Exam Recap

Question 1
• To what effect does Shakespeare use contrasts or opposites in the play?

 Parents vs Confidants – parents are usurped in the roles by the Friar and Nurse
 Benvolio and Tybalt – peace/violence
 Love at first sight vs love in moderation
 Introduction
Orientation Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s tragic story of
two young lovers who “met, woo’d and made
exchange of vow” is a play full of contrasts and
contradictions working in conjunction with the
feud bubbling between the two powerful
families of Montague and Capulet.
Thesis – As a skilled playwright Shakespeare
restate the demonstrates how to effectively utilise
question as contrasts and opposites to create a timeless
your point. classic which engages audiences of all ages
around the world.
Key Points He does this by contrasting the parental role to
close confidants, character personalities and
the idea of love itself. The roles of the Nurse
and Friar, as confidants to the young couple in
place of their parents, the cousins of Romeo
and of Juliet clashing in their motivations for
peace or power and the love at first sight
Romeo and Juliet claim to feel all provide
entertaining “traffic” on the stage.
Conclusion
Thesis As proven here Shakespeare successfully develops
contrasts and opposites in Romeo and Juliet to
engage his audience for the entirety of the play.
Key points By usurping the role of the lover’s parents with the
Friar and the Nurse, emphasising the differences
between Benvolio and Tybalt and asking the
audience to believe in love at first sight over lust
Shakespeare gives a lesson in using opposition to
create interest and appeal.
Final This moving “tale of woe … of Juliet and her Romeo”
reflection asks the audience to accompany them on their
tumultuous and conflicting journey driven by their
desire to follow their hearts not their heads.
Question 2
• What is the significance of Mercutio’s death in play?
 Introduction Conclusion
Orientation Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s tragic story of two young Thesis Consequently, Mercutio’s death is an important
lovers who “met, woo’d and made exchange of vow” is a play
full of love and hate ending in the tragic deaths of not only the development in the play as it compels Romeo to
lovers but those closest to them. Despite being caught engage in the hate surrounding him by the
between the hatred of their two powerful families they risk all feuding families.
for love.

Thesis – Mercutio’s death is significant in the play as

restate the Key Points By murdering Tybalt, Paris and then committing
question as it is the catalyst for the drastic change in suicide his transformation from lover to killer is
your point. Romeo from lover to murderer. Prior to this complete.
moment Romeo’s only concern is for love and
romance and he is not interested or invested in
the feud or fighting between the two houses.

Final Reflection Shakespeare’s tale takes the audience on a

journey of love and hate and of joy and sadness
Key Points After Mercutio dies in this arms Romeo recklessly kills Tybalt
as it culminates in Romeo’s desperate act in of
and is subsequently banished from Verona, on return to the hatred surrounding him.
city when challenged by Paris at Juliet’s grave he duels to the
death and by Juliet’s side he drinks the poison to end his own
life.
Question 3
• How is the audience positioned to see Lord Capulet from the
beginning to end of the play?