Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

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“Romeo and Juliet” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Characters and Relationships
1. Who are the main characters in the story?
2. How would you describe the relationship between Romeo and Juliet?
3. Can you name two members of the Montague family?
4. Who are the Capulets and why are they important?
5. What kind of person is Mercutio?

II. Themes and Messages
6. What is the main theme of the story?
7. How does love play a role in the story?
8. What does the story say about family conflict?
9. Is there a lesson about hate in the story?
10. How is the idea of fate shown in the story?

III. Plot and Setting
11. Where does the story of Romeo and Juliet take place?
12. What happens in the beginning of the story?
13. Can you describe the main conflict in the story?
14. How does the story end?
15. What event leads to the death of the main characters?

IV. Language and Dialogue
16. What kind of language is used in the story?
17. Can you remember any famous lines from the story?
18. How do the characters speak to each other?
19. Do you find the language difficult to understand?
20. Why do you think Shakespeare used such poetic language?

V. Symbolism and Imagery
21. What does the poison symbolize in the story?
22. Can you identify any symbols of love in the story?
23. What might the balcony scene represent?
24. Are there any recurring images throughout the play?
25. How does light and darkness play a role in the story?

VI. Adaptations and Interpretations
26. Have you seen any movies based on Romeo and Juliet?
27. How do different adaptations change the story?
28. Why do you think people keep retelling this story?
29. Can you think of any modern stories that are similar to Romeo and Juliet?
30. How might the story be different if it was set in today’s world?

VII. Moral and Ethical Issues
31. Do you think Romeo and Juliet were right to defy their families?
32. Was the feud between the families justified?
33. What could the characters have done differently to avoid tragedy?
34. Do you think the nurse and Friar Laurence were helpful or harmful?
35. Is there a character in the story who represents moral guidance?

VIII. Love and Relationships
36. Do you believe in love at first sight like Romeo and Juliet?
37. How does the relationship between Romeo and Juliet develop?
38. What role do the families play in the relationship between Romeo and Juliet?
39. How does the story address the issue of arranged marriage?
40. What do you think is the most romantic part of the story?

IX. Conflict and Resolution
41. What are the main causes of conflict in the story?
42. How do the characters try to resolve their problems?
43. What misunderstandings occur in the story?
44. How does violence affect the outcome of the story?
45. Could the tragedy have been avoided with better communication?

X. Personal Reflections
46. Which character do you relate to the most and why?
47. Have you ever been in a situation similar to Romeo and Juliet’s?
48. What would you have done if you were in Romeo or Juliet’s shoes?
49. How did reading the story make you feel?
50. What is the most important thing you learned from the story?

XI. Historical and Social Context
51. How were relationships different in Shakespeare’s time?
52. Why was the family feud such a big deal in the story?
53. How might the story reflect the society it was written in?
54. What historical events might have influenced Shakespeare’s writing?
55. How do you think audiences of Shakespeare’s time reacted to the play?

XII. Critical Thinking and Analysis
56. Do you think Romeo and Juliet’s love was genuine or just infatuation?
57. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the main characters?
58. How does Shakespeare build suspense in the story?
59. What is the role of fate versus free will in the story?
60. How might the story be a critique of society during Shakespeare’s time?

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You can learn:
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60 minute class with non-native speaker (e.g. Philippines, Indonesia): US$9.99 US$7.99

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