violence

• What two families are involved in the feud in Romeo and Juliet?

  The Capulets and the Montagues
• How does Shakespeare demonstrate the role of violence in the play?

  Through the actions and dialogue of characters
• What do Sampson and Gregory do in the opening scene?

  They joke about committing violent acts
• What does Gregory instruct Sampson to do when they see Abram?

  To prepare for a fight
• What does Sampson say to provoke a fight with the Montagues?

  “Draw thy tool!”
• How does Tybalt react when he spots Romeo at the Capulet ball?

  He wants to start a fight
• What happens to Tybalt's anger throughout the play?

  It simmers until he confronts Romeo
• What tragic event occurs as a result of Tybalt's anger?

  Mercutio is fatally wounded
• How does the feud between the Capulets and Montagues affect the characters?

  It maintains a low-burning rage among them
• What significant relationship does violence have in the play?

  It is linked with sex and romance
• What does Sampson desire to do to the Montague women?

  Sexually assault them
• How does the feud cast a shadow over Romeo and Juliet's romance?

  It creates an environment of violence
• What events frame Act III in the play?

  Romeo slays Tybalt and stays with Juliet
• What violent imagery is associated with sex in the play?

  Language that conjures violent acts
• What does Romeo declare at the end of Act III?

  “Let me be put to death”
• What dual meaning does Romeo's declaration of "death" have?

  It refers to both actual death and orgasm
• Who boasts about being a violent man in the play?

  Samson
• What does Samson ask Gregory to do?

  Start a quarrel that might lead to a fight
• What does the opening action of the play suggest about Verona?

  It is a place where violence can easily erupt
• What are Samson and Gregory afraid of?

  Breaking the law regarding fighting
• How does the punishment for fighting relate to the violence itself?

  The punishment is as violent as the fighting
• What threats of violence do the young men face?

  Violence from enemies and the Prince's threats
• How does the threat of violence contribute to the play's atmosphere?

  It creates a sense of confinement
• Who makes fun of Tybalt’s fighting style?

  Mercutio
• What does Mercutio's mockery of Tybalt suggest about his feelings towards him?

  He admires Tybalt's fighting ability
• What new style of fencing was imported from Italy during Shakespeare's time?

  A new style of swordfighting
• How does the new fencing style contribute to the setting of Verona?

  It adds local Italian color
• What is the significance of Mercutio's temptation to test his skill against Tybalt?

  It leads to fatal results
• What are the implications of Mercutio's lines about Tybalt's fighting style?

  • Mercutio mocks Tybalt's style
  • Reflects admiration for Tybalt's skills
  • Critiques the new fencing trend in England
• What does Mercutio refer to Tybalt as in his lines?

  The very butcher of a silk button
• What does the phrase "a duellist, a duellist" imply about Tybalt?

  He is recognized as a skilled fighter
• What does Mercutio mean by "They have made worms’ meat of me"?

  He refers to being dead and food for worms
• How does Mercutio's attitude change as he receives his fatal wound?

  He maintains his cynical wit even while dying
• What does Mercutio's death signify in the play?

  It marks a turning point towards brutal violence
• How has the portrayal of violence changed up to Mercutio's death?

  It shifts from excitement to grief and brutality
• Who are the characters that will die after Mercutio?

  Tybalt, Paris, Romeo, and Juliet
• What is the significance of Mercutio's character in the play before his death?

  • He is one of the most appealing characters
  • His wit adds humor to the play
  • His death marks a shift in tone