ROMEO AND JULIET BY William Shakespeare, Long Questions and answers

 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1) Explain the importance of the opening scene 

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The Act I Scene I of Romeo and Juliet is called the opening scene. Usually in Shakespeare’s plays, the opening scene is called exposition. The main theme of the play is introduced in the opening scene. Besides, the conflict is also hinted and the minor characters are also suggested in the opening scene.

 The play opens with two servants from the house of Capulet talking about their hatred of the Montagues. They meet two servants from the house of Montague and a fight breaks out. Benvolio tries to stop the fight but when Tybalt arrives things get worse. With his line: 

‘As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee:

Have at thee, coward!’

 The fight escalates until there is a huge street brawl involving both Lord Montague and Lord Capulet. The fight is eventually stopped when the Prince stops everyone saying: 

‘On pain of torture, from those bloody hands 

Throw your mistemper'd weapons to the ground’. 

He is so angry he proclaims if there is another fight Montague and Capulet shall pay the ‘forfeit’ for it with their lives. Everyone departs leaving Lord and Lady Montague talking to Benvolio about their son Romeo, who has been missing all day. Benvolio promises to find out where Romeo has been and what’s upsetting him. Romeo reveals to Benvolio that he is in love with Rosaline but she doesn’t love him in return.

2) EXPLAIN THE BALCONY SCENE OR THE FIRST ENCOUNTER BETWEEN ROMEO AND JULIET.

Act 2 and scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet is often called “Balcony Scene”. The scene takes place in the Capulet's orchard, where Juliet appears on her balcony. It is the happiest and least tragic act in the play.

Romeo, having left his friends, secretly enters the Capulet's orchard after the Capulet party, unable to stay away from Juliet. Juliet appears on her balcony, unaware that Romeo is below. Romep’s speech about Juliet is poetic here. Romeo imagines that Juliet is the sun, rising from the east to banish the night; in effect, he says that she is transforming night into day.

She speaks her thoughts aloud, expressing her love for Romeo and lamenting that he is a Montague, the enemy of her family. Wishing that Romeo were not the son of her father’s enemy, Juliet says:

'Tis but thy name that is my enemy.

Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,

Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part

Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other word would smell as sweet.

 Romeo reveals himself, and the two confess their mutual love. Here Juliet questions why Romeo must be her enemy. She refuses to believe that Romeo is defined by being a Montague, and therefore implies that the two of them can love each other without fear of the social repercussions. They discuss the danger of their situation but are overcome by their feelings for each other. Juliet worries about Romeo's safety, as he is in enemy territory, but Romeo assures her that love gives him courage. They agree to marry, and Juliet promises to send a messenger the next day to arrange the details. 

Juliet loves Romeo because he is Romeo, but the power of her love cannot remove from him his last name of Montague or all that it stands for. In the privacy of the garden the language of love is triumphant. But in the social world, the language of society holds sway. This battle of language, in which Romeo and Juliet try to remake the world so that it would allow for their love, is one to keep an eye on.

3) How does Romeo describe the beauty of Juliet and Juliet express her feelings about Romeo in the “Balcony Scene” of Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo and Juliet is written by William Shakespeare. In this poem he describes beauty of Juliet in terms of dark and light. He is fascinated by her beauty. He exclaims that Juliet is brighter than the blaze of the torches. He says that she teaches the torches how to burn bright. Then he compares her to rich jewel in an Ethiopia’s ear. He praises her as ‘beauty too much for use, for earth too dear’. Again he compares her to a ‘snowy dove’. He tells himself that he had never seen anyone more beautiful than Juliet until that night.

According to Juliet, Romeo is like a day that comes during night. Here she compares him to day. She calls him ‘day in night’ because his presence will shine out against the darkness. She imagines that night as a bird and believes that Romeo will come gliding on the wings of night lie a ‘new snow’. She says he is whiter than new snow on the black wings of a raven. She requests the gentle night to witness his charm. After her death, she wants Romeo to cut into little stars. She is sure he would make the face of heaven so fine. Then the entire world would fall in love with night and forget about the garish sun. Thus Juliet wants to Romeo to be immortalized. 

4) THE CHARACTER OF ROMEO MONTAGUE.

