Romeo and Juliet
Act Notes
The Prologue
It is in the form of a sonnet. It has 14 lines, five accented syllables and five unaccented ones
per line, and a consistent pattern of rhyming.
It serves several purposes:
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it tells us about the opening events of the play
(Two families have been fighting for a long time. From these families come two
children who are destined to become lovers and kill themselves. It directs our
attention to the role fate plays in the lives of these lovers - their fate is not in
their control.)
it makes us curious about how and why these events will happen
(It leaves out more information than it gives. Who are these lovers? What
makes them “star-crossed”? Why do they kill themselves? Why is this the only
way to end the feud?
it introduces us to themes that will become important
(Romeo and Juliet is a play about paradoxes - a statement that may be true but
seems to say opposite things. Ex. More haste, less speed. In the play, we find
out that things seeming to be opposites are linked to each other. The play is
about youth and age, love and hate, fighting and peace. It tells us the theme that the deathless love of Romeo and Juliet is the only solution for the ancient
feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.
it introduces the atmosphere of conflict between the two families
ACT I: Love at First Sight
It provides the reader with the introduction or exposition. It creates the tone of the play which
allows the audience to know the dangers of a romance between a Capulet and a Montague. It
presents the co-existing concepts of love and hate. It defines the setting and introduces most
of the characters.
Scene I
Opens in Verona, Italy, on Sunday morning, with two Capulet servants walking down the street
hoping to meet and start a fight with servants from the Montague family. Sampson decides to
start the fight by biting his thumb at the Montague servants (an insulting gesture). Gregory
tells Sampson he will back him up, and a fight ensues. Townspeople become involved,
resulting in a brawl.
Benvolio enters and attempts to break up the fighting, bu Tybalt enters and challenges him to a
duel. Lord Capulet and Lord Montague call for their swords to enter the fight, but the Prince
and attendants arrive to break up the quarrel. The prince threatens to execute anyone who
starts another brawl. He requests Lord Capulet meet with him privately, and tells Lord
Montague he will talk with him later that afternoon.
Benvolio relates the circumstances of the fight to Lord Montague. Lady M asks where Romeo
is, and Benvolio says he saw him walking at dawn. They are worried about him, because no
one knows what is bothering him. Romeo approaches, and Benvolio says he will find out what
is bothering him.
Benvolio meets him and asks “what sadness lengthens Romeo’s hours”. Romeo replies that
not having the love he wants makes him unhappy. It seems Rosaline has sworn not to fall in
love. Benvolio urges Romeo to forget her by comparing her beauty with that of other girls.
Romeo says that only makes her more beautiful. Benvolio swears to try to get Romeo to forget
Rosaline or die trying.
Analysis: Action of the play begins. We know the feud has affected everyone in the city. This
is a good beginning because it grabs the attention of the spectators. The quarrel between the
servants is an opportunity for humor. Also, Lady Capulet’s remarks introduce humor.
Foreshadowing should be noted in the Prince’s speech to the families. (“If ever you disturb our
streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.”)
The theme of love co-existing with hate is echoed in the word play and oxymorons (ex. O
brawling love! O loving hate!....O heavy lightness! O serious vanity!.... Feather of lead, bright
smoke, cold fire, sick health! Still-waking sleep... ) The concepts of love and hate don’t naturally
go together, but are opposites.
All the leading characters are introduced, except Juliet and Mercutio. The theme of young love
jeopardized by a family feud is introduced. Benvolio, in his closing speech, promises to find a
solution for Romeo’s trouble, and prepares the audience for future developments.
Scene II
Lord Capulet is discussing the recent brawl with Paris. Capulet says that as old as he and
Montague are, it will not be hard to keep the peace.
Paris has asked for Juliet’s hand in marriage and is asking for a reply from Lord Capulet. Lord C
feels that 13 is too young, but allows Paris to try to persuade Juliet. If Juliet consents, he will
also. Lord C tells Paris he is giving a feast tonight and invites him to attend. Lord C gives an
invitation list to a servant to deliver throughout the city, not realizing that the servant can’t
read.
