Quotes Flashcards
“A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” (Prologue)
Speaker: Chorus
Context: This line from the Prologue summarises the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet.
Significance: It introduces the theme of fate and foreshadows the inevitable deaths of the two lovers. The phrase “star-crossed” suggests that their love is doomed by the stars (i.e., by fate)
“O brawling love, O loving hate” (Act 1, Scene 1)
Speaker: Romeo
Context: Romeo laments his unrequited love for Rosaline, expressing confusion and turmoil.
Significance: This oxymoron reflects the theme of conflicting emotions, particularly the tension between love and hate. It also introduces Romeo’s impulsive and passionate nature.
“What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee” (Act 1, Scene 1)
Speaker: Tybalt
Context: Tybalt expresses his hatred for the Montagues during a street fight.
Significance: Tybalt’s aggressive nature and intense hatred for the Montagues are revealed here. His violent tendencies fuel the ongoing conflict between the two families.
“What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee” (Act 1, Scene 1)
Speaker: Tybalt
Context: Tybalt expresses his hatred for the Montagues during a street fight.
Significance: Tybalt’s aggressive nature and intense hatred for the Montagues are revealed here. His violent tendencies fuel the ongoing conflict between the two families.
“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! / For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Speaker: Romeo
Context: Romeo sees Juliet for the first time at the Capulet ball and immediately falls in love with her.
Significance: This quote shows Romeo’s impulsive nature, as he quickly forgets his love for Rosaline upon seeing Juliet. It highlights the theme of love at first sight and Romeo’s youthful passion.
“If I profane with my unworthiest hand / This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Speaker: Romeo
Context: Romeo speaks to Juliet for the first time, comparing her to a holy shrine.
Significance: This religious imagery elevates their love to something sacred and pure. Romeo’s respectful, reverent language towards Juliet contrasts with the violence of the feud between their families.
“My only love sprung from my only hate!” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Speaker: Juliet
Context: After learning that Romeo is a Montague, Juliet is distraught that the person she loves belongs to the family her own family despises.
Significance: This line encapsulates the central conflict of the play – the love between Romeo and Juliet is in direct opposition to the feud between their families. The quote also reflects the theme of love and hate being intertwined.
“But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun” (Act 2, Scene 2)
Speaker: Romeo
Context: During the famous balcony scene, Romeo sees Juliet at her window and compares her to the sun.
Significance: This metaphor highlights Juliet’s beauty and importance to Romeo, portraying her as a source of light and life. The imagery of light and darkness is a recurring motif in the play.
“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” (Act 2, Scene 2)
Speaker: Juliet
Context: Juliet wonders why Romeo must be a Montague, the enemy of her family.
Significance: The quote reflects Juliet’s internal conflict as she grapples with her love for Romeo despite the feud. “Wherefore” means “why,” so she is asking why Romeo must be her enemy.
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet” (Act 2, Scene 2)
Speaker: Juliet
Context: Juliet muses that Romeo’s name, being a Montague, should not matter to their love.
Significance: This famous line emphasises the theme of identity and the arbitrary nature of names. Juliet argues that a name is irrelevant to the essence of a person, suggesting that the feud between the families is meaningless.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Act 2, Scene 2)
Speaker: Juliet
Context: As Romeo leaves after the balcony scene, Juliet expresses her sadness at their parting.
Significance: This oxymoron captures the bittersweet nature of their love. The sorrow of their separation is softened by the anticipation of their next meeting.
“These violent delights have violent ends” (Act 2, Scene 6)
Speaker: Friar Laurence
Context: Before marrying Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence warns them of the dangers of intense, sudden passion.
Significance: This foreshadows the tragic outcome of the play. The Friar’s words highlight the theme of impulsive behaviour and the idea that extreme emotions can lead to disastrous consequences.
“A plague o’ both your houses!” (Act 3, Scene 1)
Speaker: Mercutio
Context: After being fatally wounded by Tybalt, Mercutio curses both the Montagues and Capulets.
Significance: Mercutio’s curse foreshadows the tragedy that will befall both families. His death marks a turning point in the play, escalating the conflict and leading to more violence.
“O, I am fortune’s fool!” (Act 3, Scene 1)
Speaker: Romeo
Context: After killing Tybalt in a fit of rage, Romeo realises the gravity of his actions.
Significance: This line highlights the theme of fate. Romeo believes he is a victim of destiny, unable to control the events that unfold around him. It also reflects his impulsive nature, as he regrets his actions too late.
“Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” (Act 3, Scene 2)
Speaker: Juliet
Context: Juliet eagerly awaits nightfall, when she and Romeo can be together after their secret marriage.
Significance: This soliloquy reflects Juliet’s passion and impatience, as well as her desire to escape the harsh realities of the day. The imagery of night and darkness is associated with love and secrecy throughout the play.
