Understanding Romeo & Juliet: The Wedding

The transcript explores the relationship between Juliet and her nurse in Act 2, Scene 5 of 'Romeo and Juliet'. The nurse teases Juliet before revealing the marriage plans with Romeo. The discussion highlights Shakespeare's use of misdirection and the comedic elements in the play. Friar Laurence's initial disapproval of the marriage is noted, along with the political advantages he later considers. The transcript also explains why Shakespeare chose to have the marriage occur offstage, due to government restrictions on dramatizing church rites, and discusses the deliberate compression of the play's timeline.

What is the main theme of the interaction between Juliet and her nurse in Act 2 Scene 5?

• Playfulness and teasing

• Sadness and regret

• Conflict and tension

• Anger and frustration

How does the nurse describe Romeo to Juliet?

• As a brave warrior

• As a mysterious stranger

• As a gentle and courteous man

• As a wealthy nobleman

What does the nurse finally reveal to Juliet about her marriage?

• That it will happen next month

• That Romeo has changed his mind

• That she should go to Friar Laurence's cell

• That her parents have arranged a different marriage

Why does Shakespeare choose to have the marriage ceremony occur offstage?

• Due to a government prohibition on dramatizing church rites

• To save time in the play

• To focus more on the characters' emotions

• Because it was not important to the plot

What is the significance of the comedic elements in the play at this point?

• They suggest everything is going smoothly

• They provide a sense of foreboding

• They introduce new characters

• They highlight the seriousness of the situation

What is Friar Laurence's initial reaction to Romeo's change of affection?

• He is excited and hopeful

• He is indifferent and uninterested

• He is supportive and encouraging

• He sees it as disastrous and fickle

How does the play's timeline compare to Shakespeare's sources?

• It is not mentioned in the sources

• It is the same length

• It is much shorter in the play

• It is much longer in the play