Student Edition - Perfection Learning

Before You Read1. The Prologue to Act I suggests that the relationship of Romeo andJuliet is doomed from the start. Some people believe that things arefated to happen, no matter what. Others believe that your actionscan change the course of your life. Explain your own beliefs aboutfate.2. What role do you think a family should have in the selection of theirchild’s wife or husband?3. As you read, notice the opposites (love/hate; light/dark) thatShakespeare provides in his language and imagery. Think aboutwhat purpose opposites might have in this play.Literary Elements1. A foil is a character in literature who has qualities that are in sharpcontrast to another character, thus emphasizing the traits of each. InRomeo and Juliet, the responsible and highly regarded Paris is a foil tothe brash and emotional Romeo.2. Foreshadowing refers to hints in the text about what will occur laterin the plot. The Prologue to Romeo and Juliet forecasts that an oldgrudge is about to break out in renewed violence.3. Hyperbole is exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.Lord Montague, describing his son’s lovesickness, claims that Romeolocks himself up in his room “and makes himself an artificial night.”4. A pun is a play on words that have similar sounds but more thanone possible spelling or meaning. For example, Romeo says Mercutiohas “nimble soles,” but he himself has “a soul of lead.”5. Good drama has conflict: struggle between opposing forces. InRomeo and Juliet, the Capulet and Montague families have been atwar as long as anyone can remember. Their conflict createsproblems for their families as well as Prince Escalus and the othercitizens of Verona.Act 1, Introduction 17