Romeo+&+Juliet

= PROLOGUE =

In this play, it is the chorus who speaks the prologue. It introduces the characters, plot and story, but also sets the mood for the rest of the play. The prologue is written as a sonnet. It tells the listener that no matter how hard the couple tries to sort things out, they are destined to lose their lives because of the feuding families. In a way, having the ending given to the listener makes the whole play much more somber and taints their perspective of the love. Love, death, and hatred. = **ACT 1 SCENE 1** = He begins the story from inside a market place with interactions between peasants and working class men. //"Part, fools! Put up your swords, you know not what you do."// We can see that Benvolio sees the servants as nothing more than a nuisance, who do not know how to handle swords, and therefore not as real men. We learn from these lines that he is quite hotheaded and easily encouraged into a fight. The prince's tone is very serious, demanding and superior. He is tired of the warring families and makes a decree that the next person to start a fight in his town will be punished with death. He acts very saddened, saying how hours without his love seem long and dark, and how she does not love him back. We can see by the way he was using oxymorons, that he himself is confused. His opinion is muddled, his mood changes quickly and suddenly. This is why he loves Rosaline, but is quick to fall in love with Juliet moments later. "Be he ruled by me, forget to think of her." "By giving liberty upon thine eyes. Examine other beauties." Benvolio is telling Romeo that if it were him, he would forget about Rosaline and see what other women there are in the city. = **ACT 1 SCENE 2** =
 * Who speaks the Prologue? **
 * What is the purpose of the Prologue? **
 * In what poetic form is this Prologue? **
 * Review lines 5 and 6. Explain the importance of these two lines. **
 * Why does Shakespeare tell us how the story is going to end? **
 * What themes are established in the Prologue? **
 * How does Shakespeare start the play so that he gains the attention of the “groundlings?” **
 * Review lines 58-59. Our first introduction to Benvolio comes when he says these words. What do they reveal about his character? **
 * Review lines 64-65. Our first impression of Tybalt occurs in these lines. What do we learn about his character? **
 * Review lines 90-91. What is the tone of the Prince’s speech? In these lines he makes a new decree. What is it, and why is it important? **
 * When we first see Romeo he shows all the signs of a Petrarchan Lover—someone who is in love with the idea of being in love . How does Romeo act (lines 125-136)? **
 * When describing his feelings to Benvolio, Romeo uses Oxymorons—pairs of contradictory words in lines 170-177 and 184-188. Why does he speak in contradictions and paradoxes? **
 * We then learn that Romeo is suffering from Unrequited Love—He loves someone who does not love him back . What suggestion does Benvolio make to Romeo to help him get over is unrequited love for Rosaline (lines 221-223)? **

Lord Capulet sees Juliet as still too young to be married and have children, she is only fourteen and has not seen the wonders of the world. But he also knows that his wife is sad because she married so young, and he would not want that for his daughter. He will only accept Paris' marriage to his daughter if he wins her heart, and she truly loves him enough to marry him. It shows that Lord Capulet does not only care for the status of his daughter's suitors, but how they will treat her, and also how much he cares about her own happiness. He is excited because he believes that if Romeo can compare her to other women at the party, he will see what an ugly person she is and forget about her. With all the beautiful women of Verona in this ball, go with the sense of willingness to meet new people and see how compared to other girls, she resembles an ugly crone. He wants to convince Romeo that he can do better than Rosaline and insists he meet other people. He agrees to go, even if he thinks that no one could possibly compare to Rosaline, and says if he must, he will enjoy himself on his own. The coincidence is that Romeo insists on his love for Rosaline, but we know that as soon as he lays eyes on Juliet, he will be in love with her instead. We can see how Romeo is easy to change his heart, therefore introducing the theme of infatuation and indecision.
 * 1. In this scene Lord Capulet talks to Paris about marrying his daughter Juliet. What two reasons does he give for not wanting Juliet to marry at this time (lines 8-14)? **
 * 2. Review lines 16-19. On what condition will Lord Capulet agree to Juliet’s marriage with Paris? **
 * 3. What does this reveal about Lord Capulet’s love for his daughter? **
 * 4. From the servant who cannot read we learn that Rosaline, with whom Romeo believes he is in love, will be at the Capulet party. Why does this excite Benvolio? What is his plan (lines 84-89)? **
 * 5. Review lines 86-89. Explain Benvolio’s analogy: **
 * 6. Why does Romeo agree to go to the party (lines 102-103)? **
 * 7. What coincidence takes place in this scene? Explain what theme is being developed. **

