ROMEO & JULIET Sample Answers Cian Hogan English Notes 2012 1
Junior Certificate English Studied Drama Past Questions 2009 1. Choose a scene from a play you have studied where a particular mood or atmosphere is created. (i) Describe the mood or atmosphere in this scene. Suppor t your answer with reference to the text. (15) (ii) How does the playwright create this mood or atmosphere? Aspects you may wish to consider could include: setting, lighting, stage directions, music, sound or dialogue. (15) (i) The Scene that I have chosen is Act V Scene iii, of Romeo and Juliet. The scene takes place near Juliet s tomb. At the beginning of the scene, Paris arrives to the cr ypt in order to place flower s by Juliet s graveside. He order s his ser vants to keep watch and to whistle if anyone should approach. Meanwhile, Romeo and Balthazar ar r ive to the graveyard. Romeo informs Balthazar that he wishes to look at his dead bride s face one last time. Adding that he hopes to retrieve a precious Cian Hogan 2010 2 2
ring from Juliet s corpse he instr ucts Balthazar to leave and warns him not to return under pain of death. As Romeo arrives to the graveside with mattock and wrench in hand, he is recognised by Paris and challenges his right to be there. A fight ensues and Romeo kills Paris. Laying Paris s body alongside Juliet s, Romeo is struck by the manner in which Juliet seems untouched by death. Then, he embraces his beloved one last time and drinks from the potion that the apothecar y has prepared for him: Here s to my love, o true apothecary Thy drugs are quick Thus with a kiss I die. At this point in the scene, Friar Lawrence arrives and discover s the bodies of Paris and Romeo. Juliet then awakens to discover her beloved Romeo dead. Desperate to join her lover in death, she ignores the Friar s promises of sanctuary in a convent and kisses Romeo in the hope that there remains some poison on his lips. However, in order to guarantee her death, she stabs her self through the hear t with Romeo s dagger. As the scene winds to a close, Prince Escalus arrives along with the Montagues and the Capulets. Taking on the role of a Chor us, the Prince echoes our feelings when he says that this tragedy has been caused by the enmity between both families. As the cur tain is drawn, the futility of the feud is painfully plain to see. The mood in this scene is sombre and poignant because, the audience is forced to confront the tragic reality of Romeo and Juliet s deaths. (ii) This intensely dramatic scene wor ks to highlight the key aspects of the central character s and to under line the play s main themes. The churchyard, the tomb and the night contribute to a mood of fear and Cian Hogan 2010 3 3
doom. The page tells us that he is afraid of being alone, while the Friar for his par t, only remains for a shor t time before r unning away. The feeling of doom is matched by a heightened sensation of tension throughout the scene. The audience is gripped with apprehension, as we wonder if the Friar will arrive in time to save Romeo and Juliet. The confrontation between Paris and Romeo is a horrific one. Our loyalty is torn, because we realise that Paris is acting nobly in wishing to defend Juliet s graveside. Shakespeare further heightens the dramatic effect of the scene, when Romeo descends to view the body of his dead wife. It is a moment filled with the deepest of pathos. However, this sadness is intensified when Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead beside her. The scene builds to a dramatic climax that involves much movement and confusion, before bringing about the reconciliation of both families. On a more practical level, Shakespeare maintains the dramatic quality of the scene through the language spoken by the various character s. Romeo s language is passionate and is for the most par t delivered in blank ver se. This makes it appear more genuine and natural. The violent imagery that Romeo relies on, reflects his violent disposition. On the other hand, Paris speaks in rhymed iambic pentameter. As a result, the reader views him as being conventional and formal. In this manner, Paris reminds us of just how much Romeo has changed since the beginning of the play. This highly dramatic scene brilliantly captures not only the profound changes that have occurred in the two main character s, but also the deeply tragic nature of their deaths. Cian Hogan 2010 4 4
