Romeo and Juliet

“Romeo and Juliet” Act V Homework

Act V:

1. In your opinion, what really caused the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet? Was it fate or real

human errors? List all the people or forces that might be responsible.

2. What coincidences in Scenes 1 and 2 conspire to wreck the friar’s plans? Did any of

these coincidences seem unbelievable to you?

3. In which scene of this act did you feel the dramatic irony peaked?

4. The climax of a play is its most intensely emotional moment, when we know how the

conflict will end. In a tragedy it is that moment when we feel overcome with horror,

sadness, fear, or regret. The climax of Shakespeare’s plays always comes in the final act.

When in this act would you say the climax of this play takes place? What were your

feelings at this moment?

5. Look back at the prince’s speech about love killing the families’ joys (Scene 3). It seems

ironic that love could kill, but now in this play did love kill joy? In what way is the

whole play about the way heaven scourged, or punished, people for hating?

6. What does “Romeo and Juliet” reveal to you about the destructive effects of hatred? In a

few sentences state the theme of the play as you see it.

7. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, “Romeo and Juliet” was often rewritten to have a

different ending in which the young lovers do not die but instead live happily ever after.

How do you feel about the ending of the play? Would you prefer a happy ending? What

changes would you make in the outcome?

8. What news does Romeo’s servant bring him in Scene 1?

9. Why does Romeo buy the poison?

10. Why doesn’t Romeo receive the friar’s letter explaining the change in plans?

11. What does Romeo find when he enters the tomb?

12. What finally happens to Romeo and then to Juliet?