= **ACT 1 SCENE 3** = Juliet's nurse has been like a mother to her, and has raised her since she was a baby. I would describe the nurse's personality as light, not very serious and quick to joke. But a bit dense as well, since she does not realize that what she is saying is completely inappropriate. The nurse is so proud and happy for her little Juliet, her only wish is that she may live to see her married and live a good life. "It is an honor that I dream not of." This shows us that Juliet values her childhood and her freedom as much as her father did for her, and that she respects her mother's opinion but is strong enough to stray from that path for a while. The nurse only sees Paris for his attractive exterior, and approves of him for this. But we can tell that she only sees love as a passionate thing, not a personal bond between two people. Lady Capulet sees actual potential for Paris. She sees what a strong, intelligent person he is, and not just a book with a beautiful cover. We can then tell from her that she values love, but does not want to give away her daughter to an unworthy man. Juliet accepts what her mother wants her to do, and will see if she can truly love him, but will not push herself to do something she is not ready for. She knows the implications of love, and how much it can hurt when it fails, so she is using caution.
 * In this scene Lady Capulet is informing Juliet and her nurse of Count Paris’ proposal of marriage. **
 * 1. What is the nurse’s relationship with Juliet? **
 * 2. How would you describe the nurse’s personality? **
 * 3. review lines 60-61. What is the nurse’s one wish for Juliet and why? **
 * 4. When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about being married, what is Juliet’s answer (line 66), and what does it reveal about her character? **
 * 5. The nurse and Lady Capulet are both excited and pleased by Paris’ proposal but for different reasons. **
 * The nurse says Paris is “a man of wax” and at the end of the scene encourages Juliet to “Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days.” What does the nurse see in Paris, and what does it reveal **** about her attitude toward love and marriage? **
 * 6. Lady Capulet’s lines 81-94 compose a conceit. A conceit is an extended, exaggerated comparison or metaphor between two unlike things—in this case, between Paris and a book that needs to be bound. What does Lady Capulet see in Paris that would make him a good match for Juliet? What is Lady Capulet’s attitude toward love and marriage? **
 * 7. Review lines 97-99. Explain Juliet’s answer to her mother when asked if she can love Paris. What does it reveal about her knowledge of being in love? What is her attitude toward love and marriage? **

= **ACT 1 SCENE 4** =

Romeo has a feeling that the night shall bring upon consequence, and that whatever happens tonight, or whomever he may meet may determine his fate, or his death. "By some vile forfeit of untimely death." He finally decides that whoever does change his destiny, he trusts in their decisions and goes to the party unaffected by this premonition. = **ACT 1 SCENE 5** =
 * 1. Review lines 106-111. Why does Romeo feel uneasy about going to the party? What dream-like premonition has he had? **
 * 2. What decision does Romeo make in lines 112-113, and what is the thematic importance of this decision? **

Oh, she burns brighter than any torch. She lives in the beauty of night. Her beauty is a jewel hanging on a king's ear. But it is too great to be used, too great for even the earth. (It should be for gods to behold) She is the white dove in a flock of black cro ws, Prettier and more graceful than any of the other dancers. When she is done dancing, I will watch her stand, and when I touch my hand to her's, it will be blessed and pure. Did I ever truly love until now? For I never saw a woman this beautiful until tonight.
 * 1. We learn from Romeo’s soliloquy (a speech delivered while the speaker is alone, calculated to inform the audience of what is passing in the character’s mind) that he is struck by love at first sight when he sees Juliet at the party. Paraphrase Rome’s speech (lines 43-53). To what does he compare Juliet? **

In this speech, there is no oxymoron, no uncertainties of his love. He is certain that she is the most beautiful girl, and the love of his life. All throughout Verona, Romeo is known to be from a prosperous family, and also well mannered. He finds its unnecesary to start a fight since he seems to be doing no harm. "I will withdraw; but this intrusion shall, Now seeming sweet; convert to bitt'rest gall." He is saying that although Romeo being at the party may seem like an innocent trick of fate, it will soon turn into a bitter inconvenience for everyone. R: If I touch with my unholy hand, Your body, a holy shrine, I will surely sin. My lips are sinners who are ready to confess, and be forgiven from their sin by your gentle kiss. J: Your hands are no such sinners, You show compassion in your touch, And our hands touch, like a pilgrim's and a saint's. And when they touch, it is a kiss between hands. R: Haven't the lips of pilgrims and saints kissed as well? J: Yes, the same pilgrim lips that speak to me now. R: Then if this is the case, could our lips not kiss as our hands do? They kiss your's, unless you would forbid me to. J: I will not change my mind of what is right, but I will gr ant your prayer (wish). R: Then stay still while I say my prayer. (kiss you.)
 * 2. How does this speech about his love for Juliet compare to his speeches about being in love with Rosaline? **
 * 3. Tybalt recognizes Romeo’s voice and tries to start a fight. What two reasons does Lord Capulet give for stopping him (lines 65-69)? **
 * 4. Review lines 90-91. What threat does Tybalt make as he agrees to withdraw? **
 * 5. In lines 93-106 Romeo and Juliet speak to each other. Their lines form a sonnet. Paraphrase the lines of the sonnet. **

