Understanding "Romeo and Juliet": Prologue and Act 1

What is the purpose of the Prologue at the beginning of the play?

• To introduce every single character of the play.

• To tell the audience every single plot detail so there are no surprises.

• To let the audience know the play is about to start and how long it will be.

• To tell the audience how the play ends so they want to know how that happens.

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In the Prologue, what is an example of dramatic irony (when the audience knows something the characters don't)?

• The audience knows the fate of Romeo and Juliet, but the characters do not.

• Romeo dreams about Juliet before meeting her.

• The Capulets and Montagues do not know why they are fighting.

• Paris thinks Juliet is happy to marry him.

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Who are the first characters we meet in Act 1, Scene 1?

• Abram and Balthasar

• Sampson and Gregory

• Benvolio and Tybalt

• Romeo and Benvolio

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Summarize the main event of Act 1, Scene 1.

• Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love at first sight.

• A street fight breaks out between the Montagues and Capulets.

• Paris wants to marry Juliet.

• Romeo is invited to a party to get over Rosaline.

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In Act 1, Scene 1, which character first attempts to break up the fight (though is ultimately unsuccessful)?

• Tybalt

• Benvolio

• Romeo

• Prince Escalus

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What does Romeo confess to Benvolio in Act 1, Scene 1?

• He is in love with Rosaline, who does not return his love.

• He is in love with Juliet and wants to marry her.

• He wishes he was involved in the fight.

• He is avoiding his family.

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In Act 1, Scene 2, at Lord Capulet's request, what condition(s) has(have) to be met before Paris can marry Juliet?

• Paris has to wait two summers when Juliet is old enough.

• Paris has to meet Juliet first in her home.

• Paris needs to prove his value as a husband.

• Paris must "woo" Juliet and she must consent to marrying him.

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How do Romeo and Benvolio find out about the Capulet's feast in Act 1, Scene 2?

• He overhears Lord Capulet's servant talking about it.

• Mercutio tells them.

• Romeo reads the invitation because Lord Capulet's servant is illiterate.

• Rosaline had told Romeo about it.

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What is Juliet's attitude towards marriage at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 3?

• She is excited and eager to marry.

• She has not given it much thought.

• She is opposed to the idea.

• She wants to marry for love, not arrangement.

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In Act 1, Scene 3, how do Lady Capulet and the Nurse describe Paris?

• They only talk about how wealthy he is.

• They talk about his amazing personality.

• They talk about how handsome he is.

• They talk about how strong and protective he is.

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