The servant is disgruntled and states people should stick with what they know best. Romeo
and Benvolio enter, and the servant asks if Romeo can read the list to him. They read it, and
the servant invites them to the feast, if they are not Montagues.
Benvolio hears the name of Rosaline on the list, and persuades Romeo to attend the feast to
compare the beauty of Rosaline with other beauties in Verona. Romeo agrees to go, but only
to stand and stare at Rosaline.
Analysis: Shows the type of courtly love that is prevalent in 14 th century Verona. Courtly love
was governed by the traditions of the time. According to custom, the young man must ask the
father for the hand of his daughter in marriage. There was no such thing as a “love” marriage
because the marriages were arranged by the fathers. Marriage was usually a chance for family
betterment through alliances. Paris is abiding by all the rules of etiquette and is in harmony
with social expectations. On the other hand, Romeo will break all the rules and customs. The
theme of fate is evident in Lord Capulet giving the invitation list to a servant who cannot read,
and the servant asking Romeo for help and inviting him to the feast. Also it is present in
Benvolio persuading Romeo to attend the feast.
Scene III
Lady Capulet informs Juliet it’s time for her to think of marriage. At first, she sends the nurse
away, but then calls her back, since she knows all their secrets anyways. Lady C asks Juliet’s
age, and the nurse remembers when she was born, because it was the same day her daughter
Susan died.
Lady C asks if Juliet is ready to marry. Juliet hasn’t even thought of it. Lady C talks about Paris
and compares him to a book that only needs a cover (a wife). She stresses his physical
attractiveness and his wealth, which enforces the idea that love dwells only in the eye, not the
heart. Juliet, being obedient, agrees to look at him during the feast and consider his suit.
Analysis: The nurse is disappointed to be at first sent away because she has been more a
mother than Lady C. The nurse is completely at ease with Juliet, but Lady C is stiff and
reserved. Juliet is respectful and timid towards her mother. Chastity, obedience and silence
were three virtues expected of both daughters and wives in the Elizabethan period. The nurse
also provides more humor here, as she chatters while Lady C is trying to talk about serious
matters.
Scene IV
Romeo and his friends are on their way to the ball. The young men are carrying or wearing
masks. Benvolio suggests they enter quietly, dance and then leave. Mercutio ridicules
Romeo’s live-sickness. He delivers a speech about Queen Mab, the queen of fairyland, and
what she is able to do with dreamers. Romeo has a premonition that something is about to
happen that will shorten his life, but decides to go anyway.
Analysis: Mercutio is used here as a foil to Romeo. The contrast between them makes the
other’s qualities stand out more clearly. Romeo is focused on his inner life and emotions, while
Mercutio is focused on entertaining others with his wit. Foreshadowing is present in Romeo’s
premonition of something evil - “some consequence, yet hanging in the stars”, but feels he can
do nothing to prevent it. He believes fate has complete control over his destiny.
Scene V
The servants are preparing for the feast. Lord Capulet welcomes everyone and intimidates the
young women into dancing. Romeo sees Juliet for the first time and falls instantly in love. He
compares her beauty to the brightness of the torches, a rich jewel, and a snowy dove. As he
speaks of her, Tybalt recognizes his voice. He sends for his sword, only to be stopped by Lord
Capulet, who warns him not to disrupt his ball with a fight. Lord C allows him to stay because
he is behaving like a gentleman and has a good reputation. Tybalt is furious and storms out.
Romeo and Juliet speak to each other using holy terms. Juliet is called away to her mother,
and Romeo asks the nurse who she is. He is told she is a Capulet, and he realizes that his “life
is my foe’s debt”. As he and his friends leave, Juliet asks the nurse who he is. The nurse tells
her he is Romeo, and a Montague. This knowledge makes Juliet exclaim: “My only love sprung
from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!”
Analysis: The holy terms Romeo and Juliet use show their devotion to each other is pure and
holy, unlike his infatuation with Rosaline. There is a contrast here between lightness and
darkness - Rosaline associated with darkness and Juliet lightness. Fate is present when Lord
Capulet doesn’t let Tybalt fight Romeo, but lets him remain at the ball. Foreshadowing is
present when Tybalt is leaving the ball and states: “I will withdraw; but this intrusion shall/ No
seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall”.