"If he be married, my grave is like to be my wedding bed." Romeo is not married, but a declaration of her love to him, like a promise of marriage, would be the death of her. This is ironic, because as we know, their love is also their cause of death. media type="file" key="R&J Speech, Katy and Amelie.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * 6. Dramatic Irony is when the audience knows something the characters do not. What is ironic about Juliet’s line 136? **
 * Act 1 Podcast **
 * Audio File: Katy and Amelie (Romeo and Juliet Speech)**

= ACT 2 SCENE 2 =
 * 1. Juliet is on the balcony outside her bedroom but cannot hear the words that Romeo says to himself as he looks at her from the hiding place below. Answer the following questions about lines 2-25: **

a. Romeo repeats the light and dark images he introduced when he saw Juliet for the first time. Why does Romeo compare Juliet to the sun? He compares her to the sun because to him, she is the brightest, warmest thing in his universe, and his life revolves and depends on her's.

b. Why does he want the sun to kill the envious moon? Romeo wishes that Juliet would erase his feelings for Rosaline, who in his mind is an envious moon compared to the great beauty of the sun.

c. Why is the moon envious? In this speech, Romeo refers to Rosaline as the moon, and Juliet as the sun. The moon has only a fragment of the sun's brightness, warmth and beauty, and this is why it is jealous.

d. Why does he compare Juliet’s eyes to the stars? He compared them to stars because they shine bright through the dark night. e. Why is this comparison to stars another example of foreshadowing? We can link this comparison to the prologue, when they were saying how "two star crossed lovers" will have a devastating fate.

"Oh Romeo, oh Romeo. Why are you Romeo?" Wont you change your name, be any other but Montague, And if you cannot, then I am willing to give up my name of Capulet." "It is only your name that is the enemy, You are still Romeo, even if you are a Montague, What is Montague? It is not a hand, not a foot, Not an arm, not a face or any other part of you. Oh, why couldn't you have a different name? Oh what is the power in names that control our destiny, Even if we were to give a rose another name, it would always smell as sweet. So if you, Romeo were not called such You would still retain the same perfection you own. Without your name, Romeo, if you were to get rid of it, It would bring you no pain, since it is no part belonging to a man, You could have me."
 * 2. Review lines 33-36. Juliet is still unaware that Romeo is nearby. Paraphrase these lines. **
 * 3. Review lines 43-44. Paraphrase lines 38-49. What is Juliet’s attitude toward the feud that has separated the two families? **

Juliet is worried that Romeo's affections are only superficial, and that he does not truly love her. She thinks that she may be playing easy to get, but if he truly loves her she will stay with him forever. She objects because she knows that the moon can change and disappear, as it does in it's monthly cycle. So she inquires that he declares his love on something more permanent. Juliet is afraid that all of this is happening too quickly, and that they should give it time before declaring their love. "I love you Romeo, and good night to you too. If your love is true, Propose me marriage, and let me know tomorrow, I will send someone that I trust, To learn what place and time we shall be married. All my money and my belongings I'll leave behind, And follow you into the world." = **ACT 2 SCENE 3** =
 * 4. After Juliet asks some pertinent questions (lines 58-84), she realizes that Romeo has overheard her intimate thoughts about him. How does her attitude change in lines 85-105? What is she worried about? **
 * 5. Why does Juliet object to Romeo’s swearing on the moon (lines 109-111)? **
 * 6. Juliet speaks of her fears in lines 116-119. Explain. **
 * 7. Paraphrase lines 142-148. **

"I must fill this osier basket of mine, with harmful weeds and beautiful flowers. All that come from the earth return to her eventually, What dies there comes back to life anew And from this birth we are brought many kinds of life. We who depend and live off of the earth will discover, We all offer the earth some kind of gift. All of us different, but none lacking. Even plants, herbs and stones have something they can offer, For nothing that lives on this earth is vile. To the earth, they all give back, But if they are mistreated, If they are rejected and beaten down, Virtue will turn to vice, And Vice will be dignified.
 * 1. Friar Laurence is introduced in a lengthy soliloquy in which he philosophies about nature and about mankind. Paraphrase his speech (lines 7-30). **

-Enter Romeo Inside the rind of this small flower, There lies poison, as well as medicine. If one would smell it, they would be joyful. But if they were to taste it, they would die. There are two great parts in everything. In men as well as herbs, the good and bad. And when the bad is ruling, It will spread and they will die.

