Juliet arrives at the Friar’s cell and manages to cleverly sidestep Paris’ compliments and references to their upcoming marriage. Paris then leaves, and Juliet begs the Friar for a solution to her tragic dilemma because she fears that death is her only option. The Friar offers Juliet a remedy — […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 5
Juliet’s mother arrives and, believing that Juliet weeps for Tybalt rather than the departure of Romeo, tries to comfort Juliet with her plan to have Romeo poisoned. Lady Capulet then tells Juliet the happy news that she is to marry Paris on Thursday. Juliet is stunned and tells her mother […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 4
Analysis The clash between parents and children, youth and old age, is further explored in this scene when Juliet’s father suddenly decides that she should marry Paris as soon as possible. Whereas Friar Laurence tried to use the wisdom of his years to encourage the young, impetuous Romeo to have […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 4Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 3
Analysis This scene parallels the previous scene where Juliet reacted to the news of Romeo’s banishment with forceful emotion, yet controlled expressions of grief. In contrast, Romeo responds to his banishment with wailing hysteria and a failed suicide attempt. Their reactions show the clear differences between Romeo and Juliet’s respective […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 2
Analysis Within the peaceful confines of the Capulet orchard, Juliet looks forward to the “amorous rites” of her marriage to Romeo. Juliet’s impatience in anticipation of the nurse’s arrival echoes her excited anticipation in Act II, Scene 5, when she had to wait for news of the wedding arrangements. A […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 1
Romeo appears and Tybalt insults him, hoping he will respond to the challenge, but Romeo refuses because he is now related to Tybalt through his marriage to Juliet. Mercutio, disgusted by Romeo’s reluctance to fight, answers Tybalt’s insults on Romeo’s behalf. Tybalt and Mercutio draw their swords and fight. To […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 6
Analysis The wedding scene is notable for its brevity and pervasive atmosphere of impending doom. Images of happiness and marriage are repeatedly paired with images of violence and death. Romeo believes that not even death can counteract the pleasure he feels in marrying Juliet. This speech reflects both the impetuous […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 6Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 5
Analysis The dizzying speed with which the lovers met, fell in love, and agree to marry is now contrasted with the way in which the hours appear to lengthen for Juliet as she waits for news. The emphasis on the passing of time evokes Juliet’s parting lines to Romeo from […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 4
Analysis Once melancholy and depressed by his passions, Romeo is now rejuvenated, buoyed by a renewed romantic energy after seeing Juliet at her balcony. Thoughts of his impending marriage have enlivened him to meet all of Mercutio’s barbed, verbal challenges with equally gilded retorts. An air of excited anticipation energizes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 4Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 3
Analysis This scene introduces the Friar, a philosophical man who wishes to heal the rift between the families. His discourse on the healing and harming powers of plants will echo loudly later in the play. He will provide Juliet the sleeping potion that she drinks to avoid marrying Paris. The […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 3