OR 2. From a play you have studied choose one important relationship. (i) Describe the main characteristics of this relationship throughout the play. (15) (ii) How does either the setting (time or place) or another character have an influence on this relationship? Support your answer with reference to the text. (15) The play that I have chosen is Romeo and Juliet. This play examines one of the best-known relationships in of all literature, that of the two starcrossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. (a) One of the most interesting aspects of the relationship between Romeo and Juliet is the manner in which both characters are changed utterly by the experience of falling in love with one another. When we fir st meet Romeo, he is self-absorbed, immature and inexperienced when it comes to real love. His feelings for Rosaline por tray all these aspects of his character. Initially, his approach to love is intellectual and lacking in true emotional depth. In fact, the language that he speaks mirrors this lack of real feeling. It is self-conscious, ornate and is punctuated by hyperbole, paradox and oxymoron: Love s a smoke Made with the fume of sighs Cian Hogan 2010 5 5
Being purg d,a fire sparkling In lover s eyes [ ] A madness most discreet A choking gall, a preserving sweet. However, Romeo s encounter with Juliet changes him fundamentally. He becomes consumed by his love for her as a per son and not just with the idea of love itself. He no longer confuses the metaphysical aspects of love with the reality of loving another human being: Amen, amen, but come what sorrow can. It cannot countervail, the exchange of joy That one shor t minute gives me in her sight. At this point in the play, his language switches from rhymed iambic pentameter to unrhymed blank ver se. In other words, the ornate ar tificial hyperbole of his earlier days is replaced by realistic and honest language. At the end of the play, the full extent of the changes in Romeo s character can be seen. In Act 5, scene 3 the confrontation that takes place alongside the body of the dead Juliet demonstrate just how much Romeo has been transformed by his love for her.. The words spoken by Romeo seem ver y different to Paris over formal language. On a more interesting level, while Paris arrives with sweet flowers to strew on Juliet s bridal bed, Romeo arrives with mattock and wrenching iron, in order to tear the crypt open. Whereas Paris accepts Juliet s death and responds to it in a conventional manner, Romeo is willing to defy social Cian Hogan 2010 6 6
norms and even death itself in order to be with her. For her part, Juliet is also transformed by her love for Romeo. Before the relationship blossoms, she is an obedient and dutiful daughter, who accepts the path in life that her father has mapped out for her. The prospect of a relationship with Paris, in her eyes, is justified because her parents desire it: I ll look to like, if looking move, But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives Strength to make it fly. However, any such thoughts of obedience are swept aside by the love she feels for Romeo. Her relationship with Romeo marks the beginning of a newfound sense of independence. Just as he was willing to defy social conventions at her graveside, she too is willing to break the normal r ules of society. When she hear s that her father has arranged her marriage to Paris, she abandons her sense of filial duty and breaks with the social mores of the day. Refusing to obey him, she vows that her father shall not make (her) a willful bride. In the end, both Romeo and Juliet are transformed utter ly by the complex nature of the feelings that they have for one another. Romeo matures and dies understanding the true nature of what it is to be in love. For her par t, Juliet gains a sense of independence that would have been unheard of in her time. Cian Hogan 2010 7 7
(b) In my opinion, Tybalt has a remarkable influence on the course of Romeo and Juliet s relationship. Although Tybalt must be regarded as a one-dimensional character, he acts as an impor tant catalyst in the development of Romeo and Juliet s relationship. He personifies the feud between the Montagues and Capulet s. He is essentially a villainous character that thrives on conflict and confrontation. He cares nothing for the judgment of Prince Escalus and during his final appearance in the play, his rash and over-violent nature leads to his death. Driven by grief, honour and loyalty to his dead friend, Romeo sees himself as being obliged to avenge Mercutio s murder. Tybalt s death has a disastrous affect on both Romeo and Juliet. As promised, Prince Escalus banishes Romeo. Tybalt s impetuosity has provoked a series of events that ultimately lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. In this respect, he has a dramatic influence on the fate of the play s protagonists. 2008 Cian Hogan 2010 8 8
1. Many dramas feature characters that are either winners or losers. Choose a character from a play that you have studied who falls into one of these categories (a) Describe how your chosen character is either a winner or a loser. (10) (b) Choose another character who has a relationship with your chosen character, and explain the importance of this relationship. Support your answer with reference to your studied text.(20) OR 2. Imagine you are preparing a programme for a class production of a play you have studied. The production team, of which you are a par t, has asked you to contribute to the programme. (a) Write character profiles for two characters who have a significant roles in the play. (15) See Romeo and Juliet sample answer. (b) Write an introduction to the play focusing especially on its theme(s). (15) Cian Hogan 2010 9 9