The name Romeo, in popular culture, has become nearly synonymous with “lover.” Romeo is the son and heir of Montague and Lady Montague. A young man of about sixteen, Romeo is handsome, intelligent, and sensitive. Though impulsive and immature, his idealism and passion make him an extremely likable character. He lives in the middle of a violent feud between his family and the Capulets, but he is not at all interested in violence. His only interest is love. At the beginning of the play he is madly in love with Rosaline, but the instant he lays eyes on Juliet, he falls in love with her and forgets Rosaline. 

Romeo is impulsive and reckless in nature. He acts quickly on his feelings. He secretly marries Juliet, the daughter of his father’s worst enemy; he happily takes abuse from Tybalt; and he would rather die than live without his beloved. 

Romeo is devoted friend. He deeply cares for his friends, particularly Mercutio. He takes revenge for his friend Mercutio’s death without stopping to consider the consequences. He is banished from Verona, and his mother, Lady Montague, dies of grief. Romeo is also an affectionate and devoted friend to his relative Benvolio, Mercutio, and Friar Lawrence. 

When confronted with the consequences of his actions, he’s unable to cope with the trouble he’s landed himself in. After killing Tybalt he flees to Friar Lawrence’s cell and descends into a childlike emotional state – becoming distraught, crying, and losing control of himself. He behaves like a toddler, and his language is pure hysteria.

Then again, in exile in Mantua, Romeo’s impulsivity is once again evident when, on hearing of Juliet’s death, he cries, ‘then I defy you, stars!’ and springs into action. When he’s in the tomb with Juliet he instantly resolves to kill himself there and then, in the tomb with her. However, although too late, at that point, in his soliloquy beside her body 

‘How oft when men are at the point of death

Have they been merry’ 

we see a man who has finally arrived at an understanding of himself and a maturity which, apart from a few flashes in his dialogue with Juliet, he has lacked.

On account of his intense feelings Romeo, lacks the capacity for moderation. Love compels Romeo to sneak into the garden of his enemy’s daughter, risking death simply to catch a glimpse of her. Anger compels Romeo to kill his wife’s cousin in a reckless duel to avenge the death of his friend. Despair compels Romeo to suicide upon hearing of Juliet’s death. Such extreme behavior dominates Romeo’s character throughout the play and contributes to the ultimate tragedy that befalls the lovers. 

5) DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER OF JULIET

Juliet from “Romeo and Juliet” is one of William Shakespeare’s best-known characters. She is the young daughter of Capulet and Lady Capulet. She is a beautiful thirteen-year-old girl. At the play’s beginning, however, she seems merely an obedient, sheltered, naïve child. As a naïve child she thinks little about love and marriage. When Lady Capulet mentions Paris’s interest in marrying Juliet, she dutifully responds that she will try to see if she can love him. Her response seems childish and immature conception of love. Juliet promises to consider Paris as a possible husband. Juliet seems to have no friends her own age. 

Juliet gives glimpses of her determination, strength, and sober-mindedness, in her earliest scenes, and offers a preview of the woman she will become during the four-day span of Romeo and Juliet.  In addition, even in Juliet’s dutiful acquiescence to try to love Paris, there is some seed of steely determination. While an outward show of obedience, such a statement can also be read as a refusal through passivity. Juliet will accede to her mother’s wishes, but she will not go out of her way to fall in love with Paris.

Juliet’s first meeting with Romeo propels her full-force toward adulthood. Though profoundly in love with him, Juliet is able to see and criticize Romeo’s rash decisions and his tendency to romanticize things. She courageously defies her father when he demands that she marry Paris. It takes him by surprise and he is unable to cope with, and leads him to resort to violence. Though Juliet’s father is tough, successful man of the world and she is a cosseted teenage girl, she stands up to him in a way that even her fiery cousin, Tybalt, is afraid of. This shows her real power. This makes her one of the strongest women. She challenges patriarchal society in the very best way.

 After the marriage, Romeo kills Tybalt in a street fight and he is banished. Juliet does not follow him blindly. She makes a logical and heartfelt decision that her loyalty and love for Romeo must be her guiding priorities. In order to try to reunite with Romeo, Juliet looses from her prior social moorings—her nurse, her parents, and her social position in Verona. When Juliet wakes in the tomb to find Romeo dead, she does not kill herself out of feminine weakness, but rather out of an intensity of love, just as Romeo did. Juliet’s suicide actually requires more nerve than Romeo’s: while he swallows poison, she stabs herself through the heart with a dagger. 

6) DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER OF COUNT PARIS.

In Romeo and Juliet, Paris is portrayed as a handsome, gracious, wealthy, and well-respected nobleman, a kinsman of the Prince and the suitor of Juliet. He is traditional, conventional, and dignified, representing the socially acceptable path for Juliet's marriage. But Paris is not exactly a “real” character in the play. He is a device Shakespeare uses to create the tragic situation. So he appears as formal, polite and lacking in personality.

Paris’s character is also marked by a sense of possession and entitlement towards Juliet, highlighting a lack of consideration for her feelings and autonomy. Both of Juliet’s parents approve of the marriage because it would be an advantageous match for their only child. Paris clearly thinks highly of himself and his vanity is only strengthened by the support of the Capulet parents. Paris is keen on the marriage, but his motivations appear to stem from possession rather than love. For instance, he never appears to care that Juliet is not part of the decision making when discussing their impending marriage. Furthermore, he takes many liberties after Juliet is formally promised to him and behaves in a presumptuous manner toward her, as if they are already married. For instance, he refers to Capulet as “[m]y father Capulet,” he addresses Juliet by calling her “[m]y wife,” and he tells her that “[t]hy face is mine,” and kisses her. The repetition of possessive words “my”, and “mine” and the non-consensual kiss show that he sees Juliet as his rightful property that he can do with as he pleases. 

Paris is right out of the picture as Romeo and Juliet fall in love and marry. Paris plays no part in any of the events such as the wedding between Romeo and Juliet and Romeo’s banishment after killing Tybalt in a street fight. He does appear at Friar Lawrence’s cell when Juliet goes to him for help after Romeo’s banishment. Paris has no idea of what has happened and what the situation has become. So he just speaks the kind of platitudes that an aristocratic bridegroom would utter: “Happily met, my lady and my wife,” and noticing that she’s been crying, he utters a statement of ownership: “Thy face is mine, and thou hast slandered it.” He kisses her cheek – a cold kiss – and calls it “a holy kiss.” In the closing moments of the play, he appears at the tomb where Juliet is lying, presumed dead, and challenges Romeo in which he is killed by Romeo.

Paris is in contrast with Romeo. Paris’s character is often presented as a foil to Romeo   Romeo is passionate, impulsive, and driven by love; Paris is calm, decorous, and seemingly motivated by social advancement and a desire for possession. Besides, compared to other characters, Paris is somewhat of a flat character with fewer distinguishing characteristics. His lack of empathy for Juliet's situation is evident in his lack of concern for her wishes and his presumptuous behavior towards her. 

Despite his potential for good intentions, Paris’s lack of understanding of Juliet’s feelings and his focus on social expectations ultimately contribute to the tragedy.  

7) DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER OF TYBALT CAPULET.

Tybalt Capulet is a man of fiery hot-temper and aggressive in nature. Through an analysis of Tybalt’s actions, motivations, and relationships, it becomes evident that he is a complex and multi-dimensional character who significantly impacts the events of the play. His first appearance in Act 1, Scene 1, shows that he is a confrontational and prideful individual. When he encounters Benvolio and the other Montague men in the streets of Verona, Tybalt is quick to draw his sword and provoke a fight. This impulsive and violent behavior sets the stage for the ongoing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences for both families. 

Furthermore, Tybalt's unwavering loyalty and devotion to his family are also central to his character. As a member of the Capulet household, Tybalt is fiercely protective of his family's honor and reputation. This is particularly evident in his reaction to Romeo's presence at the Capulet's masquerade ball. When Tybalt recognizes Romeo as a Montague, he is incensed by the intrusion and immediately seeks to challenge him to a duel. This unwavering commitment to his family's interests ultimately leads to his tragic death. 

In addition to his loyalty to his family, Tybalt's relationships with other characters in the play further illuminate his complex nature. His interactions with his cousin, Juliet, and his uncle, Lord Capulet, reveal different facets of his personality. Despite his aggressive demeanor, Tybalt's affection for Juliet is evident in his protective attitude towards her. When he becomes aware of her secret romance with Romeo, Tybalt is outraged and feels compelled to take action to defend his family's honor. Despite his uncle’s attempts to defuse the situation and maintain peace, Tybalt's obstinacy and determination to defend his family's honor ultimately lead to tragic consequences. This demonstrates his deep sense of duty and the lengths to which he is willing to go to uphold his family's values.

