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Romeo and Juliet Act 1

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Romeo and Juliet Act 1

Read the original summary below, then complete the questions. Use details from the summary as evidence. The play’s events unfold amid a long-standing feud between two families.

Act 1: a feud, a party and a meeting

In Verona, Italy, the Montague and Capulet families have hated each other for so long that even their servants are ready to fight. A street quarrel grows into a battle. Benvolio tries to stop it, but Tybalt arrives looking for a fight. Prince Escalus orders both families to keep the peace, warning that another public fight will be punished by death. Romeo, a Montague, is upset because he loves Rosaline, who does not return his feelings. Benvolio encourages him to look at other people. Meanwhile, Paris asks Lord Capulet for permission to marry Juliet, Capulet’s young daughter. Capulet says Juliet is not yet ready, but invites Paris to a feast so he can meet her. A Capulet servant who cannot read asks Romeo to help him understand the guest list. Romeo discovers that Rosaline will be at the feast. Benvolio persuades him to go, hoping Romeo will compare Rosaline with others. Romeo agrees, still convinced that Rosaline is the only person for him. At the feast, Tybalt recognises Romeo and wants to attack him for entering a Capulet celebration. Lord Capulet stops Tybalt, insisting that Romeo should be left alone. Romeo sees Juliet and is immediately captivated by her. They speak together and share a kiss, without knowing at first that their families are enemies. When they learn each other’s identities, the attraction remains—but the feud now stands between them.

Track the conflict

Use this character guide to help you connect actions with the growing conflict.

Benvolio — tries to calm the street fight and advises Romeo.

Tybalt — quick to anger and eager to defend the Capulet name.

Lord Capulet — head of the Capulet family; restrains Tybalt at the feast.

Prince Escalus — Verona’s ruler; threatens a severe punishment for further fighting.

Read closely

Answer using evidence from the Act 1 summary.

1.Where does Act 1 take place? Name the city and country.

2.What does Prince Escalus threaten to do if the families fight publicly again?

3.Why is Romeo upset at the beginning of the summary?

He has been ordered to leave Verona.
He loves Rosaline, but she does not return his feelings.
Tybalt has challenged him to a duel.
Juliet has refused to attend the feast.

4.Benvolio persuades Romeo to go to the Capulet feast. What does Benvolio hope Romeo will do there?

5.Number these events from 1 to 4 in the order they happen in the summary: Romeo meets Juliet; the Prince warns the families; Romeo discovers Rosaline is on the guest list; the street fight breaks out.

6.How are Benvolio and Tybalt different in the way they respond to conflict? Give one detail about each.

7.At the feast, Lord Capulet stops Tybalt from attacking Romeo. What might this suggest about Capulet’s priorities in that moment?

8.Romeo and Juliet know that their families are enemies before they meet at the feast.

TrueFalse

9.The summary says the attraction remains, but “the feud now stands between them”. Explain what this phrase suggests about the problem Romeo and Juliet face.

10.Explain how Act 1 sets up a conflict between family loyalty and personal choice. Include one event from the summary in your answer.