Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Reading Guide

At the beginning of Act 3 scene1, why does Benvolio think that there will be a fight? It is hot, and it’s makes people angry. The Capulets are around as well.
What does Mercutio accuse Benvolio of in lines 15-30? He accuses Benvolio of being a hypocrite (two-faced) and a nag.
When Tybalt and Mercutio first begin arguing, what does Benvolio try to them to do? He tries to stop them from fighting or tells them to take it somewhere private.
What does Tybalt call Romeo? A villain
Why won’t Romeo fight Tybalt? He is now related to him by marriage (to Juliet).
What does Mercutio think is the reason Romeo refuses to fight? He thinks Romeo is scared (a coward).
Why does Mercutio keep repeating, “A plague o’ both your houses”? He blames the Montagues and Capulets’ feud for his death.
What does Romeo say that Juliet’s love has done to him? He feels her love has been him soft or weak.
Why does Romeo call himself “fortune’s fool”? He killed Tybalt and realizes this act will have major consequences for him and Juliet.
When Benvolio relates to the Prince what happened, what does he say Romeo tried to before Mercutio was killed? Romeo tried to walk away and not fight Tybalt.
What does Lady Capulet accuse Benvolio of? Why? She says that Benvolio is lying because he is a Montague.
What is Romeo’s punishment for killing Tybalt? Romeo is banished. If he is seen, he will be killed.
Why is Juliet so impatient for the nurse to return? She is ready for her wedding night.
Describe Juliet’s rapidly changing attitudes toward Romeo in this scene. She feels betrayed and hurt about Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s involvement.
What piece of news has upset Juliet the most? Romeo’s banishment
What does the nurse promise to do? She will bring Romeo to her and she will deliver a ring as a token of her love.
Explain Romeo’s reaction to the news of his banishment. He thinks banishment is worse than death. He feels lost without Juliet.
Romeo tells Friar Laurence that the priest cannot know or understand how Romeo feels. Why? Priests can’t marry or have relations with someone.
What argument does Friar Laurence use to prevent Romeo from killing himself? Killing oneself is a sin. He tells Romeo that he has many blessings. He tells him to see Juliet. He also says that he will help Romeo with the Prince.
What does the nurse give to Romeo? The ring from Juliet
What does Capulet tell his wife to say to Juliet? She must marry Paris on Thursday.
As Romeo is preparing to leave Juliet, what argument does she use to convince him to stay? Juliet says she hears the nightingale, but Romeo says it’s a lark, which means it’s morning.
Later, why does Juliet think Romeo should leave? Men are hunting him. If he is found, he will be killed.
Just as Romeo is about to descend the rope ladder and leave Juliet, what does Juliet say about the way Romeo looks? She says that Romeo looks pale as if he is in a tomb.
Why does Lady Capulet think Juliet is crying? Tybalt’s death
When Lady Capulet threatens to send someone to Mantua to poison Romeo, what does Juliet say? Juliet says that she would poison him herself if she could. (playing along with mom)
After Lady Capulet breaks the news about Paris, what is Juliet’s response? She does NOT want to marry Paris and threatens to marry Romeo before him.
If Juliet’s mother does not arrange to delay the marriage, what will Juliet do? Kill herself
What is Capulet’s reaction to Juliet’s threats? He said she will be disowned if she doesn’t comply.
What is the nurse’s advice to Juliet? Marry Paris and forget Romeo
How does Juliet’s attitude toward the nurse change? She hates her and won’t confide in her anymore.
What “scheme” does Juliet devise to get rid of the nurse and to get out of the house? She is going to the Friar for confession.
July 5, 2019