Tybalt Capulet is a fascinating and complex character whose actions and motivations significantly impact the events of Romeo and Juliet. It becomes evident that he is more than just a hotheaded antagonist, but rather a deeply conflicted individual whose actions have far-reaching consequences. Through his portrayal of Tybalt, Shakespeare highlights the destructive power of pride, loyalty, and familial conflict, ultimately underscoring the tragedy of the play. Tybalt's character serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked emotions and the devastating consequences of unresolved conflict.

8) DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER OF FRIAR LAURENCE.

Friar Laurence occupies a strange position in Romeo and Juliet. He is the sole figure of religion in the play. He is a Franciscan friar, friend to both Romeo and Juliet. He is a kind hearted cleric who helps Romeo and Juliet throughout the play. 

Friar Laurence is kind and compassionate. He is portrayed as a caring individual who is willing to help those in need, particularly Romeo and Juliet. He listens to their problems and offers advice, even when it involves going against the established order.

Friar Laurence is a proponent of peace. He is also the most scheming and political of characters in the play. He marries Romeo and Juliet as part of a plan to end the civil strife in Verona and reconcile their families and end the long-standing feud. He believes that uniting the young couple could bring about a lasting peace.

He is known for his impulsive decisions. While well-intentioned, he often makes hasty decisions without fully considering the potential consequences. His plan to have Juliet fake her death is a prime example of this. His over-reliance on his own devised plans and his belief in his own ability to control events through intricate schemes and potions proves to be his downfall. He underestimates the power of fate and the potential for things to go wrong.

Friar Laurence possesses knowledge of herbs and potions. He uses it to help Juliet fake her death. This mystical knowledge seems out of place for a Catholic friar. His secretive and deceptive involvement in the secret marriage and the fake death plan ultimately contributes to the tragic outcome.

Friar Laurence fails to anticipate the potential problems that could arise from his actions. Despite his best efforts, Friar Laurence’s actions lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, leaving him to bear the weight of their tragic fate.  Though his plans all seem well conceived and well intentioned, they serve as the main mechanisms through which the fated tragedy of the play occurs. 

In essence, Friar Laurence is a character who embodies both the good intentions and the potential for error that can arise when trying to control complex situations, particularly those involving love, hate, and revenge.

9) DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER OF THE NURSE.

The nurse in Romeo and Juliet is a complex character. Her character is primarily defined by her close relationship with Juliet as her confidante and caretaker. Juliet’s nurse is known for her loyalty and care. She is deeply devoted to Juliet, having cared for her since infancy. She is genuinely concerned for Juliet’s well-being and happiness. She was the one who breast-fed Juliet when she was a baby and has cared for Juliet her entire life. 

The nurse is Juliet’s faithful confidante and loyal to her secret romance with Romeo. She actively helps arrange their secret meetings and marriage. She believes in love and wants Juliet to have a nice-looking husband, but the idea that Juliet would want to sacrifice herself for love is incomprehensible to her. While initially supportive of Juliet's love for Romeo, the Nurse’s pragmatism leads her to advise Juliet to marry Paris when faced with the consequences of Romeo's banishment. She provides a contrast with Juliet, given that her view of love is earthy and sexual, whereas Juliet is idealistic and intense.  

  The nurse is the only source of comic relief in the play. A vulgar, long-winded, and sentimental character, she provides comic relief with her frequently inappropriate remarks and speeches. Her lengthy speeches, bawdy humor, and frequent digressions provide much of the play’s comic relief, lightening the dark tone of the tragedy. 

The nurse’s focus on external appearances, particularly Romeo’s physical attractiveness reveals a somewhat shallow perspective on love.  The nurse’s character is a blend of warmth, loyalty, and comedic relief. She reveals a degree of superficiality and a pragmatic approach to love that ultimately clashes with Juliet’s passionate idealism. She serves as a foil to Juliet, highlighting the contrast between youthful infatuation and more mature, practical considerations. Her actions, while well-intent