Act 2
The complication or rising action takes place here. Tension is created because of the conflict
created when the children of two opposing families meet and fall in love. Additional conflicts
are presented in the form of Tybalt’s challenge to Romeo, and the marriage performed by Friar
Lawrence. This marriage intensifies the conflict, and adds to the complication of Act II.
Prologue
Provides the audience with a preview of what is to come. It states that Romeo’s love for
Rosaline has been replaced by love for Juliet. “Alike bewitched by the charm of looks”
indicates that his feelings are mutual.
Scene I
Takes place outside the wall of the Capulet house. Romeo feels he cannot leave, and climbs
over the walls into the orchard. Romeo’s friends, who don’t know of his new love, try to
entreat him to come out by calling Rosaline’s name. They give up looking for him and return
home.
Scene II
Takes place within the orchard. Romeo watches as Juliet appears at her window and compares
her to light, the East, the sun and the stars in heaven. He listens as she calls out his name, and
hears her proclaim that it is only his name that is her enemy. Romeo jumps from the bushes
and proclaims he will change his name if that is keeping her from loving him. Juliet is startled
he has heard her secret thoughts. She asks how he was able to get over the high walls, and
Romeo replies that love helped him. Juliet is concerned she has been too forward , and
promises to be more true than any girl who acts shy. Romeo tries to swear on the moon that
he loves her; however, Juliet begs him not to swear on something that changes so frequently.
They exchange vows of love, and Juliet asks if his intentions are honorable. If they are, when
should she send someone to get information about the time and place for their wedding.
Romeo says to send someone at nine o’clock in the morning for the details. The nurse calls,
interrupting the balcony love scene. Juliet closes with the famous lines: “Good night, good
night! Parting is such sweet sorrow/ That I shall say good night till it be morrow”.
Analysis: Romeo’s soliloquy - a dramatic monologue spoken aloud to reveal a character’s
thoughts - is found in the first part of the scene. It conveys an idealized quality of their love
and describes clearly his new feelings for Juliet in terms of brightness. He also uses imagery of
light and dark when he first sees Juliet on the balcony. The line “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
does not mean she is looking for him, but that she is asking why he is called Romeo and a
Montague. She says if he can’t give up his name, she will give up hers. Romeo is willing to face
death in exchange for Juliet’s love. The two lovers will repeatedly demonstrate that they
prefer death to separation. Because they realize the danger of their love, they act quickly and
impulsively.
Impulsive behavior is considered to be Romeo’s tragic flaw - a weakness in his character that
will cause his destruction.
Scene III
The reader finds Friar Lawrence carrying a wicker basket, selecting herbs, flowers and plants to
make medicine. Friar Lawrence discusses how plants possess both poisonous and healing
powers. He applies this to man, who possess both good and evil qualities.
Romeo approaches, and Friar Lawrence asks if he is ill or has been up all night. Romeo says he
was up all night, and the Friar assumes he was sinning with Rosaline. Romeo states he has
forgotten Rosaline and has fallen in love with the daughter of Lord C and they wish to be
married today. Friar says he is fickle, but Romeo assures him their love is true. The Friar
agrees to marry them, hoping to end the feud, but is worried they are moving too fast.
Analysis: The gathering of herbs is important to the plot of the play. Elizabethans were
fascinated with potions and poisons. This is an instance of foreshadowing. The Friar attempts
to do good, but acts rashly in saying he will marry the lovers. His intentions are good, but he
acts without considering the consequences. This will aid in the destruction of the lovers.
Scene IV
Mercutio and Benvolio are discussing Romeo. Benvolio says that Tybalt has sent a challenge to
Romeo for a duel. Both wonder if he can handle it since he has been acting so strangely. They
are discussing Tybalt’s fencing abilities when Romeo appears. They tease him about Rosaline.
The nurse and her servant enter. Mercutio makes fun of her and she becomes angry. She asks
for Romeo. He tells her to devise a reason for Juliet to go to chapel that evening, and Friar
Lawrence will marry them. Romeo’s servant will give her a rope ladder to take back with her,
which he will use to climb into her room later that night.
