Literature Romeo and Juliet

1 Read Extract ⁦5 on⁩ page 100. Then complete the notes that explain Friar Laurence’s plan.

First, Juliet has to agree to (1) _ . That night, she should make sure she is (2) in her room, then drink the (3) . This will make her look as if (4) . Her family will take her to the family’s (5) and leave her there. Meanwhile, Friar Laurence will send (6) to Romeo, telling him about the plan. When Juliet (7) , Romeo will be there and he will take (8) and she won’t have to (9) _ .

2 Answer the questions.

1. Friar Laurence tells Juliet that his plan is ‘a desperate thing to do’. Does it seem like a good plan?
2. What does Juliet think about the idea?
3. What do you think might go wrong?
4. Because this play is a tragedy, we know there won’t be a happy ending. Does this mean people won’t want to see what happens at the end? What other reason is there for continuing to read or watch the play?

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

Juliet is afraid but finally finds the courage to drink the mixture Friar Laurence has given her. When the Nurse finds her, she believes she is dead and calls Juliet’s parents. They are also sure Juliet has died and are very sad. Juliet’s body is taken to the Capulet family tomb and left there.

So far, the Friar’s plan has worked, but the friend who was taking the letter to Romeo is prevented from reaching him, so Romeo doesn’t receive the message. When he hears from one of his friends that Juliet has died, he decides to buy some poison (a liquid that can kill people who drink it). He goes back to Verona and visits the tomb. When he sees Juliet, he too believes that she is dead.

1. What do you think Juliet is afraid of?
2. Do you think she is brave or foolish to drink the mixture?
3. Did you guess correctly what would go wrong with the plan?
4. Read Extract ⁦6 on⁩ pages 100–101. Then answer the question.

What do you think Juliet will do when she finds Romeo is dead?

5. Read Extract ⁦7 on⁩ page ⁦101 to⁩ see if you were correct.