The Prologue from Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare from Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is the classic tragedy of feuding families and star-crossed lovers. This passage is the prologue from the play. Students will read the passage and respond to questions about setting the scene and how the prologue forecasts the play.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Prologue from Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare from Romeo and Juliet
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- mutiny
- overthrows
- strife
- attend
- toil
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1. “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny”
a. changes; alterations b. riot or rebellion c. heroics; rescues d. grief or sadness
2. “Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows”
a. children; offspring b. cries; wails c. defeats or downfalls d. decisions; plans
3. “Doth with their death bury their parents' strife”
a. argument; conflict b. future or hope c. reputation; regard d. happiness or joy
4. “The which, if you with patient ears attend”
a. delay; await b. pardon or forgive c. add to; attach d. listen or follow
5. “What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend”
a. price or amount b. belief; attitude c. work; effort d. laws or rules