Romeo and Juliet, ACT II - Scene IV quiz

Questions and answers

1. 1

   Question 1. Why are Mercutio and Benvolio concerned about Romeo at the start of Act 2, Scene 4?

   • He has been banished from Verona
   • He refused to attend the Capulet feast
   • Correct answer: He did not come home the previous night
   • He was seen fighting with Tybalt at the feast

   Benvolio reports that Romeo did not return to his father's house, and they assume he is still lovesick over Rosaline.

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2. 2

   Question 2. What has Tybalt done that Benvolio reveals at the beginning of the scene?

   • Challenged Mercutio to a duel in the square
   • Correct answer: Sent a challenge letter to Romeo's father's house
   • Attacked Montague servants in the street
   • Complained to the Prince about the Montagues

   Benvolio tells Mercutio that "Tybalt, the kinsman to old Capulet, hath sent a letter to his father's house," which Mercutio immediately recognizes as a challenge to duel.

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3. 3

   Question 3. What nickname does Mercutio give Tybalt when describing his fencing skills?

   • The Duke of Dark Corners
   • The King of Swords
   • The Prince of Shadows
   • Correct answer: More than Prince of Cats

   Mercutio calls Tybalt "more than Prince of Cats," referencing the cat character Tybalt in medieval animal tales and his reputation as a deadly swordsman.

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4. 4

   Question 4. What does Mercutio declare about Romeo after their witty exchange of puns?

   • Correct answer: That Romeo is now sociable and truly himself again
   • That Romeo has lost his sense of humor entirely
   • That Romeo is still groaning for love of Rosaline
   • That Romeo should answer Tybalt's challenge at once

   Mercutio says, "Now art thou sociable, now art thou Romeo; now art thou what thou art, by art as well as by nature," pleased that Romeo has returned to his lively self.

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5. 5

   Question 5. Where does Romeo tell the Nurse that he and Juliet will be married?

   • At the Capulet chapel
   • At the church of St. Peter
   • At the Prince's palace
   • Correct answer: At Friar Laurence's cell

   Romeo instructs the Nurse: "there she shall at Friar Laurence' cell be shriv'd and married."

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6. 6

   Question 6. What does Romeo arrange to have delivered to the Nurse behind the abbey wall?

   • A bag of gold coins
   • Correct answer: A rope ladder
   • A wedding ring
   • A love letter

   Romeo tells the Nurse his servant will bring "cords made like a tackled stair" — a rope ladder — so he can climb to Juliet's window that night.

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7. 7

   Question 7. What rival suitor does the Nurse mention when speaking privately with Romeo?

   • Benvolio
   • Mercutio
   • Correct answer: Paris
   • Tybalt

   The Nurse mentions "there is a nobleman in town, one Paris, that would fain lay knife aboard" — meaning Paris wants to claim Juliet — but adds that Juliet would rather see a toad than Paris.

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8. 8

   Question 8. Which of these events actually happened in this chapter?

   • True or false: Mercutio knows that Romeo has fallen in love with Juliet in this scene.

     Didn't happen

     Mercutio still believes Romeo is lovesick over Rosaline. He is unaware of Romeo's love for Juliet, which creates dramatic irony throughout the scene.

   • True or false: The Nurse initially refuses the money Romeo offers her.

     Happened

     When Romeo offers money for her trouble, the Nurse says, "No, truly, sir; not a penny," though Romeo insists she take it.

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9. 9

   Question 9. What does "ropery" mean when the Nurse complains about Mercutio's behavior?

   • Correct answer: Roguish or vulgar behavior
   • Rope-making or knot-tying skill
   • Long-winded or idle talking
   • Clumsy or awkward movement

   The Nurse asks "what saucy merchant was this that was so full of his ropery?" using the word to mean knavish, disrespectful conduct.

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10. 10

    Question 10. When Mercutio mentions "the immortal passado," he is referring to:

    • A quick step in an Italian court dance
    • A short dagger used in Italian fencing
    • A formal written challenge to a duel
    • Correct answer: A fencing thrust made while stepping forward

    A passado is a forward fencing thrust. Mercutio uses this technical term alongside "punto reverse" and "hay" to describe Tybalt's mastery of Italian fencing technique.

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11. 11

    Question 11. What does "shrift" mean when Romeo tells the Nurse to have Juliet "come to shrift this afternoon"?

    • A market or fair
    • Correct answer: Confession to a priest
    • A secret meeting place
    • A formal engagement ceremony

    Shrift means confession and absolution. Romeo uses it as the cover story for Juliet's visit to Friar Laurence's cell, where they will actually be married.

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