R and J Key Information Flashcards
What is the plot summary of Act 1 in Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo loves Bosalue Capulet party. Romeo and Juliet meet.
This act introduces the main characters and sets the stage for their love story.
What significant event occurs in Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
Balcony scene. They fall in love. Secret marriage.
The balcony scene is iconic for its expression of romantic love.
What are the main events of Act 3 in Romeo and Juliet?
Dybalt kills Mercutie, Romeo kills Jbalt. He’s banished.
This act marks a major turning point in the play with tragic consequences.
What does Juliet do in Act 4 to escape marrying Paris?
Juliet fakes death.
This act showcases Juliet’s bravery and determination to avoid an unwanted marriage.
What happens in Act 5 of Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo believes Juliet is dead. He kills himself. Juliet wakes and kills herself.
This act concludes the tragic love story with the deaths of both protagonists.
Describe Romeo’s character traits.
Passionate and impulsive. Changes from loving Bosalive to Juliet quickly. His love leads to reckless actions.
Romeo’s impulsiveness is a key factor in the unfolding tragedy.
How does Juliet’s character evolve throughout the play?
Starts innocent and obedient, becomes brave and independent. Questions traditional gender roles. Her love defies her family.
Juliet’s transformation highlights themes of love and rebellion.
What role does Tybalt play in Romeo and Juliet?
Starts the spiral by killing Mercutie.
Tybalt’s actions escalate the conflict central to the play’s tragic events.
What is Mercutio’s character like?
Funny, witty, hates ‘dreamy’ love. His death is the turning point.
Mercutio’s perspective on love contrasts with Romeo’s romantic idealism.
What is the role of the Nurse in the play?
Comic relief, Juliet’s confidante, but betrays her in Act 3.
The Nurse’s character adds complexity to Juliet’s relationships and decisions.
Who is Friar Laurence?
Wise but naive. Marries them, helps Juliet fake her death.
His good intentions backfire.
What is a key theme represented by Romeo and Juliet’s love?
Love vs Hate
Their love grows in a world of hate.
What quote illustrates the theme of Love vs Hate?
“My only love sprung from my only hate.”
This highlights the conflict between love and family loyalty.
What theme is introduced in the prologue?
Fate
It describes them as ‘a pair of star-cross’d lovers.’
What elements in the play suggest the inevitability of the lovers’ deaths?
Repeated references to stars, dreams, and fortune.
These motifs contribute to the theme of fate.
What drives the plot of Romeo and Juliet?
Conflict
The family feud is central to the narrative.
What is a notable quote that reflects the conflict in the play?
“Peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues…”
This expresses the deep-seated animosity between the families.
What is the difference between young and older characters in the play?
Young characters = impulsive, passionate; Older characters = controlling, cautious.
Juliet’s growth leads her to outgrow her parents.
How are love and death linked in the play?
Love and death are tightly linked.
The lovers find freedom in death.
What is the classic tragedy structure used in the text?
5 Acts
Classic tragedy typically follows a five-act structure.
What poetic form is used for the prologue?
Sonnet
The prologue is a Shakespearean sonnet.
What narrative technique involves constant hints at death and fate?
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device that gives hints about what is to come.
What is the term for when the audience knows more than the characters?
Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony creates tension as the audience anticipates character actions.
What type of imagery contrasts light and dark?
Contrast
Light/dark imagery is used to highlight themes such as love/hate and life/death.
