Exploring Romeo & Juliet Act 1, Scene 1

What motivates Sampson and Gregory's aggressive behavior at the beginning of the scene?

• Loyalty to the Montague family

• Their own sense of honor and pride

• A direct order from Lord Capulet

• Their dislike of the townspeople

Which theme is introduced by the public brawl between the servants of the Capulet and Montague houses?

• The power of love

• The inevitability of fate

• The destructiveness of hate

• The importance of family

When the Prince threatens Montague and Capulet with death if they disturb the peace again, what dramatic irony is present?

• The audience knows that the feud will end soon.

• The audience knows that Romeo and Juliet are destined to die.

• The audience knows that the Prince will not follow through with his threat.

• The audience knows that the servants started the fight, not the lords.

How does Shakespeare use figurative language when Lady Montague describes her concern for Romeo?

• She uses a simile to compare Romeo to a flower.

• She uses a metaphor to describe Romeo's sadness as a cloud.

• She uses personification to give sadness a physical form.

• She uses hyperbole to exaggerate the extent of Romeo's melancholy.

What is the effect of the puns exchanged by Sampson and Gregory at the start of the scene?

• They highlight the seriousness of the feud.

• They provide comic relief amidst the tension.

• They foreshadow the tragic events to come.

• They show the intelligence of the servants.

What conflict is introduced when Tybalt enters the scene and confronts Benvolio?

• A conflict between love and hate

• A conflict between youth and age

• A conflict between peace and violence

• A conflict between duty and desire

How does the interaction between Lord Montague and Benvolio develop the theme of parental concern?

• Lord Montague is indifferent to Benvolio's report about Romeo.

• Lord Montague expresses deep worry for Romeo's well-being.

• Lord Montague scolds Benvolio for not taking better care of Romeo.

• Lord Montague dismisses Benvolio's concerns as trivial.

What is the resolution to the conflict that occurs in this scene?

• The Prince's decree restores immediate peace.

• Romeo and Juliet fall in love and end the feud.

• Tybalt and Benvolio agree to a duel.

• The Capulets and Montagues agree to a truce.

Which motif is evident in the dialogue between Sampson and Gregory regarding the "weaker vessels"?

• The motif of light and dark

• The motif of gender roles

• The motif of fate and destiny

• The motif of flowers and growth

In what way does the opening scene set up the idea of fate as a controlling force in the play?

• By showing characters making choices with no concern for consequences

• By having the Prince predict the tragic outcome of the feud

• By the Chorus directly stating that Romeo and Juliet are "star-crossed lovers"

• By the characters frequently referring to omens and prophecies