Romeo and Juliet Reading Comprehension
Practice Test
Name: ______________________ Date: __________
Answer each question in one to three complete sentences. Cite specific scenes when possible.
Section 1 · Short Answer
1. In the prologue, the chorus calls the lovers "star-cross’d." What does this phrase suggest about the play’s outcome?
2. Why does Friar Laurence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret?
3. How does Mercutio’s death change the trajectory of the play?
4. What plan does Friar Laurence devise to reunite Romeo and Juliet after Romeo’s banishment?
5. Identify one example of dramatic irony in the final act and explain its effect.
Answer Key
Section 1 · Short Answer
- 1. It suggests their love is doomed by fate. The audience is told from the start that the relationship will end tragically.
- 2. He hopes the marriage will end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets and bring peace to Verona.
- 3. It pushes Romeo to kill Tybalt in revenge, which leads to his banishment and sets the tragic ending in motion.
- 4. Juliet drinks a potion that will make her appear dead. The Friar plans to send word to Romeo so he can retrieve her from the tomb.
- 5. The audience knows Juliet is only sleeping when Romeo finds her in the tomb. This makes his decision to drink poison especially painful to watch.