Analysis: Mercutio is again illustrated as a man of many words. He also ridicules the nurse.
The nurse reveals coarseness in her reply to him, but tries to be more proper in talking to
Romeo. However, she says “confidence” instead of “conference” - a malapropism used by
Shakespeare in many of the nurse’s speeches. The nurse’s love for Juliet prompts her to warn
Romeo against hurting her. She is closest to Juliet and enjoys being a part of the romantic plan
for marriage, and is an important messenger with details of the union.
Scene V
Juliet is anxiously waiting in the orchard for the nurse to return. Juliet asks why she was so
slow in returning, and the nurse teases her - trying to put off answering her. Then she finally
tells Juliet she has made a good choice, and asks if she is able to go to shrift tomorrow, where
Romeo will be waiting to make her his wife.
Analysis: The nurse’s teasing of Juliet shows she is more a mother to her than Lady C. She
strives to help her with her plans. She approves of Romeo - his good looks and polite
mannerisms. Love has made time of great importance here, as is revealed as Juliet waits for
the nurse.
Scene VI
Friar Lawrence and Romeo are waiting in his cell for the arrival of Juliet. The Friar hopes the
future will not punish them with sorrow, and Romeo says it can’t equal the joy one minute in
the sight of Juliet gives him. Juliet arrives and they both proclaim their immense love for one
another. The Friar performs the wedding ceremony.
Analysis: Romeo does not court by the rules of the time. He has gone behind the father’s back,
talked directly with the daughter, and asked her to marry him. The lovers are married secretly
without the consent of the parents. Juliet is also impatient and hasty in her decisions. She has
abandoned all sense of reason and propriety and is governed by her impulses. Romeo also has
no thought for the consequences of his love for Juliet. His lines “Then love-devouring death do
what he dare” foreshadow the future for him and his love.
Act 3
This is the turning point of the play. Something happens that turns the action of the play
either toward a happy or tragic ending. Romeo’s killing of Tybalt is the turning point. The fate
of the lovers is out of their hands after this. Also, the characters flaws and the conditions
surrounding them contribute to the outcome. By the end of the act, both lovers realize that
the love they have for one another is beyond this world of customs and parental involvement,
It goes beyond death. Rashness is still Romeo’s tragic flaw, but it was not his desire for
revenge, but the rashness of his revenge that is his undoing. Juliet’s changes are demonstrated
in her new determination and strength as she goes to seek advice from the Friar.
Many characters have unwittingly contributed to the destruction of the lovers. Friar L has
contributed by hastily consenting to marry them. The nurse, through her enjoyment of the
“love game” has contributed to the tragedy. Tybalt, because of the challenge leading to the
inevitability of a duel, has also contributed.
Scene I
Takes place in the streets of Verona. It is about an hour or two after the wedding. Benvolio
and Mercutio are walking down the street and Benvolio suggests they retire. It is hot, and if
they meet with the Capulets, there may be a fight. Mercutio says he is ready for a fight and
hopes to have one. The Capulets enter led by Tybalt, who inquires about Romeo. At that time,
Romeo, returning from the chapel, enters with a group of men.
Tybalt insults Romeo, but Romeo responds by saying Tybalt doesn’t know him. Tybalt
challenges him to draw his sword, Mercutio steps in to defend Romeo’s honor and returns
Tybalt’s insult. Mercutio draws his sword and they begin to fight. Romeo call to Benvolio to
help stop the fight. Romeo reaches to push Mercutio away, blocking his view. Tybalt reaches
under Romeo’s arm and stabs Mercutio. When Romeo is told Mercutio is dead, he realizes his
new love has made him act “effeminately”. Romeo’s sense of honor and loyalty leave him no
choice but to avenge Mercutio’s death. He and Tybalt fight, Romeo kills Tybalt, and he
immediately realizes he has murdered his new bride’s cousin. Benvolio pleads with him to
hide.