To keep the programme to an appropriate length you will need to write approximately 200 words for task (a) and approximately 200 words for task (b). Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; A perennial staple of secondar y school English cour ses, Romeo and Juliet was written by Shakespeare at a relatively ear ly juncture in his career, most probably in 1594 or 1595. The production that you are about to see tonight remains faithful to Shakespeare s original. To many of you, Shakespeare s language may appear intimidating, however, when acted, it reveals the excitement, the depth and the imaginative scope of what the character s say. This play is a wor k of genius. It is the tragic story of star-crossed young lover s whose tragedy has meaning for all people of all ages. At the time of its composition, Romeo and Juliet featured sever al r adical depar tures from long standing theatr ical conventions. Our production of Romeo and Juliet retains these innovative depar tures because we feel they reinforce and embellish the play s principal themes. These include; the antithesis between love and hate, the use of light and dar k, the treatment of time (as not only a theme, but as the str uctural element of the play) and the prominent status accorded to fate. Our production of the play has differed from Shakespeare s original in one very important respect. While we have attempted to remain tr ue to the original text, we have also decided to incorporate modern audiovisual techniques into our performance, in particular in the expression of dreams. At various times during the production you will hear and see audio-visual representations of the dreams, omens and forebodings that Cian Hogan 2010 10 10
foreshadow the play s tr agic conclusion. We hope you enjoy this production. 2007 1. Name a play you have studied and state what you think is its main idea and/or message. Explain how this main idea and/or message is communicated in the play. The play that I have studied is Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In my opinion, the main message of this play is the transformative power of love. The play presents us with a ver y unusual setting for love to flourish. At the beginning of the play, we are told of the ancient grudge that exists between the two families, the Montague s and the Capulet s. This enmity threatens to erupt any minute into new mutiny. Yet, out of this discord and bitterness a relationship that has become synonymous with the word love itself, is born. As a result of the love that they feel Cian Hogan 2010 11 11
for one another, Romeo and Juliet are transformed. However, not only are they changed, but the society in which they live will be forever altered by the depth of the love they feel for one another. In the beginning of the play, Romeo is portrayed as immature, moody and melancholy. What he perceives as his love for Rosaline is not returned by her. It quickly becomes a tormenting sickness to him. The reader is made to realise that this in fact is not real love. Benvolio echoes our feelings when he points out that love should not be so tyrannous and rough in proof. However, Romeo s encounter with Juliet changes him in the profoundest possible way. When we first meet Romeo, he is self-conscious, immature and does not understand the meaning of tr ue love. His love for Rosaline reveals all of these aspects of his character. At this point in the play, his understanding of love is intellectual and lacking in emotional depth. In fact, the language he speaks, mirror s this lack of real feeling. It is self-conscious, ornate and is punctuated by hyperbole, paradox and oxymoron. Love is a smoke made with a fume of sighs Being purg d, a fire sparkling in lovers eyes [ ] A madness most discreet A choking gall and a preserving sweet However, Romeo s encounter with Juliet changes him fundamentally. He becomes consumed by his love for her as a per son and not just with the idea of love itself. He no longer confuses the metaphysical aspects of love with reality of loving another human being. Amen, amen! but come what sorrow can, Cian Hogan 2010 12 12
