Romeo and Juliet 1.1 Word Nerd: "shrift"

The transcript explains the historical evolution of the words 'shrive' and 'shrift'. Initially, 'shrive' meant to write, and 'shrift' referred to what was written down, primarily by priests in the Middle Ages. Over time, 'shrift' came to mean the list of penitences given by priests and later the act of confession itself. Montague uses 'shrift' in a broader sense to mean revealing secrets, as he wants Benvolio to learn the true reason for Romeo's lovesickness.

In the early Middle Ages, what did the term 'shrive' originally mean?

• To confess

• To read

• To pray

• To write

Who were primarily responsible for writing during the early Middle Ages?

• Nobles

• Scholars

• Merchants

• Priests

What did 'shrift' come to mean over time?

• A list of sins

• A religious confession

• A secret message

• A written document

How does Montague use the term 'shrift' in a broader sense?

• As a form of punishment

• As a written record

• As a type of prayer

• As a revealing of secrets

What does Montague want Benvolio to discover about Romeo?

• His future plans

• His financial troubles

• His secret love

• His family history