Short Answer Study Guide Questions~ Romeo and Juliet Act I – Flashcards

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question
Why do Sampson and Gregory fight with Montague's men?
answer
They fight because Sampson and Gregory were making crude comments and rude gestures at the Montagues, however, in reality, it is to show that the feud between the two families is so deep that even the servants despise each other.
question
Benvolio and Tybalt come upon the servants fighting, contrast their reactions to the fight.
answer
Benvolio discovers the fight before Tybalt and puts up his sword, to keep the peace. He then tells them off for fighting and Tybalt appears. Tybalt challenges Benvolio, however, Benvolio refuses to fight and tells him to either put away his sword or help keep the peace. This scene depicts how Benvolio is peaceful and how Tybalt is hot headed.
question
When Montague and Capulet enter and see the disturbance, they want to fight too. What do their wives say?
answer
The wives are tired of the feud and try to prevent their husbands from fighting. Lady Capulet tells her husband that he is more fit for a crutch (emphasizing his age) rather than a sword. Lady Montague tells her husband that he will not step one foot towards the enemy.
question
What ended the opening skirmish?
answer
The Prince ended the fight and threatened that they will be killed if they disturb the streets of Verona a fourth time.
question
Why is Romeo so sad?
answer
He is in love with Rosaline, however his love is unrequitted. Rosaline has sworn off men and has decided to remain celibate.
question
In Act I ii, Paris asks Capulet for Juliet's hand in marriage. What's Capulet's reply?
answer
Juliet is his only child, she is his pride. She is too young to marry, he should wait another two summers (when she is 16). Even though he may approve, the final decision lies in Juliet's hands, so he should take the time to get to know her, have her fall in love with him.
question
Why is Capulet having a feast?
answer
Capulet is having a feast that he always throws for his close friends and family, however, this year Paris is invited in order for him to meet Juliet and get to know her.
question
How does Romeo find out about the feast, and why does he decide to go, even though he is a Montague and isn't invited?
answer
Capulet sends an illiterate servant to invite the guests, the servant asks for help from Romeo and Benvolio, not knowing that they're Montagues. He then tells them that they're welcome to come as long as they're not Montagues. Benvolio persuades Romeo to go so that he can compare Rosaline's beauty with other girls and fall in love with someone else.
question
Describe Juliet's relationship with her family in Act I.
answer
Juliet is shown to be an obedient, well-mannered daughter. She tries to please her parents and follows what they say.
question
At the end of Act I iv, what does Romeo tell Benvolio, foreshadowing future action in the play?
answer
Romeo tells Benvolio that he has a bad feeling about going to the party; he sensed it was the start of a problem that will lead to his death.
question
What does Romeo mean when he says, "O, dear account! My life is my foe's debt."?
answer
He loves Juliet, who is a Capulet, who is his enemy. Because he loves his enemy and his love has brought him out of his depression, his life is now indebted to Capulet.
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