It cannot countervail the exchange of joy That one short minute gives me in her sight: At this point in the play, his language switches from rhymed iambic pentameter to unrhymed blank ver se. In other words, the ornate ar tificial hyperbole of his earlier days is replaced by realistic and honest language. For her par t, Juliet is also transformed by her love for Romeo. Before the relationship blossoms, she is an obedient and dutiful daughter, who accepts the path in life that her parents have mapped out for her. The prospect of a relationship with Paris, is in her eyes justified because her parents desire it. I'll look to like, if looking liking move: But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly. However, any such thoughts of obedience are swept aside by the love that she feels for Romeo. Her relationship with Romeo mar ks the beginning of a new found sense of independence. Just as Romeo was willing to defy social conventions at her grave side, she too is willing to break the normal r ules of society. When she hear s that her father has arranged the marriage to Paris, she abandons her sense of filial duty and breaks with the social mores of the day. Refusing to obey him, she vows that her father shall not make [her] a joyful bride. In the end, both Romeo and Juliet are transformed utter ly by the complex nature of the feelings they have for one another. In my opinion, the transformative power of love lies at the hear t of this play. While the deaths of Romeo and Juliet are inevitable and tragic, they do unite the families and bring peace to Verona. This is a remarkable play in which Cian Hogan 2010 13 13
love finally over comes hatred. In the end, the lover s deaths allow them to transcend the unhappy reality of their births. OR 2. You have been asked to recommend a play for students studying for the Junior Certificate. Would you recommend the play you have studied for this examination? Give reasons based on close reference to your chosen text. I would wholehear tedly recommend the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare to Junior Certificate students. In particular, I would recommend that students studying the play should watch Baz Luhrmann s dazzling and unconventional adaptation of Shakespeare s classic love story. Romeo and Juliet is unusual amongst Shakespearean tragedies in that it has two central protagonists, a heroin and a hero. However, rather than dividing the sympathy of the audience, the two protagonists, in my view, make the play more interesting, especially for a young audience. These star-crossed lovers are fascinating. They hold our attention and the manner in which their tragedy unfolds before our eyes is the stuff of pure drama. One of the most interesting aspects of the play for any young audience, is to be found in the transformation that occur s in the central characters. When we first meet Romeo he is a melancholic youth. It is significant that he is not involved in the opening fight and that he has chosen to remain apart from the rest of his extended family. His long Cian Hogan 2010 14 14
speech, filled as it is with hyperbole and artificial expressions of love, demonstrates clear ly that he does not under stand the meaning of tr ue love. All of this changes when he meets Juliet. In Baz Luhrmann s film, Leonardo di Caprio and Clare Danes portray Romeo and Juliet. Luhrmann moves the setting of the stor y from is Elizabethan origins to the futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach. In one of the most memorable scenes in any movie that I ve seen, Romeo encounters Juliet at the Capulet Ball. Luhrmann brilliantly captures the way in which Juliet draws attention to the pover ty of Romeo s expression. The music is exhilarating and highlights the way in which Juliet matches Romeo in wit and intelligence. With Kissing You by Dess ree, the couple embrace and the onscreen chemistr y between di Caprio and Danes does justice to the passionate intensity of Shakespeare s original. As Romeo falls in love with Juliet he changes. Her insistence on an open and honest expressions of love, transforms him completely. His language switches from rhymed iambic pentameter to unrhymed blank ver se. In other words, the ornate and artificial hyperbole of his earlier days is replaced by realistic and honest language. Juliet also changes. The depth of the feelings that she has for Romeo are such that she is transformed from an obedient and respectful young girl to an independently minded young woman. Any young audience will undoubtedly be interested in the central protagonists. However, the play manages to hold our attention in several other ways. It is action-packed from beginning to end. In the opening scene, the ser vants of the Montague and Capulet families quarrel in the streets of Verona. The enmity between the two families forms the backdrop to Romeo and Juliet s romance. It adds urgency to the unfolding drama and hints at the inevitability of the play s tragic outcome. The final scene of the play is the stuff of pure drama. As Romeo prepares to challenge all the social norms of his day and defy death itself he comes into conflict with Paris. The setting of this conflict in a graveyard Cian Hogan 2010 15 15
