Next Bunch of Questions.....DueThursday 13th October - on PAPER please (you'll need your jotters for homework over the hols)

Romeo and Juliet – Act 5

Act 5 Sc 1
1. Romeo asks Balthasar if he has any letters for him from Verona. If the friar had given Balthasar the letter instead for Friar John, how might the play have turned out differently?
2. “Is it even so? then I defy you, stars!” What do you think Romeo is feeling at this moment? How could an actor deliver this line to express Romeo’s emotion.
3. Romeo says that he remembers seeing an apothecary’s shop in Mantua and thinking that he might sell poison. Why do you think Romeo had this forethought?
4. At the end of this scene, what does Romeo claims is the true poison? What do you think he means by this?

Act 5 Sc 2
1. Explain in your own words, as fully as you can, the reason Friar Lawrence’s letter did not reach Romeo.
2. Friar Lawrence fears that the non-delivery of his letter may do ‘much danger’. What do you think he is worrying about?
3. What items does Friar Lawrence ask Friar John to bring him? What are they for?

Act 5 Sc 3

1. Is it day or night at the beginning of this scene? How do you know?
2. List any evidence you can find in the beginning of this scene that Paris truly loved Juliet.
3. Paris says to his page ‘I would not be seen’. Why do you think Paris want to keep his visit to Juliet’s grave a secret?
4. Balthasar stays on in the graveyard even after Romeo has ordered him to go. What does he think Romeo will do? Why do you think he decides to stay after Romeo has threatened him?
5. Paris confronts Romeo, saying “Condemned villain, I do apprehend thee: Obey, and go with me; for thou must die “What does Paris mean by this (refer to an event earlier in the play).
6. Romeo grants Paris’ dying wish to be laid by Juliet. Why do you think he does this?
7. In Romeo’s final speech, which phrase shows that he believes will now be free of fate’s influence?
8.What kind of journey does Romeo refer to just before he takes the poison? Quote evidence.
9. Throughout the play, the Friar has urged caution and slowness, but now he asks for speed. What has happened to change him?
10. Do you think the Friar is right to leave Juliet alone in the tomb after she wakes? What might his reasons have been?
11. Which words show that Juliet sees the poison as a good thing (2 examples please!)
12. Why is this evening doubly tragic for Lord Montague?
13. Both Lord Montague and Lord Capulet make comments regarding things being out of place or out of the right order. What do they say?
14. After explaining his actions, the Friar asks the Prince to punish him. If you were the prince, what would you do? Why?
15. The Prince says he has lost a ‘brace of kinsmen’ in the ongoing feud. A ‘brace’ means two. Who has the Prince lost?
16. The prince says “Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished “ Who do you think should be pardoned? Who should be punished? What should their punishment be?
17. How effective do you find the prince’s closing lines as a fitting end to the play? You may wish to comment on rhyme scheme and word choice, as well as giving your own reaction.