Romeo and Juliet
Keeping track questions
Act 1
Prologue
What do we find out about this play from this speech?
The Prologue does not simply set the scene of 'Romeo and Juliet', it tells the
audience specifically what are the events that are going to occur over the course of
five acts.
The Prologue depicts two noble "households" in the city of "Verona" where they lay
their scene. They hold an “ancient grudge” against each other that serves as a source
of violence and bloody conflict.
The chorus refers to an ill-fated couple with the implication of the word
“star-crossed,” which suggests, against the stars. The Elizabethan audiences would
have instantly related to this, as stars were thought to control people’s destinies.
Why do you think Shakespeare begins the play in this way?
However, the Prologue itself creates a function of fate by providing the audience with
the understanding that our title characters, Romeo and Juliet will die before the play
has begun. The audience, therefore, watches the play with the expectation that it
must fulfil the terms set in the Prologue. The structure of the play itself is the fate
from which Romeo and Juliet cannot escape.
, Scene 1
Why does the fighting start?
The fighting is ignited by the sexual remarks made by Sampson and Gregory, the
two servants of the Capulet, as they saunter (roam) through the streets of Verona.
With bawdy banter, Sampson vents his hatred of the house of Montague. The two
exchange punning remarks about "pushing Montague's men from the wall" or
physically conquering the Montague men and "thrust his maids to the wall", or
having sex on the narrow streets of Verona with the Montague women. The origin of
the brawl, rife as it is with sexual and physical bravado, introduces the important
theme of masculine honour.
Gregory sees two Montague servants approaching, and discusses with Sampson the
best way to provoke them into a fight without breaking the law. Sampson bites his
thumb at the Montagues, a highly insulting gesture in the Elizabethan era. That is a
vulgar indication of his disrespect for the two men. This verbal confrontation quickly
escalates into a fight.
The opening of the scene is full of rousing action that is sure to capture the
audience’s attention.
What is the reaction of these people to the fighting?
Benvolio: Benvolio, a Montague quickly tries to "part fools" and make peace amongst
the servants and the Montague men. Benvolio is a name, derived from Italian,
translating to "goodwill". This reflects his role of peacemaker in the play. He apprises
(advice) them "you know not what you do", which are similar to Jesus' words before
his crucifixion. Benvolio draws his sword in an attempt to stop the confrontation.
Tybalt: Tybalt, a Capulet adds flames to the fire, seizing the opportunity to fight. He
sees Benvolio’s drawn sword and draws his own. He can be seen as juxtaposing
Keeping track questions
Act 1
Prologue
What do we find out about this play from this speech?
The Prologue does not simply set the scene of 'Romeo and Juliet', it tells the
audience specifically what are the events that are going to occur over the course of
five acts.
The Prologue depicts two noble "households" in the city of "Verona" where they lay
their scene. They hold an “ancient grudge” against each other that serves as a source
of violence and bloody conflict.
The chorus refers to an ill-fated couple with the implication of the word
“star-crossed,” which suggests, against the stars. The Elizabethan audiences would
have instantly related to this, as stars were thought to control people’s destinies.
Why do you think Shakespeare begins the play in this way?
However, the Prologue itself creates a function of fate by providing the audience with
the understanding that our title characters, Romeo and Juliet will die before the play
has begun. The audience, therefore, watches the play with the expectation that it
must fulfil the terms set in the Prologue. The structure of the play itself is the fate
from which Romeo and Juliet cannot escape.
, Scene 1
Why does the fighting start?
The fighting is ignited by the sexual remarks made by Sampson and Gregory, the
two servants of the Capulet, as they saunter (roam) through the streets of Verona.
With bawdy banter, Sampson vents his hatred of the house of Montague. The two
exchange punning remarks about "pushing Montague's men from the wall" or
physically conquering the Montague men and "thrust his maids to the wall", or
having sex on the narrow streets of Verona with the Montague women. The origin of
the brawl, rife as it is with sexual and physical bravado, introduces the important
theme of masculine honour.
Gregory sees two Montague servants approaching, and discusses with Sampson the
best way to provoke them into a fight without breaking the law. Sampson bites his
thumb at the Montagues, a highly insulting gesture in the Elizabethan era. That is a
vulgar indication of his disrespect for the two men. This verbal confrontation quickly
escalates into a fight.
The opening of the scene is full of rousing action that is sure to capture the
audience’s attention.
What is the reaction of these people to the fighting?
Benvolio: Benvolio, a Montague quickly tries to "part fools" and make peace amongst
the servants and the Montague men. Benvolio is a name, derived from Italian,
translating to "goodwill". This reflects his role of peacemaker in the play. He apprises
(advice) them "you know not what you do", which are similar to Jesus' words before
his crucifixion. Benvolio draws his sword in an attempt to stop the confrontation.
Tybalt: Tybalt, a Capulet adds flames to the fire, seizing the opportunity to fight. He
sees Benvolio’s drawn sword and draws his own. He can be seen as juxtaposing