alongside Juliet s corpse holds our attention to the end of the play. Luhrmann modernises the final scene by introducing helicopters, searchlights and guns. In my view, this contemporar y retelling of the world s most tragic love affair emphasizes the timelessness of Shakespeare s or iginal. This is a play that I would wholehear tedly recommend to any young audience. 2006 1. Consider a character from a play you have studied. Choose a significant time of either good luck or bad luck which this character experiences. (a) Briefly describe this experience of good luck or bad luck. (b) Discuss how the character deals with it in the play. OR 2. Plays teach us lessons about life. Cian Hogan 2010 16 16
Choose any play you have studied and explain how it has made you aware of any one following: Love or Death or Conflict or Harmony. Explain your answer by reference to your chosen play. Question Two. The play that I have studied is Romeo and Juliet. This play taught me a great deal about death. Death is never far away in the divided wor ld of Verona. Set to the backdrop of a destr uctive and all encompassing feud, the play examines death in interesting and thought provoking ways. The older characters brood about death, they tell is that death s the end of all and that we are born to die. Young lives are cut shor t in an abr upt and tragic manner. The play s language reinforces the theme of death through the extensive use of metaphor and imagery. Shakespeare speaks of death marked, untimely deathbed, deathbed, detestable death, and present death. In fact, at various points in the play, Shakespeare personifies death. Death is seen variously, shutting up the door s of life, eating the living, and fighting on the battlefields. In one of the most memorable depictions of death in the play, Shakespeare views it as being Juliet s bridegroom. Here Juliet s mother views death as being her son in law : death is my heir, My daughter he had wedded One of the most interesting aspects of Shakespeare s treatment of the theme of death in this play, is the manner in which he suggests that death and faith are linked. In the prologue, the Chorus suggests that Cian Hogan 2010 17 17
there is an inevitability to the tragedy of these star crossed lovers. Then, in act 5, scene iii, as Romeo looks his last on Juliet, he tells us that he intends to: set up [his] everlasting rest And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars The play is full of chance encounters and misadventured piteous overthrows that lead to the eventual deaths of the two protagonists. For example, the accidental meeting of Peter (who carries the Capulet s invitation list) with Benvolio and Romeo. The death of Mercutio is another seemingly random event that causes us to question the role of chance in the deaths of so many characters. The way in which Shakespeare examines the feud between the Montague and the Capulets also casts an interesting light on the theme of death. As the two families struggle for power, their ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny. A rigid and unthinking acceptance of the code of honour, prompts the men of the play to defend their family name in a violent and bloody fashion. Tybalt feels that the honour of [his] kin has been insulted by Romeo s presence at the Capulet feast. For his part, R o m e o a l s o e m b r a c e s t h e c u l t u r e o f r e ve n g e t h a t g ove r n s t h e relationship between Verona s two rival factions. However for me, the most fascinating aspect of Shakespeare s treatment of the theme of death is the way in which he suggests that Romeo and Juliet may have died from an excess of love. As a result of the intensity of the love they feel for one another, Romeo and Juliet believe that death is the only possible ending to their story : Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee to-night Here, Romeo s expresses the notion of love and death. The passion and the burning desire that these two feel for one another leads to a love devouring death and the awful tragedy of the final scene. In the end, Cian Hogan 2010 18 18
Shakespeare attempts to cast the deaths of Romeo and Juliet in a positive light. The violent feud that caused their deaths is also paradoxically ended by their passing. 2005 1. Select a play you have studied and choose from it a scene where conflict occurs. (a) Outline what happens in this scene. (10) (b) What are the underlying causes of the conflict in this scene? Support your answer by reference to the play as a whole. (20) OR 2. Choose your favourite character from a play you have studied. (a) Why do you find this character interesting? Support your answer by reference to the text. (10) Cian Hogan 2010 19 19
