Societal Standards

Question 1

Mercutio makes fun of Romeo for being in love trying to conjure him by saying “appear thou in the likeness of a sigh”

Answer 1

Men were expected to be tough and Romeo’s love made him weak in the eyes of Mercutio- Romeo’s way of loving so deeply was against societal norms

Question 2

Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt back when he challenges him over his presence at the Capulet feast and insults him?

Answer 2

Romeo is wiling to honour his newly born familial love for Tybalt over his duty to fight Tybalt for the Montague name

Question 3

Tybalt refuses to back down though Romeo tells him he does not wish to fight?

Answer 3

Tybalt is a typical Elizabethan man and his refusal to back down is a matter of maintaining his honour- His violent nature would have been entertaining for the men, especially, in an Elizabethan audience. However, by making his somewhat petty violence concerning Romeo attending the Capulet ball a moment that hinders Romeo and Juliet’s love, Shakespeare builds up hate for his violent nature.

Question 4

“O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!”

Answer 4

Mercutio’s comment on Romeo’s unwillingness to fight Tybalt. To him, Romeo is being weak and acting unlike a man should

Question 5

Romeo and Juliet meet at night, have sex at night and tragically die at night

Answer 5

SOCIETY is forcing them to have to keep their love separate and in the dark. SHakespeare is presenting a DIDACTIC message through them on how societal expectations and limits hinder human relations and feelings like love which are not made to be restrained

Question 6

“O calm…

Answer 6

…, dishonourable, vile submission!”