The Prince enters and asks Benvolio the cause of the deaths. Benvolio tells the story, and the
Prince exiles Romeo under pain of death.
Analysis: Fate intervenes in the Prince’s sentence. He could have put Romeo to death, but
instead only banishes him.
Scene II
Juliet is anxiously awaiting the night and Romeo. The nurse enters crying he’s dead, and Juliet
mistakenly thinks she’s talking about Romeo. Then the nurse cries Tybalt’s name, and she
believes both of them are dead. The nurse finally says that Romeo killed Tybalt and has been
banished by the Prince. At first, Juliet feels betrayed by Romeo, but then her love takes away
the blame. She orders the nurse to take a ring to Romeo as a token and bid him to come to her
that night for a last farewell.
Analysis: Oxymorons are again present here when Juliet is at first angry with Romeo. But she
immediately realizes her allegiance to her husband. There are also images of light and dark
while Juliet is awaiting Romeo. There is also mention of death alongside love. There is an
ironic juxtaposition of love and death in these scenes. The values of love are represented by
their marriage. This new love has caused Romeo to behave differently in the face of Tybalt’s
insults. Set against this emotional love is an atmosphere of hate and revenge. After the death
of Mercutio, Romeo realizes love has replaced his masculine characteristics. This leaves him
feeling he betrayed Mercutio be allowing him to fight what should have been his fight.
Scene III
Takes place that night inside the Friar’s cell. Romeo is hiding there after the killings. The Friar
tells Romeo that his punishment is banishment instead of death, but Romeo replies that that is
worse. Not being able to see and touch Juliet is the same as death. He throws himself on the
floor in a display of grief.
The nurse enters and is stern with Romeo. Romeo asks her if Juliet hates him for killing her
cousin. The nurse says she is weeping and calling out both their names, and Romeo grabs a
knife, asks where in him the name Montague resides, and attempts to kill himself by cutting
out that part. The nurse takes the dagger and the Friar accuses him of being womanish. He
gives Romeo three reasons to be glad he is alive: Juliet is alive, Tybalt could have killed him
instead of the other way around, and the Prince exiled him instead of ordering his death. Friar
Lawrence then suggests a plan. Romeo is to visit Juliet as planned, then leave before daylight
and travel to Mantua until it is safe to return. The Friar will attempt to reconcile the families,
reveal the secret marriage, and obtain the Prince’s pardon. The nurse and Romeo are pleased
with the plan. The nurse gives Romeo Juliet’s ring.
Analysis: Romeo realizes that his name is the cause of all his troubles. His anguish over killing
Juliet’s cousin causes him to become irrational. Romeo’s attempted suicide is another example
of his impulsiveness. He is very emotional and rash in everything he does. Their love seems to
be destroyed. It seems to be an all-consuming love for both of them. It is not courtly love and
is so overwhelming that they can’t imagine living without one another. Death becomes the
only solution if they cannot be together.
The nurse and the Friar take on more important roles as they attempt to help and comfort
them. Friar only wants to help the lovers and ultimately end the feuding between the families.
He also realizes he plays a part in the hastily arranged marriage performed by him.
Scene IV
Paris is waiting in the Capulet house for an answer to his suit of marriage to Juliet. Lord and
Lady C are present, and it is very late. Lord C tells Paris that under the circumstances of the
day, they have not had the opportunity to discuss the marriage with Juliet. Lord C, thinking
Juliet will go along with his wishes, tells Paris the wedding will go ahead on Thursday. Lord C
asks his wife to tell Juliet the good news before she goes to bed.
Analysis: The plot becomes intricate when Lord C agrees to the suit of Paris. Juliet is expected
to submit to her father’s authority. He has no idea she’s already married, but expects she will
be obedient. By arranging the marriage for Thursday, he unknowingly will force Juliet into
more hasty actions, adding more complications to her already troubled life.
Dramatic irony is present when the audience knows Romeo and Juliet are already married. As
Lord C gives consent to Paris, he doesn’t know Romeo is in Juliet’s chamber.
