Romeo & Juliet – Love, Loss & Literary Features

What does "Two households, both alike in dignity" mean?

• a) Two poor families live nearby
  

• b) Two families are similar in wealth and status
  

• c) The families are opposites
  

• d) The families are kings
  

Answer explanation

• “This means the two families are equal in status or social class — not royalty, not poor, just alike in dignity.”

Which theme is most introduced in the Prologue?

• a) Fate

• b) Justice

• c) Revenge

• d) Betrayal

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: a) Fate

---

Explanation:

The Prologue introduces the idea that Romeo and Juliet are “star-crossed lovers,” meaning their love is doomed from the start. It tells us their deaths are already written in the stars. This shows that fate controls the events of the story, and no matter what the characters do, they can’t escape it. That’s why fate is the central theme introduced in the Prologue.

How does Shakespeare use Act 1 Scene 1 to introduce the theme of violence? Use the ACE strategy in your response.

Do not type it out, write on paper/copybook for better practice while studying!

Answer explanation

Answer:
Shakespeare uses Act 1 Scene 1 to introduce the theme of violence through the immediate conflict between the Montagues and Capulets.

Cite:
For example, the scene begins with Sampson and Gregory provoking a fight, and Tybalt later says, “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.”

Explain:
This quote shows how deep the hatred runs and how quickly violence erupts, even from small insults or gestures. The fight spreads to many people and even draws in the Prince, who has to threaten death to keep order. Shakespeare uses this scene to show that violence is a normal and dangerous part of life in Verona, and it sets the tone for the tragic events that follow.

Which literary device is used in “star-crossed lovers”?

• a) Simile
  

• b) Irony
  

• c) Metaphor

• d) Alliteration
  

Answer explanation

“Star-crossed lovers” is a metaphor because it compares the lovers’ doomed fate to being “crossed” by the stars — without using “like” or “as.” It suggests their destiny is written in the stars and it’s unlucky, but this is said figuratively, not literally. That’s what makes it a metaphor, not a simile or other device.

The Prologue of Romeo and Juliet is written as a 14-line ________.

Answer explanation

Answer: sonnet

Explanation:
A sonnet is a structured poem often used to express love, which sets the tone for the play.

Read the Passage Below (Prologue):

“Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife.”
What theme is being introduced here?

• a) Love conquers all

• b) Children should obey their parents

• c) Fate can be changed

• d) Death ends the cycle of hate

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: d) Death ends the cycle of hate This line tells us that the deaths of Romeo and Juliet will finally end the feud between their families, showing how loss leads to change.

What is the purpose of the Prologue?

• a) To introduce the characters

• b) To set the mood and summarize the plot

• c) To explain the setting only

• d) To show a battle

Answer explanation

The Prologue tells the audience where the play takes place (Verona), explains the feud between the two families, and reveals that Romeo and Juliet will die. This sets the tragic mood and gives a summary of the story, which is why the answer is b.

Read the passage:

Benvolio:
"I do but keep the peace: put up thy sword,
Or manage it to part these men with me."

• a) He enjoys fighting

• b) He wants to keep the peace and avoid violence

• c) He fears Tybalt

• d) He wants to keep peace and avoid violence

Answer explanation

Benvolio shows himself as a peacemaker. He tries to break up the fight calmly, unlike Tybalt, who loves conflict.

Read the passage below:

Romeo (to Tybalt):
“Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee
Doth much excuse the appertaining rage
To such a greeting.”

What dramatic device is being used in this moment?

• a) Metaphor

• b) Foreshadowing

• c) Hyperbole

• d) Dramatic Irony

Answer explanation

Correct answer: d

The audience knows that Romeo has just married Juliet — making Tybalt his family — but Tybalt doesn’t know this. Romeo speaks kindly to Tybalt because of this new bond, but Tybalt is confused and hostile. This is dramatic irony, because the audience understands something the characters do not.

In a Shakespearean tragedy, the main character often has a tragic ______ that leads to their downfall.

Answer explanation

One of the key features of Shakespearean drama is the tragic flaw. Romeo’s flaw is his impulsiveness, which contributes to the tragic ending.