DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - ROMEO AND JULIET

Interpretation

1. What is the setting of Romeo and Juliet?

2. Where is the climax of the play? Explain your choice.

3. How much time passes during the play?

4. Think of a different title for the play. Explain your choice.

5. From what point of view is the play written? How does the point of view affect our

perception of the story?

Critical

6. Explain why Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy.

7. Are Romeo's actions believably motivated? Explain why or why not. Juliet's?

8. Was Juliet's disobedience to her father justified? Explain.

9 Describe Juliet's relationship with the nurse.

11. Describe Romeo's relationship with Mercutio.

12. What is Friar Laurence’s role in the tragedy of the play.

13. Explain the difference between being witty and being funny.

Critical/Personal Response

14. Could the same thing happen to two teenagers today? Explain why or why not.

15. Suppose Romeo and Juliet had not acted so hastily getting married. What effect, if any, would that have had on the play?

16. Had Juliet been older, do you think she would have done the same things she did in the play?

17. Suppose the Prince had made good on his first threat of death for breaking the peace and had not only banished Romeo. How would the story have changed?

18. Who is responsible for Romeo's death? Explain your answer.

19. Who is responsible for Juliet's death?

20. Discuss the importance and the role of these characters in Romeo and Juliet: nurse, Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris.

Personal Response

21. Did you enjoy reading Romeo and Juliet? Why or why not?