1.
For how long is Juliet supposed to be "dead"?
Correct Answer
B. Forty hours
Explanation
In Act 4, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Friar Laurence gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours, though it's often rounded to 40 hours for simplicity. This temporary death is part of Friar Laurence's plan to help Juliet avoid marrying Paris and eventually reunite with Romeo. The potion induces a death-like coma, during which Juliet's family will believe she has passed away, leading to her being placed in the family tomb. Romeo is supposed to be informed and rescue her when she awakens, ensuring their reunion.
2.
Who was the first character to realize Juliet was "dead"?
Correct Answer
D. Nurse
Explanation
In Act 4, Scene 5 of "Romeo and Juliet," the Nurse is the first character to discover Juliet's seemingly lifeless body. The Nurse enters Juliet's room to wake her on the morning of her wedding to Paris, only to find her unresponsive. Her loud and frantic reaction quickly draws the attention of the rest of the household, including Lady Capulet, Lord Capulet, and eventually Paris. The Nurse's discovery sets off a chain of events as the family mourns Juliet's apparent death, unaware that she is actually in a death-like sleep induced by Friar Laurence's potion.
3.
Who does Juliet seek help from?
Correct Answer
C. Friar Laurence
Explanation
In Act 4, Scene 1 of "Romeo and Juliet," Juliet seeks help from Friar Laurence. Desperate to avoid marrying Paris and remain faithful to Romeo, she turns to Friar Laurence for a solution. Friar Laurence devises a plan to give Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours, during which time her family will believe she has died. This plan aims to reunite her with Romeo once she awakens. Juliet's decision to seek help from Friar Laurence underscores her determination and trust in him to help her navigate this crisis.
4.
Where are Romeo and Juliet supposed to settle after "the plan"?
Correct Answer
C. Mantua
Explanation
According to Friar Laurence's plan in "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo and Juliet are supposed to settle in Mantua. After Juliet takes the potion and appears dead, she is placed in the family tomb. Friar Laurence intends to send word to Romeo, who is in Mantua, about the plan so he can return and be there when Juliet awakens. The plan is for Romeo to then take Juliet away to Mantua, where they can live together safely, away from the family feuds and conflicts in Verona. This plan tragically fails due to a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications.
5.
What is the effect of the musicians and servants in this Act?
Correct Answer
A. To provide comic relief after a serious scene
Explanation
In Act 4, Scene 5 of "Romeo and Juliet," the presence of the musicians and servants serves to provide comic relief after the intense and emotional discovery of Juliet's apparent death. Following the heavy and sorrowful reactions of the Capulet family, the humorous interactions among the musicians and servants offer a brief respite from the tragedy, lightening the mood for a moment. This comic relief helps to balance the dramatic tension of the play, making the subsequent tragic events even more impactful by contrast. Shakespeare often uses such techniques to give the audience a momentary break from the emotional intensity.
6.
In Act 4, Scene 5, what does Lord Capulet compare Juliet to?
Correct Answer
C. A flower who was killed by an untimely frost
Explanation
In Act 4, Scene 5 of "Romeo and Juliet," Lord Capulet compares Juliet to a flower who was killed by an untimely frost. This metaphor poignantly captures the tragedy of Juliet's seemingly premature death, emphasizing her youth, beauty, and the abruptness of her demise. The imagery of a delicate flower being destroyed by unexpected coldness conveys the sense of loss and sorrow that her family feels. This comparison highlights the fragile and fleeting nature of life, adding to the emotional weight of the scene as the Capulets mourn their beloved daughter's death.
7.
Which of the following are fears that Juliet has when taking the potion?Select ALL that apply:
Correct Answer(s)
A. The potion will not work, that it will kill her,
B. She will awaken too early and suffocate
E. She will go mad, potentially killing herself.
Explanation
In "Romeo and Juliet," Juliet has several fears about taking the potion. She worries that the potion might not work, and she will have to marry Paris. She also fears that the potion might actually kill her. Another fear is that she might wake up too early in the tomb and suffocate because Romeo will not be there. Lastly, she is scared that she might go mad from being surrounded by dead bodies and the darkness in the tomb, which could lead her to harm herself.
8.
What is the tragic flaw that many characters possess and could potentially get in the way of Friar Laurence's plan?
Correct Answer
A. Impulsivity
Explanation
In "Romeo and Juliet," many characters act on impulse without thinking about the consequences. This impulsive behavior is a tragic flaw that can disrupt Friar Laurence's plan. For example, Romeo and Juliet fall in love quickly and decide to marry without considering the feud between their families. Later, Romeo impulsively kills Tybalt, leading to his banishment. Juliet also makes quick decisions, like taking the potion from Friar Laurence without fully understanding the risks. These impulsive actions make it difficult for Friar Laurence's careful plan to succeed.
9.
In Act V, Scene 3, Juliet talks to an object. She states, "Shall I be married then tomorrow morning? No, no; this shall forbid it. Lie thou there."What object is she talking to?
Correct Answer
D. A dagger
Explanation
In Act V, Scene 3 of "Romeo and Juliet," Juliet speaks to a dagger. She says, "Shall I be married then tomorrow morning? No, no; this shall forbid it. Lie thou there." Juliet is contemplating her marriage to Paris, which she wants to avoid. By referring to the dagger, she is expressing her willingness to use it to end her life rather than marry Paris. This moment shows her desperation and determination to stay true to Romeo, highlighting the tragic intensity of her situation.
10.
What is the literary device used when Juliet is alone in her chamber delivering the speech prior to taking the potion?
Correct Answer
D. Soliloquy
Explanation
The literary device used when Juliet is alone delivering a speech prior to taking the potion is called a Soliloquy. A soliloquy is a dramatic technique that allows a character to express their thoughts aloud, usually to the audience, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings. In this instance, Juliet is alone in her chamber, speaking to herself, and the audience is privy to her thoughts and fears about taking the potion and the consequences it may have on her future with Romeo.