The Nurse’s relationship with Juliet focuses attention on Juliet’s age. In Juliet’s first scene, the Nurse repeatedly asserts that Juliet has not yet had her 14th birthday. In contrast to Juliet’s youth, the Nurse is old and enjoys complaining about her aches and pains. Juliet’s frustration at having to rely […]
Read more Character Analysis The NurseCharacter Analysis Juliet
Juliet is presented as quiet and obedient; however, she possesses an inner strength that enables her to have maturity beyond her years. When her mother suggests that she marry Paris because Paris is rich and good looking, Juliet responds: “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move” (I.3.97). When she […]
Read more Character Analysis JulietCharacter Analysis Romeo
Romeo is initially presented as a Petrarchan lover, a man whose feelings of love aren’t reciprocated by the lady he admires and who uses the poetic language of sonnets to express his emotions about his situation. Romeo’s exaggerated language in his early speeches characterizes him as a young and inexperienced […]
Read more Character Analysis RomeoSummary and Analysis Act V: Scene 3
Romeo is dazzled by Juliet’s beauty even in death. Without hesitation, he kisses her, drinks the poison, and dies at her side. A moment later, the Friar arrives and discovers the dead bodies of Romeo and Paris. Juliet then wakens from her death-like sleep and looks for Romeo, saying, “Where […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 2
Analysis Fate has once again altered the course of events in the play. In this instance, fate thwarts the Friar’s plan by delaying his letter. The Friar cries, “Unhappy fortune!” echoing Romeo’s earlier cry that he became “fortune’s fool.” The scene is driven by an overwhelming sense of desperation as […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 1
Analysis Although the audience might expect to find Romeo in Mantua wallowing in the depths of despair over his banishment, he is actually in very good humor. He has dreamed that he died and Juliet’s kisses breathed life back into his body. But, as Mercutio says in Act I, Scene […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 5
Analysis The Nurse opens this scene by bantering humorously — almost giddy in her hope and good humor as she speaks with brassy references to Juliet’s wedding night. The Nurse anticipates that Juliet will get little sleep that night. The viewer knows, however, that the euphoria will be short-lived and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 4
Analysis The Capulet house bustles with activity as the family feverishly prepares for the wedding ceremony. Banter with the servants is frenetic and excited. The atmosphere is electrified with the joyful expectation of the upcoming marriage. The commotion on the lower floors provides a striking contrast with the scene upstairs, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 4Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 3
Analysis Juliet asserts her independence in this scene by asking her betrayers, the Nurse and Lady Capulet, to leave her alone. By this action, she both physically separates herself from her family and proactively takes a step toward the fruition of her plan to be with Romeo. This direct request […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 2
Analysis Here, fate twists Juliet’s fortunes once again. Capulet, in his impulsive zeal, complicates the Friar’s plan by moving the wedding forward a full day. Juliet must take the potion that night and lapse into a suspended state 24 hours sooner than the Friar had anticipated. This development reduces the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 2