Scene V
Early Tuesday morning on day three: Romeo and Juliet have been together for the night and
are discussing whether they hear the nightingale or the lark. Juliet insists it’s the nightingale,
and Romeo insists it’s the lark, and he must hurry from the city. Juliet persuades him it’s the
nightingale and he agrees to stay longer. Then the more mature and fearful Juliet agrees it’s
the lark, and he must flee. They bid farewell, and Juliet has a vision that the next time she sees
him, it will be in a tomb.
Romeo leaves and Lady C enters. Juliet allows her mother to believe her red eyes and
appearance are a result of mourning for Tybalt. Lady C says she is going to send someone to
Mantua to give Romeo poison. Then she says she has good news - her father has agreed to
have her marry Paris on Thursday. Juliet does not want the marriage. Her father enters and
threatened her that she will marry him or beg on the streets for all he cares. Juliet begs for a
delay, but he is angry and strong-willed with her. He says she’ll be at the church on Thursday if
he has to drag her. Juliet turns to her mother for help, but her mother says she is finished with
her. When her parents leave, she turns to the nurse for help. The nurse’s advice is to forget
Romeo because he is banished. She recommends Juliet marry Paris. Juliet tells the nurse she is
going to Friar Lawrence to ask forgiveness for her sins, but is really going to seek his advice. If
he can’t help her, she has the power to kill herself rather than marry Paris.
Analysis : In the space of two days, Juliet has grown from a child to a young woman. Her
exclamation as Romeo leaves is a foreshadowing of events to come. The discussion between
Juliet and her parents allows us to see the coldness that exists between Juliet and her mother.
When Lady C says “I would the fool were married to her grave!” she is foreshadowing her
future. Lord C uses insulting names when Juliet defies him. He is outraged by her sudden
defiance. The nurse’s advice at the end of the scene causes Juliet to seek advice from someone
else. Juliet has lost her confidence in the nurse, and will no longer trust her. Juliet is becoming
more independent and self-reliant.
Act 4
This act is considered the falling action of the play. It moves swiftly and logically toward the
tragedy that occurs at the end of the play. The forces that oppose the protagonists bring the
ultimate end closer. The tempo of the action increases until the end of the play. Juliet is
experiencing internal conflict throughout the first three scenes, where she is developing from a
child to a woman. Friar Lawrence becomes a pivotal character in the plot. He becomes a
confidante to both Romeo and Juliet. However, his plans will cause the deaths of a number of
characters. There are many instances of dramatic irony in this act.
Scene I
Paris is in Friar L’s cell consulting with him about his wedding plans. The Friar says it is too
rushed to have the wedding in Thursday. Paris says they have decided to go ahead because
Juliet is weeping uncontrollably, and her father is worried about her. Lord C believes the
marriage will help her get over Tybalt’s death more quickly. Juliet arrives and Paris greets her
as his wife. She responds coolly but cordially. Paris says he will come for her early Thursday
morning and departs. Juliet is overcome with sorrow. The Friar tells her he knows the
circumstances. Juliet says she would do anything to get out of the marriage, and pleads for
help. She would rather kill herself than marry Paris. The Friar, realizing she is serious, says he
has a plan.
She must go home, consent to marry Paris, and sleep alone on Wednesday night. She is to
drink a potion to induce sleep - it will be so deep that no pulse will be able to be found. She
will appear as dead. She will be like this for 42 hours, and then wake up. When her family
finds her Thursday morning they will take her to the family tomb. The Friar will send news to
Romeo of the plan, and he will be in the tomb waiting for her to awaken. Then the two of
them will go to Mantua.
Analysis: This scene centers upon talk of desperation, death, conflict and trouble. There is
irony in the fact that Juliet is there to seek help in avoiding the very marriage Paris is there to
arrange.
Scene II
Everyone is preparing for the wedding. Juliet returns and begs her father’s forgiveness. Lord C
is so happy he sends for Paris and tells him they can marry Wednesday instead of Thursday.
Lord C tells Lady C to help Juliet, and he plans to stay up all night directing the servants in
preparing for the wedding.
Analysis: contrasts with the preceding scene with happy preparations for a celebration of
marriage. There is dramatic irony because the reader knows that because of the sleeping
potion Juliet will not be part of the celebration.
