Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Scene 1 Study Guide

Who are the first characters to appear in the scene, and what are they doing?

What punishment does Prince Escalus declare for anyone who disturbs the peace again?

How is Benvolio characterized in this scene? What does he try to do during the fight?

What is troubling Romeo when he first appears, and how does he describe his feelings?

How does the fight between the servants escalate into a larger conflict? What role does pride play?

Compare Benvolio and Tybalt’s reactions to the street fight. What do their responses reveal about their personalities?

What literary devices does Shakespeare use to express Romeo’s emotional state (e.g., oxymorons, metaphors)? Give examples.

How does the Prince’s speech function as a warning and a setup for future conflict?

Why might Shakespeare open the play with a violent public brawl? What effect does this have on the audience’s expectations?