3. The ideal of females, especially upper-class females during the time of the setting of Romeo and Juliet is that woman know nothing about sex and are virginal until marriage and then "endure" their husband's needs. Does Juliet seem to fit this description?

4. What are Tybalt's last actions before he is no longer seen?

5. What does the purpose of this brief scene (Act 3, Scene 3) seem to be?

6. What reason do Juliet and Desdemona give for being flat characters? Do you agree with the two women's assessment?

7. What does Constance learn about the scrolls and then decide to do?

8. How many ways has Juliet considered or attempted suicide in this scene? Why do you think this is so?

9. What is the irony of the scene where Juliet stands beneath Constance's balcony and woos her?

10. How is Constance's return to her office with her head stuffed in a waste basket metaphorical?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 1, Scene 1, a love triangle among Constance, Professor Night, and Ramona is revealed, which in and of itself serves more to foreshadow the love triangle in future acts among Constance, Romeo, and Juliet. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-organized essay using detailed examples from the text, your research, and personal experience to support your statements.

1. Compare and contrast the love triangles that exist in the play GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA.

2. Research and discuss two or three famous love triangles (for example: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eddie Fisher or Lady Diana, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles). Include why you think love triangles develop, whether they are harmful to the participants and if they ever work out well.

3. Answer the following in an essay: Could you ever see yourself caught in a love triangle? How would you respond if that did happen to you? Do you think a mutually-agreed-upon love triangle can work? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

In Act 3, Scene 6, the conversation between Constance and the ghost in the boneyard seems like two ships that pass in the night. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Explain the conversation between Constance and the ghost in the boneyard. What is satirical about it? Do you find it ironic? How so? Give specific examples.

2. What is a boneyard? What do you think is the significance of Constance having to pass through a boneyard to find the answer to her quest? Is the boneyard symbolic of something to Constance (whether she knows it or not)?

3. What is humorous about the ghost's appearance? Do you think this is a conscious effort at comic relief? What is comic relief? Do you see it appearing in other conversations with the ghost or the Chorus?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 3, Scene 9, Constance becomes exasperated with both Desdemona and Juliet, calling them unreasonable and dimensionless and both women agree they are flawed. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. What is a flawed character? Is the trait different in a heroic character versus a villain? Does one assume a flaw in a villain but not necessarily in a hero?

2. How do you think Desdemona and Juliet are flawed characters? Do their flaws make them less "flat"? Are there flaws serious enough to keep them from being defined as heroines?

3. Do you think the flaws in the male characters are similar or different from those in Desdemona and Juliet? Explain using specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

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