Exploring symbolism in Romeo and Juliet's last meeting in Act 3, Scene 5 | English

Starter quiz

'The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities' is the definition of ______.

'symbolism' ✓
In literature, light typically represents which of the following?

secrets

fear

optimism ✓
In literature, dawn typically represents which of the following?

the past and memories

new beginnings ✓

remaining static
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the consequence of Romeo killing Tybalt in Act 3, Scene 1?

Mercutio kills Romeo.

Romeo is banished from Verona. ✓

Juliet falls out of love with Romeo.

Romeo's parents disown him.
'With the qualities that people usually expect of a particular type of person or thing' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?

'stereotypical' ✓
'The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power' is the definition of which word beginning with 'f'?

'fate' ✓

In Act 3, Scene 5 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Juliet has a vision of which of the following?

her own death

her wedding

Romeo's death ✓
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', night represents which of the following for Romeo and Juliet?

safety ✓

fear

mystery
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet both have prophetic dreams and visions of their fate - which of the following does this arguably suggest?

That fate can be changed.

That dreams are just fantasies.

That fate is inevitable. ✓
'Giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen' is the definition of which word beginning with 'o'?

'ominous' ✓
'Involving a violation of moral or social boundaries' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?

'transgressive' ✓
'Accurately predicting what will happen in the future' is the definition of which word beginning with 'p'?

'prophetic' ✓

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Stereotypically, night/darkness represents fear and mystery while day/light represents hope and truth.
However, for Romeo and Juliet, night/darkness represents protection and safety.
Because of this, Shakespeare may be highlighting the transgressive nature of their relationship.
The image of the “lark” may symbolise that Romeo and Juliet are trapped by circumstances and fate.
Juliet’s prophetic vision may reveal the inescapable nature of their fate.

That light always symbolises hope and optimism in literature.

While light typically symbolises hope and optimism, for Romeo and Juliet it symbolises loss and separation.

Fate - the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power
Stereotypical - with the qualities that people usually expect of a particular type of person or thing
Transgressive - involving a violation of moral or social boundaries
Ominous - giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen
Prophetic - accurately predicting what will happen in the future