Scene III
Juliet is in her chamber with her mother. She tells her she doesn’t need any more help, and
she needs to be left alone. As she prepares to drink the potion, she becomes frightened and
worries that if it doesn’t work she’ll have to marry Paris in the morning. To ensure this doesn’t
happen, she places her dagger beside her. A second worry is that the potion is really poison,
because the Friar might be afraid for his life since he was the one who married her to Romeo.
A third worry is that she will awaken before Romeo gets there and will suffocate in the tomb.
Her fourth worry is that she will awaken in the tomb and the terror of the vault will be too
much for her and she will lose her mind and kill herself. Then she thinks she sees Tybalt’s ghost
coming for Romeo, and it is this sight that enables her to summon the courage to drink the
potion.
Analysis: Juliet’s final speech before she drinks the potion is a good example of soliloquy. She
deliberates the pros and cons before drinking the liquid.
Scene IV
Everyone is busily preparing for the wedding. They are making jokes, not realizing Juliet is in a
trance like state in her room. Lady C hears the music made by Paris and his friends as they
come for Juliet, and sends the nurse to awaken and prepare her for the wedding.
Scene V
The nurse calls for Juliet to get up because Paris is approaching. She draws back the curtains,
telling her to get out of bed. She believes that Juliet is dead and begins screaming. Lord and
Lady C rush into the room. The Friar, Paris and musicians enter to learn that Juliet is dead. The
anguish of her parents seems real, but their lines are exaggerated and do not raise sympathy in
the audience, since we know Juliet isn’t really dead. The Friar attempts to comfort them. Lord
C says that everything that was prepared to celebrate a wedding will be changed to a funeral.
The scene ends with a comic discussion between Peter and the musicians.
Act 5
Scene I
Romeo is waiting for Balthasar to arrive with news from Verona. He is in Mantua and it is
Thursday. He has dreamed that Juliet finds him dead and brings him back to life as an emperor
with her kisses. Balthasar arrives saying he saw Juliet being buried in the Capulet tomb.
Romeo says “Then I defy you, stars!” and makes a hasty plan. He orders Balthasar to hire
horses and bring him pen and paper. He inquires if there is a letter from the Friar, and the
servant answers negatively.
Romeo remembers a poor apothecary in Mantua. He decides to go to him and try to buy
poison. It is against the law to sell poison, but Romeo thinks he can persuade him because of
the apothecary’s poverty. He offers the man 40 ducats for the poison. At first he refuses, but
then relents. He tells Romeo how to administer the poison. Romeo plans to go to Juliet’s
grave and die with her.
Analysis: Romeo has always considered suicide to be the final option if he cannot be with
Juliet, so it is no surprise that he goes to purchase poison when he hears of her death. It is a
coincidence that there happens to be a poor apothecary, which reinforces the notion of fate. It
is also involved when Balthasar reports Juliet’s death. Romeo has no way of knowing she isn’t
dead. From this false knowledge, Romeo acts too hastily and buys poison to die with Juliet.
His dream of death is foreshadowing.
Scene II
Friar L is welcoming Friar John from Mantua. He asks if there is a letter from Romeo, and Friar
John says he wasn’t able to go to Mantua after all. He was not allowed to leave the house due
to a quarantine or give the letter to a messenger to return to the Friar. Friar L realizes Romeo
knows nothing of the plan to meet Juliet in the tomb and fears the worst. He asks Friar John to
bring him a crowbar quickly, and prepares to leave for the Capulet tomb where Juliet will be
waking in the next three hours.
Analysis: It is a matter of chance that the letter wasn’t delivered, which reinforces the notion
of fate.
Scene III
Paris and a page are outside the tomb of Juliet. Paris instructs the page to light a torch and
stand guard while he enters. The page is to whistle if anyone approaches. The page does so,
and Paris and the page observe Romeo and Balthasar approach. Romeo instructs Balthasar to
give a letter to his father the next morning, and not interfere with his purpose. He tells
Balthasar he wants to look on Juliet’s face and remove a ring from her finger. Balthasar does
not believe this and fears for his master. Because of his concern, he hides nearby rather than
leave.
