romeo and Juliette test Flashcards
Why did Shakespeare choose to begin the play with a brawl?
to immediately capture the audience’s attention
What does it mean to “bite one’s thumb”?
rude and disrespectful gesture
What are Romeo’s parents concerned about?
about Romeo’s state of mind; he is depressed
Sampson and Gregory are servants to which household?
servants to the Capulets
How is Tybalt characterized?
hot-headed
How is Benvolio characterized?
thoughtful and fearful of the law
How is Romeo characterized?
distracted and lovelorn
Explain the idea of “masculine honour” in Verona.
a man MUST defend his honour whether attacked physically or verbally;he has to fight back
What does Prince Escalus proclaim will happen to the next person caught disturbing the peace?
a death sentence to the next person who disturbs the peace
Why does Peter show Romeo and Benvolio the guest list for the Capulet masquerade ball?
Peter, doesn’t know how to read and asks Romeo to read the names on the guest list
Does Juliet have any say in who she will marry?
not have any say about who she will marry; she is under parental authority – especially her father
Why does Romeo agree to go to the ball?
only because Rosaline will be there
What does Benvolio tell Romeo he should do at the masquerade ball?
Benvolio tells Romeo he should check out all the beautiful women at the ball in order to forget about Rosaline
Capulet gives Paris his blessing to marry Juliet, but what condition does he insist on?
but insists they wait two years
List four adjectives to describe Juliet’s character.
strong, obedient, intelligent, and naïve
What kind of mother is Lady Capulet?
Lady Capulet is a flighty and ineffectual mother
What important matter does Lady Capulet need to talk to Juliet about?
about marriage
Who is Queen Mab?
a fairy that brings dreams to sleeping people
Describe Mercutio.
Mercutio is whirling, full of puns, and a man of excess
Romeo’s passions are founded on the acceptance of what ideal?
ideal of romantic love
Tybalt’s passions are founded on the acceptance of what ideal?
ideal of masculine honour
Explain how Mercutio contrasts characters such as Romeo and Tybalt.
he sees through the blindness caused by such ideals
How does Romeo feel when he sees Juliet for the first time?
Romeo is “transfixed”
What does Tybalt want to do when he recognizes Romeo’s voice?
wants to fight him
