Exploring Themes in Act II

Which of the following best explains why Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, despite his reservations?

• He believes it will bring him personal fame.

• He hopes the marriage will end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

• He is afraid of Romeo’s threats.

• He wants to defy the Prince’s orders.

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Analyze Juliet’s soliloquy in Act II, Scene II (“O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?”). What is Juliet’s main internal conflict in this scene?

• She is worried about her father’s anger.

• She is torn between her love for Romeo and her loyalty to her family.

• She is afraid of being alone at night.

• She is unsure if Romeo truly loves her.

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Based on Act II, how does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to build tension in the play?

• The audience knows about the secret marriage, but most characters do not.

• The audience is unaware of Romeo and Juliet’s feelings.

• The Nurse tells everyone about the marriage.

• Friar Laurence reveals the plan to the Prince.

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Evaluate the role of the Nurse in Act II. How does her behavior influence Juliet’s decisions?

• She discourages Juliet from seeing Romeo.

• She acts as a messenger and encourages Juliet’s relationship with Romeo.

• She tells Juliet to forget about Romeo.

• She reveals Juliet’s secret to Lady Capulet.

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Which evidence from Act II best supports the idea that Romeo is impulsive in his actions?

• He waits patiently for Juliet’s response.

• He immediately proposes marriage to Juliet after meeting her.

• He consults his friends before making decisions.

• He avoids taking risks for love.

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How does the setting of the Capulet orchard in Act II, Scene II contribute to the mood of the scene?

• It creates a sense of danger and secrecy.

• It makes the scene feel public and exposed.

• It emphasizes the characters’ anger.

• It distracts from the main action.

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What reasoning does Friar Laurence give for warning Romeo to “love moderately” in Act II, Scene VI?

• He believes that intense emotions can lead to negative consequences.

• He wants Romeo to forget Juliet.

• He is jealous of Romeo.

• He thinks Romeo should marry someone else.

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In Act II, how does Mercutio’s attitude toward love differ from Romeo’s, and what does this reveal about their characters?

• Mercutio is serious about love, while Romeo jokes about it.

• Mercutio is cynical and mocks love, while Romeo is passionate and idealistic.

• Both are equally romantic.

• Both dislike the idea of love.

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If the Nurse had not agreed to help Juliet meet Romeo, how might the events of Act II have changed?

• Juliet would have married Paris instead.

• Romeo and Juliet’s relationship would have faced greater obstacles and possibly ended.

• The Capulets would have discovered the secret.

• Friar Laurence would have refused to help.

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What is the significance of the repeated references to time and haste in Act II?

• They highlight the slow pace of the plot.

• They emphasize the urgency and impulsiveness of Romeo and Juliet’s actions.

• They show that the characters are patient.

• They are used for comic relief.

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