Romeo and Juliet

  1. Friar Laurence has a small but significant part in the play. Explain how he influences the outcome of the story.
  2. Describe the relationship Juliet has with her mother. How does this compare to her relationship with the Nurse?
  3. Romeo and Juliet are rather young (by our standards) for marriage. Establish the age of Romeo (best guess) and Juliet, using Quotes from the play, research on relationships during the Elizabethan age, and / or research various essays about the play to determine an age for Romeo. Support your opinion thoroughly.
  4. While chronological age is one thing, maturity is quite another. Are Romeo and Juliet mature enough to handle the situation they find themselves in? Comment on the maturity of these two, using examples to support your answer.
  5. The issue of haste is an important theme in this story. Explain, using examples from the play, how haste was a contributing factor in the tragic storyof Romeo and Juliet.
  6. Traditionally, Shakespeare's tragedies follow the model of the typical Greek Tragedy. Research the characteristics of the typical Greek Tragedy and decide whether or not this story fits the pattern.

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