Romeo and Juliet Act One

In what city does this play take place? Verona, Italy
Why are Romeo and Juliet called “star-cross’d lovers”? They’re star crossed lovers because their fate was “written” in the stars” and sadly their stars/fate did not allow them to be together-they were “crossed” by fate
Who is fighting at the beginning of the first scene? Sampson and Abram
Who tries to break up the fighting? Benvolio
What threat does the Prince make to Lord Montague and Lord Capulet? “If your violence disrupts our streets again your lives shall pay the price.”
Benvolio and Montague describe the way Romeo has been acting. What do they have to say about him? They say he has been crying and sighing a lot. Also locking himself alone in his room in the dark.
Why is Romeo so sad? Explain. Because he’s in love with Rosaline but she doesn’t love him back.
What is Benvolio’s advice to Romeo? Get over Rosaline, live his life, and just be with other girls, don’t fall hopelessly in love and let Rosaline go.
Why does Capulet think it will be easy for Montague and him to keep the peace? He thinks that the families had both lost a valuable son/daughter and an example was set that if you ignore the feud, peace may be kept.
What does Paris ask about Capulet? Paris asks Capulet that he wants to marry his daughter, Juliet.
What is Capulet’s answer? That Juliet is still young to marriage and it is better off to wait till she is 14 years old
A bit later Capulet appears to change his mind about Paris’ question. What does he then tell Paris? Tells him to wait till Thurday
What problem does the servant have? The servant can’t read
What is the name of the woman Romeo loves? Rosaline
What do Romeo and Benvolio decide to do? Attend the ball
How old is Juliet? 15-16
When lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about marriage, what is Juliet’s answer? Her marriage bed will be her death bed
Following Juliet’s answer, what does Lady Capulet then tell Juliet? Consider Paris
According to Mercutio, who or what is Queen Mab, and what does she or it do? She’s a fairy in people’s dreams.
What does Mercutio say about dreams? They are meaningless.
What is Romeo’s mood at the end of this scene? Explain. Reluctant to go to the ball.
What does Romeo think of Juliet the first time he sees her? He’s in love.
How does Tybalt recognize Romeo? Voice
When Tybalt is ready to seize Romeo and throw him out of the party, what does Capulet say to Tybalt? Leave him alone, he’s nice.
Explain what the conversation is between Romeo and Juliet. Basically love-like
How does Romeo find out Juliet’s last name? Nurse
How does Juliet find out Romeo’s last name? Nurse