Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Flashcards
What is the surprising accusation Mercutio makes against Benvolio in Act III?
Mercutio humorously accuses Benvolio of being quarrelsome and willing to fight over trivial things, which is ironic given Benvolio’s usual role as a peacemaker.
After being insulted by Tybalt, how does Romeo respond?
After being insulted by Tybalt, Romeo responds with calmness, refusing to be provoked into anger. He speaks about loving Tybalt due to reasons he will keep to himself, but which outweigh Tybalt’s provocations.
What does Mercutio think of Romeo’s response to Tybalt?
Mercutio is disgusted by Romeo’s calm response, interpreting it as cowardice.
Explain the significance of Mercutio’s line ‘A plague o’ both your houses!’
This exclamation by Mercutio as he is dying curses both the Montague and Capulet families, blaming them for his fate and foreshadowing further tragedy.
Identify one of Mercutio’s ironic death scene lines.
One example is ‘Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.’
Paraphrase Romeo’s revenge challenge to Tybalt.
Romeo tells Tybalt that either he or Tybalt or both will join Mercutio in death shortly.
Explain the significance of Romeo’s line ‘O, I am fortune’s fool!’
Romeo acknowledges that fate has manipulated him into a tragic situation despite his intentions.
What demand does Lady Capulet make?
She demands Romeo’s life, insisting that he must die for killing Tybalt.
What argument does Montague make to the Prince?
Montague argues that Romeo only exacted the law, which would have applied anyway as Tybalt killed Mercutio.
What judgement does the Prince make?
The Prince exiles Romeo from Verona, stating that he will be killed if he returns.
What news does the Nurse bring Juliet?
The Nurse tells Juliet that Tybalt has been killed by Romeo, who is now banished.
Summarize Juliet’s reaction to the news.
Juliet is initially confused and distraught, torn between grief for her cousin and despair for her husband’s banishment.
Describe Romeo’s emotional state at being banished.
Romeo is devastated by his banishment, feeling it’s worse than death because it separates him from Juliet.
How does the Friar react to Romeo?
The Friar scolds Romeo for his despair, calling him ungrateful for the mercy of banishment over death.
What plan/advice does the Friar give Romeo?
The Friar advises Romeo to visit Juliet for their wedding night, then escape to Mantua until the Friar can reconcile their families and secure a pardon.
