Romeo and Juliet Act III Study Guide

At the beginning of the scene, why does Benvolio think there will be a fight? Benvolio thinks there will be a fight because it is hot outside and the Capulets are out on the scene.
What does Mercutio accuse Benvolio of in lines 15-30? Mercutio accuses Benvolio of having a quick temper as anyone else.
When does Tybalt and Mercutio first begin arguing, what does Benvolio try to them to do? Benvolio tries to get Tybalt and Mercutio to stop fighting or take it somewhere private so they don’t get in trouble with the prince.
What does Tybalt call Romeo? Tybalt calls Romeo and villian
Why won’t Romeo fight Tybalt? Romeo won’t fight Tybalt because he loves Juliet and doesn’t want to fight anyone in the household.
What does Mercutio think is the reason Romeo refuses to fight? Mercutio thinks the reason Romeo refuses to fight is because is a coward.
Why does Mercutio keep repeating, “A plague o’ both your houses”? He’s cursing their families b/c their feud caused his death.
What does Romeo say that Juliet’s love has done to him? It’s made him soft, womanly, and weak.
Why does Romeo call himself a “fortune’s fool”? He doesn’t believe he has control over his own fate, Fortune/Fate has done this to him
When Benbiolio relates to the Prince what happened, what does he say Romeo tried to before Mercutio was killed? He tried to walk away and not fight
What does Lady Capulet accuse Benvolio of? Why? She accuses Benvolio of changing the story because he is friends with Romeo and Montagues
What is Romeo’s punishment for killing Tybalt? He is exiled/banished from Verona
Why is Juliet so impatient for the nurse to return? She wants to set up the ladder for Romeo
Describe Juliet’s rapidly changing attitudes toward Romeo in this scene? 1st She thinks Romeo is dead, and she despairs2nd She is angry when she finds out he killed Tybalt3rd She is relieved that he is alive
What piece of news has upset Juliet the most? Romeo is banished.
What does the nurse promise to do? She promises to find Romeo and bring him back to comfort Juliet.
Explain Romeo’s reaction to the news of his banishment. It’s as bad as death
Romeo tells Friar Laurence that the priest cannot know or understand how Romeo feels. Why? He’s not in his position: Friar’s not young, not newly married, didn’t kill his wife’s cousin, and isn’t banished.
What argument does Friar Laurence use to prevent Romeo from killing himself? He lists what Romeo should be thankful for: Juliet; Tybalt didn’t kill you; you weren’t sentenced to death
What does the nurse give to Romeo? She gives him the ring from Juliet
What does Capulet tell his wife to say to Juliet? Tell her she’ll marry Paris on Thursday
As Romeo is preparing to leave Juliet. what argument does she use to convincve him to stay? It’s not a lark (which sings in the morning) it’s a nightingale singing at night—it’s still nighttime.
Later, why does Juliet think Romeo should leave? She realizes it could kill him to stay
Just as Romeo is about to descend the rope ladder and leave Juliet, what does Juliet say about the way Romeo looks? She says he looks dead like in a tomb
Why is Lady Capulet think Juliet is crying? She thinks Juliet is crying because Tybalt died.
When Lady Capulet threatens to send someone to Mantua to poison Romeo, what does Juliet say? She says she’d do it herself but with puns so that it could have other meanings.
After Lady Capulet breaks the news about Paris, what is Juliet’s response? No; I don’t want to. She begs, pleads, and cries
If Juliet’s mother does not arrange to delay the marriage, what will Juliet do? She’ll kill herself
What is Capulet’s reaction to Juliet’s threats? Do what you want; I’m done with you.
What is the nurse’s advise to Juliet? Forget about Romeo—marry Paris, and be happy with this second marriage.
How does Juliet’s attitude toward the nurse change? She hates her
What “Scheme” does Juliet devise to get rid of the nurse and to get out of the house? She’s going to confession