1
1 mark
In the Elizabethan era, what was the typical age for marriage among wealthy families, as reflected in the play?
16 years old
18 years old
13 years old
21 years old
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Romeo & Juliet (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
10 hours155 questions
2
1 mark
How might Queen Elizabeth I’s reign be connected to the themes explored in the play?
It reflected the growing power of women in society.
It highlighted the forbidden relationships at court.
It encouraged stories focused only on religious issues.
It prioritised issues such as peace and prosperity.
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3
1 mark
What was the Great Chain of Being in the 16th century?
a hierarchical system that placed society into a fixed order
a legal code based on class, used to maintain order in England
a religious belief that all people are equal in the eyes of God
a social contract which existed between men and women
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4
1 mark
What role does Friar Laurence play in relation to religion?
He opposes the marriage of Romeo and Juliet because it defies religious principles.
He acts as a father figure to Romeo and supports their love, using religion to promote peace.
He convinces Romeo and Juliet to run away from Verona to avoid religious persecution.
He uses religion and astrology to determine whether Romeo and Juliet's marriage will succeed.
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5
1 mark
Why might Shakespeare have set the play in Italy rather than England?
to highlight contemporary political tensions occurring in England
to make the story more relatable to his Protestant audience in England
to distance the play from controversial religious and social issues in England
to criticise Italian culture and the values of Catholicism in comparison to England
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6
1 mark
What does Lord Capulet mean when he says Juliet is the “hopeful lady of my earth”?
Juliet is expected to marry for love and personal happiness.
Juliet will become the head of the Capulet family when he dies.
Juliet will inherit her father’s wealth and property after his death.
Juliet is meant to provide an heir and secure the family’s future.
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7
1 mark
How does Shakespeare portray courtly love in the play?
as deep and lasting, reflected in Romeo's consistent love for Rosaline
as superficial and fleeting, highlighted by Romeo's instant love for Juliet
as purely romantic and respected by all families involved
as forbidden and dangerous, but always long-lasting even in the face of adversity
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8
1 mark
Why were Renaissance marriages often arranged by fathers, as seen with Lord Capulet arranging Juliet’s marriage to Paris?
to strengthen family ties and improve social mobility
to ensure the family’s religious beliefs were preserved
to promote political alliances between nations
to prevent women from inheriting significant wealth
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9
1 mark
How does Juliet defy patriarchal expectations?
by openly rejecting all suitors, both before and during the play
by marrying Romeo and questioning the family feud
by remaining pliable and submissive to her father’s wishes
by asking her nurse, instead of her father, for permission to marry
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10
1 mark
What societal expectation does Juliet’s tragic death critique?
the expectation that daughters must always obey their fathers
the importance of arranged marriages in Renaissance England
the practice of mourning for family members
the need for young women to marry quickly and efficiently
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1
1 mark
What is the significance of Friar Laurence?
He represents the conflict between science and religion.
He is Romeo’s father figure and supports the young lovers.
He encourages Romeo to forget about Juliet and prioritise his family.
He tries to stop the feud between the families by exiling Romeo.
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2
1 mark
Why did Shakespeare likely include the character of the Nurse?
to represent the growing power of lower-class women in society
to show the value of rebellious characters in serious tragedies
to emphasise Lady Capulet’s emotional distance from Juliet
to criticise the practice of employing wet nurses in Renaissance England
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3
1 mark
How does Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage challenge the societal norms of Renaissance marriages?
It shows that Romeo and Juliet are trying to increase their family’s social mobility.
It reflects their belief that marriage should be based on love, not social alliances.
It demonstrates their desire to maintain peace between their families.
It highlights their lack of understanding of family responsibilities.
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4
1 mark
What does Shakespeare suggest about the dangers of defying societal expectations through Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris?
Juliet’s refusal is presented as a triumphant act of rebellion that is rewarded.
Shakespeare presents Juliet’s defiance as a tragic decision that leads to her downfall.
Juliet’s decision is depicted as unimportant as it does not influence the overall plot.
Shakespeare shows that defying societal expectations has no lasting consequences for Juliet.
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5
1 mark
How does Shakespeare’s use of religious imagery in the shared sonnet between Romeo and Juliet reinforce the theme of pure love?
It undermines the idea of pure love by presenting their relationship as illicit and sinful.
It suggests that their love is forbidden by religious authorities, creating tension with their faith.
It emphasises the sacredness of their love, challenging societal norms about marriage.
It implies that Romeo and Juliet’s love is shallow and motivated by physical attraction.
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6
1 mark
How does the setting of in Verona, Italy, reflect the political and social context of Elizabethan England?
It allows Shakespeare to explore themes of family loyalty and conflict without directly criticising the English monarchy.
It demonstrates that family feuds were unique to Italian society and not relevant to contemporary English audiences.
It highlights Shakespeare’s desire to distance the story from English Protestant society and focus only on foreign affairs.
It was chosen by Shakespeare because Italian cities were viewed as places of peace and harmony, unlike England.
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