Literature Romeo and Juliet

1 Look at Extract ⁦1 on⁩ pages 46–⁦47 again⁩. Then answer the questions.

1. Do you think Tybalt really misunderstands what Benvolio is doing?
2. What kind of person does Tybalt seem to be?

• understanding
• aggressive
• friendly

3. What do you think about the way Lord Capulet and Lord Montague react when they see the fight? Are they

• brave?
• wise?
• silly?
• funny?

4. How does Prince Escalus describe the men who are fighting?
5. Why is he so angry?
6. What does he say he will do if they fight again?
7. What do you think he will say to Capulet and Montague in private?

2 Read what happens next. Then answer the questions below.

The Capulets are having a big party at their house, and Lord Capulet invites Paris so that he can meet his daughter, Juliet. He thinks Paris will be a good husband for her, but tells him that, at less than fourteen years old, she is too young. Romeo and Benvolio hear about the party and decide to go, wearing masks to hide their faces (it was quite common at this time for people to wear masks at parties).

1. Why might it be dangerous for Romeo and Benvolio to go to the party?
2. What do you think might happen at the party? Write two ideas.

3 Compare and discuss your ideas with other students. Read Extract ⁦2 on⁩ pages 47–49. Then discuss the questions in pairs or small groups.

1. How correct were your ideas?
2. Is there anything you thought might happen but didn’t?

4 Choose the correct answers. Circle A, B or C.

1. Why does Lord Capulet like watching the young people dancing?

A It shows they are enjoying the party.

B It reminds him of when he was young.

C It might make some of them fall in love.

2. When Tybalt recognises Romeo, why is he angry?

A He thinks Romeo has insulted the Capulets by being there.

B He is sure that Romeo has not been invited to the party.

C He notices that Romeo is wearing a mask to hide his face.

3. Why is Lord Capulet angry with Tybalt?

A He thinks the argument between the families should stop.

B He doesn’t want any trouble or fighting in his house.

C He would rather fight Romeo himself later.

4. How do Romeo and Juliet react when they are told who they have been talking to?

A Juliet is more shocked than Romeo.

B Romeo doesn’t care, but Juliet is sad.

C They both realise there will be problems.

5 Look at these two quotations from Extract 2. Then discuss the questions below in pairs or small groups.

Romeo: Oh, she could teach the torches how to burn brightly. She shines like a jewel in the night – her beauty is too precious for this earth.

Juliet: If he is married, I think I will die!

1. The language shows very strong feelings, but what does it really mean? For example, do jewels really shine at night, and does Juliet really believe she will die?
2. Are these ideas about love and beauty Shakespeare’s own, or is he making Romeo and Juliet say them? If so, what do you think he might be saying about the two young lovers?
3. We know that Juliet is nearly fourteen. How old do you think Romeo might be?