Name:_______________________

Vocabulary - Romeo and Juliet Act I

dignity:___________________________________________________________

What does it mean: to carry oneself with dignity?

How are the “two households” in the play “both alike in dignity”?

civil: means _______________________________________________________

and also means ______________________________________________________

Shakespeare plays on both meanings in the prologue, with the phrase, “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” What is ironic about this phrase? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

unrequited: ________________________________________________________

Explain how Romeo is suffering from a case of unrequited love as the play begins. Use the phrase “unrequited love” in your explanation.

fate: _________________________________________________________________

In the prologue, Romeo and Juliet are described as “star-crossed” lovers. Relate this description to the concept of fate. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

dire: ___________________________________________________________________

What are dire consequences? ________________________________________________________________________

feud: ___________________________________________________________________

Use “feud” in a sentence describing the play.

quarrel:_________________________________________________________________

What is the purpose of Gregory’s question, “Do you quarrel, sir?” (line 47) ________________________________________________________________________

fray: ___________________________________________________________________

Use “fray” in a sentence about act I. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

pilgrim: _________________________________________________________________

pilgrimage: ______________________________________________________________

Why is Romeo compared to a pilgrim? (line 95) ________________________________________________________________________

nuptial:_______________________________________________________________

So, a prenuptial agreement refers to a contract that is signed, when? ________________

prodigious:______________________________________________________________

What is “prodigious” (line 137) about the birth of the love between Romeo and Juliet? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________