quote, “Man is not truly one, but truly two”?

A

This quote reflects the central theme of duality, emphasizing the divided nature of man between good and evil.

54
Q

What does the quote, “I concealed my pleasures” reveal about Jekyll?

A

It reveals Jekyll’s internal conflict and the repression of desires that leads to the creation of Hyde.

55
Q

How does Stevenson use foreshadowing in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

Stevenson hints at the connection between Jekyll and Hyde through contrasting descriptions of their behavior.

56
Q

What is the effect of using multiple narrators in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

It adds layers of mystery and suspense, offering different perspectives on the story’s events.

57
Q

How does Stevenson present Hyde as evil?

A

Hyde is deformed, animalistic, and violent, symbolizing the embodiment of pure evil.

58
Q

How is the theme of duality presented through the setting in Jekyll and Hyde?

A

The contrasting areas of London reflect Jekyll’s public persona and Hyde’s immersion in crime and immorality.