The Montagues

Question 1

True or False? Montague is willing to fight Capulet personally.

Answer 1

True. When they meet in Act 1, Scene 1, he says “Hold me not, let me go”, showing he wants to fight, but is being restrained.

Question 2

Give an example from Act 1 that shows Montague wants to help Romeo.

Answer 2

In Act 1, Scene 1, Montague says that if he knew where Romeo’s “sorrows” came from, he would “willingly give cure”. He wants to know why Romeo is sad so he can help.

Question 3

What does Lady Montague die of?

Answer 3

Montague says she dies of “Grief” due to Romeo’s banishment.

Question 4

Lady Montague only speaks twice in the play. Why do you think Shakespeare chose to include her character?

Answer 4

• Lady Montague’s death
  emphasises that people
  can get caught up in the
  feud even if they aren’t
  violent. Her death also
  adds to the human cost of
  the feud, which makes
  the ending of the play
  more tragic.
• Lady Montague’s peaceful nature provides a contrast to Lady Capulet. Lady Montague tells Montague that he “shalt not stir one foot” to fight Capulet. Lady Capulet seems more violent in contrast — e.g. she says that “Romeo must not love” after killing Tybalt.

Question 5

‘Romeo’s family are less involved in his life than the Capulets are in Juliet’s life.’
Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 5

The Montagues are less involved in Romeo’s life than the Capulets are in Juliet’s. Romeo’s parents show concern for him, but don’t try to control him, whereas Juliet’s parents decide who she will marry.