Bonus Features: Discussion Points
Post Act 1
- Discuss important lines and moments from Act 1.
- How does Shakespeare establish the tone of the play in Act 1, scene 1?
- Discuss the parent-child relationships in Act 1.
- Explore the ways in which the Nurse, Lady Capulet and Juliet are presented in Act 1, scene 3.
- Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech often presents a challenge. What is its dramatic function in the play?
- What are your first impressions of Romeo and Juliet when they meet: is it love at first sight?
Post Act 2
- Discuss important lines and moments from Act 2.
- How does the interjection made by the Chorus in Act 2, scene 2 add to this scene?
- Compare and contrast the language of love used by Romeo and Juliet.
- What hints of the coming tragedy are found in this otherwise light-hearted and comic act?
- In what ways is the world of youth contrasted with that of the adults in Act 2?
Post Act 3
- Discuss important lines and moments from Act 3.
- Compare and contrast the characters of Tybalt and Mercutio.
- Why does Shakespeare have Mercutio die in Act 3, scene 1? Suggest reasons.
- Discuss the parent-child relationships in Act 3.
- As Romeo and Juliet’s relationship develops and they face more and more challenges, which of the two shows better coping mechanisms?
- Discuss whether the Nurse had Juliet’s best interests at heart when she suggested that Juliet should marry Paris.
Post Act 4
- Discuss important lines and moments in Act 4.
- Discuss the parent-child relationships in Act 4.
- Compare and contrast the Nurse and Mercutio: what dramatic function(s) do they serve in the play?
- Did the mourning in Act 4, scene 5 seem artificial and self-indulgent, or are the expressions of grief genuine?
- Why do you think Shakespeare does not have Romeo appear in Act 4? Where has the dramatic focus been placed, and why?
Post Act 5
- Discuss important themes in Romeo and Juliet.
- Discuss important lines and moments from Act 5.
- What role do women play in Romeo and Juliet – and in this Stratford Festival version in particular?
- How do the issues raised by Romeo and Juliet reflect our society today?
- Chart the tragic events that befall Romeo and Juliet: at what point(s) could their suicides have been prevented?
- Whom do you blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?
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