Romeo and Juliet Act 1, Scene 2

Question 1

Describe how the scene opens.

Answer 1

The scene opens with Lord Capulet telling Paris that he and Lord Montague have been ordered not to fight, and he thinks they will be able to “keep the peace”.

Question 2

Who asked Lord Capulet’s permission to marry Juliet?

Answer 2

Paris

Question 3

What was Lord Capulet’s answer on this question to marry his daughter, Juliet?

Answer 3

Lord Capulet said that Juliet is too young, only 13. He says that Paris should wait another two years. He also said that Juliet must agree to the marriage.

Question 4

Explain why Montague and Capulet are being punished.

Answer 4

Prince Escalus is punishing them for the public quarrel between their servants

Question 5

Paris says that both Montague and Capulet are “of honourable reckoning”. Explain what Paris’s words reveal about the characters of the two lords

Answer 5

They are both honourable and respected

Question 6

“But now, my lord, what say you to my suit?” To what ‘suit’ is Paris referring?

Answer 6

His marriage proposal.

Question 7

“The earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she, She is the hopeful lady of my earth,”

Identify the figure of speech used by Lord Capulet in these lines.

Answer 7

Metaphor OR personification

Question 8

Use your OWN words to explain what Lord Capulet means in “The earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she, She is the hopeful lady of my earth,”

Answer 8

All his other children are dead and buried. Juliet is the only remaining child he has to bring him happiness.

Question 9

State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE and support your answer from the extract:
Capulet refuses to allow Paris to marry Juliet.

Answer 9

False. He only wants Paris to wait another two years.

Question 10

Capulet invites Paris to his feast that might. What does he intend Paris to do there?

Answer 10

He wants Paris to impress Juliet and win her heart.

Question 11

Why does Capulet call Juliet “a stranger in the world”?

Answer 11

Juliet is still young and unused to society and the world.

Question 12

What is Juliet’s age? Quote from the extract to support your answer.

Answer 12

Thirteen years old. “She has not seen the change of fourteen ways.”

Question 13

Capulet asks a favour of Paris concerning the wedding. What is his request?

Answer 13

Capulet asks Paris to wait another two years before he marries Juliet.

Question 14

Do you think Paris is pleased with Capulet’s request? What answer does he give?

Answer 14

No, Paris is not pleased at all. He says that girls younger than Juliet are happy mothers already.

Question 15

Explain, “the earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she,” in your own words.

Answer 15

Capulet says that all his children, apart from Juliet, have died.

Question 16

Capulet encourages Paris to “woo” Juliet. What is a modern English word for “woo”?

Answer 16

To “woo” means to date someone so that they learn to love you.

Question 17

“An she agree, within her scope of choice, Lies my consent and fair according voice.”

Would you agree that Capulet means it when he tells Paris that Juliet has the final say in the choice of her husband?

Answer 17

No, I don’t agree that he means it. In those days, girls didn’t have the final say in their choice of husband. Their parents did. Most marriage were pre-arranged.
OR
Yes, I think he did mean it. Although most parents in those days decided who their children married, Capulet is a very soft-hearted father towards Juliet. He would care about how she felt about marrying Paris.

Question 18

Capulet says that Paris will be very welcome at the feast that night. Who else will be present who will not be at all welcome?

Answer 18

Romeo.

Question 19

For questions 19-21, refer to lines 1-38: What does Capulet mean by “Earth-treading stars” (L.25)?

Answer 19

Beautiful young women will be at the ball that night.

Question 20

Who else gave, and to whom did he give, advice that he should look at other beautiful young women before making a final choice?

Answer 20

Benvolio. He gives the same advice to Romeo.

Question 21

What instructions does Capulet give to his servant?

Answer 21

Capulet tells his servant to go to the homes of all the people whose names he has written on a list and invite them to his house that evening.

Question 22

For questions 22-25 refer to lines 39-81:

Why must the servant go to a learned person?

Answer 22

The servant cannot read the names on the list old Capulet has given him.

Question 23

Is Romeo as much in love with Rosaline as he says he is?

Answer 23

Romeo is not really in love with Rosaline at all, as we will see when he falls in love with Juliet and forgets immediately about Rosaline.

Question 24

Whose name on the list the servant carries, would catch Romeo’s attention?

Answer 24

Rosaline

Question 25

The servant invites Romeo to the feast, but on what condition?

Answer 25

Romeo can attend the feast on the condition that he doesn’t belong to the Montague family.

Question 26

For questions 26-27 refer to lines 82-101:

How will Benvolio try to make Romeo think that Rosaline is as ugly as a crow?

Answer 26

Benvolio will show Romeo many other girls at Capulet’s feast who will be much more beautiful than Rosaline.

Question 27

For what reason does Romeo agree to go to Capulet’s feast?

Answer 27

Romeo goes not to look at other girls, but to enjoy the beauty of Rosaline.