As Romeo enters the tomb, Paris recognizes him. He believes he has come to do some “vile
outrage” to the bodies of Tybalt and Juliet. He tries to prevent Romeo from entering the tomb,
but Romeo doesn’t recognize him because there’s no torch. They fight, and Paris is killed. The
page runs for help as they fight. After they fight, Romeo realizes that is it Paris. He remembers
Balthasar telling him something about Juliet being promised in marriage to Paris, so he decides
to bury him in the tomb with Juliet, and drags his body inside.
As Romeo embraces Juliet, he talks about her beauty even in death. He embraces her, kisses
her one last time, and drinks the poison.
Friar Lawrence enters the churchyard and stumbles upon Balthasar, who is hiding. Balthasar
tells him Romeo has been in the tomb a half an hour and he is afraid. The Friar rushes in and
finds the bodies of Paris and Romeo. Juliet is beginning to stir, and, recognizing the Friar, asks
about Romeo. He becomes frightened and begs Juliet to come outside. He tells her Paris and
Romeo are dead, and promises to take her to a nunnery. Juliet refuses, and the Friar flees.
Juliet sees the cup and knows poison has ended her lover’s life. She tries to drink to kill herself,
but there is none left. She kisses him and realizes his lips are still warm. She hears the
watchmen approaching and takes Romeo’s dagger and kills herself.
The watchmen enter the tomb and find the three bodies. They notice Juliet’s body is still
warm. Both families are sent for and they begin to bring in suspects. One brings in Balthasar
and another the Friar. The Prince arrives and inquires about the deaths. When the Capulets
arrive, they notice Romeo’s dagger is the one that was used to kill his daughter and assume
Romeo is responsible for her death. Montague enters and says that grief over Romeo’s
banishment has caused his wife’s death.
The prince demands that cries of vengeance be stopped until the truth is discovered. The Friar
is forced to tell the whole story concerning Romeo and Juliet. He accepts responsibility for
what has happened. Balthasar tells of how he brought news of Juliet’s death to Romeo. The
page tells his side of the story also. After reading Romeo’s letter, the Prince declares that
everything said was true. Because of the hatred between the families, both sides have lost
loves ones. The play ends with the prince saying there was never a sadder story than this.
Analysis: The catastrophe takes place here. The conclusion quickly draws to a close. The
predictions of the Chorus have all been fulfilled. Fate is evident in Romeo’s suicide just before
Juliet awakens, Friar L arriving too late to save him, and Juliet’s death. If Romeo hadn’t been so
hasty, he would have realized Juliet wasn’t dead. Light imagery is again present when he first
sees Juliet in the tomb. Irony also plays a part as the families honor the lovers in death
although they would have refused to recognize their love while they were alive. Romeo’s
speech in the tomb contains much metaphorical language. He compares the tomb to a womb
of death. One of the causes of the tragedy is the impulsiveness of the characters. Friar L,
Tybalt, Lord C, Mercutio, Romeo, even Juliet contribute to the tragedy through impulsiveness.
The Use of Time in Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare “borrowed” the idea for Romeo and Juliet and, in doing so, had to make some
adjustments to make the idea fit on stage. One of these adjustments was the compression of
time from months into days.
This works out, however, since the hasty decisions of the lovers eventually cause their tragedy.
Sunday
1.
2.
3.
4.
Street fight in Verona
Capulets throw a party
Romeo and Juliet meet
Juliet talks to Romeo from the balcony
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Romeo and Juliet marry
Mercutio is killed by Tybalt
Tybalt is killed by Romeo
Romeo is banished
Capulet accepts Paris’ proposal
Romeo and Juliet spend their only night together
Monday
Tuesday
1.
2.
3.
4.
Romeo goes to Mantua
Juliet hears of her marriage to Paris
Capulets prepare for the wedding
Juliet drinks the Friar’s potion
1.
Capulet finds Juliet dead
1.
2.
3.
Romeo kills Paris near Capulet’s tomb
Romeo poisons himself
Juliet stabs herself
Wednesday
Thursday