Romeo and Juliet- be careful to pay attention to the task word and respond accurately.

Part 1

Shakespeare does not idealize or romanticize Romeo and Juliet. Instead, explain his message about love
to the reader.

Explain Mercutio’s statement, “the children of an idle brain”. Explain how it relates to the play and how
it is relevant today.

Part 2

What is the origin of the folklore of “Romeo and Juliet”? Describe how Shakespeare changed it for his
audience.

How did the absence of copyright laws affect Shakespeare and other playwrights?