(b) Discuss the relationship between your chosen character and ONE other character in the play. Refer to the text in support of your answer. (20) 2004 1. Name a play you have studied in which one character rebels against another. With which character did you have more sympathy? Give reasons for your answer making reference to the play. OR 2. Name a play you have studied. Choose a scene from this play you found either happy or sad. Describe how the playwright conveys this happiness or sadness. 2003 Cian Hogan 2010 20 20
1. Choose a relationship from a play you have studied. (a) Outline how this relationship develops throughout the play. (15) (b) Which of the characters in the relationship made the most impact on you? Give reasons for your answer making reference to the play. (15) OR 2. Select a play you have studied. (a) What did you learn about the world the characters of the play lived in? Support your answer by reference to the play. (20) (b) Did you like or dislike this wor ld? Give reasons for your answer making reference to the play. (10) The play that I have studied is Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In the course of the play, we learn a great deal about the world in which the characters lived. Despite the fact that the characters of Romeo and Juliet are synonymous with love, the wor ld in which they live is a hostile and uncaring place. The internecine violence that threatens to erupt at any moment brings a great deal of tragedy to the Capulets and the Montagues. In Act 1 Scene 1 Shakespeare dramatises the feud by depicting a street battle that involves the servants and family members alike. This atmosphere of tense hostility is emphasised once again in Act 3 Scene 1. Benvolio's Cian Hogan 2010 21 21
attempts to keep Mercutio from quarreling with Tybalt or his kinsmen prove futile. The extent of the hatred between both families is made br utally clear by Mercutios' death. As he plagues both houses with his cur se the audience is made aware that there is no hope for the people of Verona and that they remain trapped in a cycle of hatred that is all encompassing. Ultimately, this violent wor ld closes in on the two 'star cross'd lover s'. Following the death of Tybalt, Lady Capulet wishes Romeo dead. In many respects she becomes symbolic of the hatred and social division that characterises life in Verona. Another interesting aspect of life in Verona is the manner in which Juliet is denied the opportunity to direct the course of her own life. Lord Capulet fully expects that his daughter will do as she is told: 'An you be mine, I'll give you to my friend, An you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets For by soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee.' From the vantage point of the 20th Century it is difficult to imagine that a young gir l would have so little choice of her own destiny. Juliet's mother is surprisingly unsympathetic to her daughters' plight; 'Do as thou wilt, for I have done with thee.' Such lack of choice is normal in the wor ld of Romeo and Juliet. This is emphasised by the nur se s reaction to Juliet's predicament. In her opinion, it is best that Juliet 'marry with the county'. She views him as a gentleman and believes that 'Romeo's a dish clout to him'. The situation in which Juliet finds herself reveals a disturbing aspect to Elizabethan society. Ever y single character that should care for Juliet is willing to Cian Hogan 2010 22 22
sacrifice her in order to serve their own hypocritical ends. As a result, Juliet sees no way out of her dilemma except death. 'If all else fail myself have power to die.' (b) While the world in which Romeo and Juliet is an utterly fascinating one, it did not appeal to me. Its violence, hypocrisy and stifling lack of individuality r un contrar y to modern sensibilities. It must be said that the wor ld in which Romeo and Juliet live is a tragic one. In the end, the lovers pay the ultimate price for living in this world. Their passion, innocence and profound love for one another are not strong enough to overcome the violent hatred that results in their deaths. 2002 1. Select a play you have studied. Give an account of a dramatic scene or part of the play. How was the drama created? Base your answer on the text studied. If you wish you may also make reference to a theatre performance or a film version you have seen of the play. OR Cian Hogan 2010 23 23
2. Plays deal with many interesting themes. Select a play you have studied. Outline a theme in it you found interesting. Would you consider the theme to be relevant to your own life and/or to the wor ld around you? Explain your answer with reference to the play. 2001 1. From a play studied by you choose EITHER the funniest OR the most tragic scene. Give a brief summar y of the scene and explain what made it either very funny or very tragic. OR 2. From a play you have studied choose two characters in conflict with each other. Name and briefly describe each character. What would you say were the values/principles that were impor tant to each character? Cian Hogan 2010 24 24