Romeo tell the Friar that during the night, he had met the rich and fair daughter of his enemy Capulet. They had fallen in love and exchanged vows, and he now asks that the Friar will consent to marry them that very day. Friar is upset with Romeo, because he knows that just a few days ago, Romeo was madly in love with Rosaline. He is also worried about him, because he knows how long Romeo has cried over her, and for him to suddenly have a change of heart like this is not normal. Friar Laurence hopes that by marrying them, the warring families will finally find peace by realizing that despite their hatred, there can still be love. = **ACT 2 SCENE 4** = 1. This scene shows us more of the nurse’s character as she trades quips and puns with Mercutio. What malapropisms (an inappropriateness of speech resulting from the use of one word for another which resembles it) does the nurse use (line 115)? "If you be he, sir, I desire some //confidence// with you." She actually meant to say conference. He asks the nurse to tell Juliet that he will be waiting that afternoon at Friar Laurence's cell, where they will be forgiven for their sins and married.
 * 2. What does Romeo tell Friar Laurence, and what does he want from the Friar (lines 43-64)? **
 * 3. What is Friar Laurence’s reaction to hearing of Romeo’s new love (lines 65-80)? **
 * 4. Review lines 89-92. What reason does Friar Laurence give for agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet? **
 * 2. What message does Romeo urge the nurse to give to Juliet (lines 163-166)? **

**ACT 2 SCENE 5**
She uses the comparison between fast sun beams, nimble doves and the wing-swift wings of Cupid to the heavy slowness of lead. Deep down, we can see that the nurse likes to tease and be young, so although she loves Juliet very much, she finds fun in holding back secrets for a while. It was the nurse's dream to see Juliet marry before she died, and she is finally getting her wish. Plus, she may be thinking along the same lines as the Friar, that peace may arise from the joined families.
 * Juliet is very impatient to hear news from Romeo (lines 1-17). What images does she use in her soliloquy to express this? **
 * The nurse knows Juliet is impatient, but she keeps putting her off. Why does the nurse do this? **
 * Why does the Nurse agree to help Juliet marry Romeo? **


 * Friar's Speech:**

All that come from the earth return to her eventually, What dies there comes back to life anew And from this birth we are brought many kinds of life. We who depend and live off of the earth will discover, We all offer the earth some kind of gift. All of us different, but none lacking. Even plants, herbs and stones have something they can offer, For nothing that lives on this earth is vile. To the earth, they all give back,

Inside the rind of this small flower, There lies poison, as well as medicine. If one would smell it, they would be joyful. But if they were to taste it, they would die. There are two great parts in everything. In men as well as herbs, the good and bad. And when the bad is ruling, It will spread and they will die. media type="file" key="Friar's Speech- Amelie.mp3" width="240" height="20" **ACT 3 SCENE 1**

Tybalt was still mad at Romeo for coming to the Capulet party uninvited, and wanted to find him so that they could fight. Tybalt was aware of the new law made by the prince, and said that either they retreat somewhere more private or give up on the fight, for fear of being found out. Romeo says that he is obliged to love him, and that should over ride any hatred between them. If he is willing to give up on the fight, he should not be called a villain of the peace. Romeo's "reason" is that now that he is married to Tybalt's cousin, he is now part of their family and he would not want to hurt him, in case it would anger Juliet and her relatives. Romeo is telling Tybalt that he can not fight him, because he loves and respects him more than he knows. This is ironic, because what Tybalt and Mercutio do not realize is that Romeo is already married to Juliet, therefore a cousin in-law to Tybalt. So if he were to fight and kill him, he would be murdering his own family. Mercutio thinks that Romeo is admitting respect to the Capulet, and saying that he honors their family. He is offended because Romeo should be honouring his name above all other, and this is the opposite of what he's doing. R: Gentle Mercutio, put your sword away. M: Come and fight me! Make your first move. R: Benvolio, stop them! Beat their weapons out of their hands. Gentlemen, you should all be ashamed. Be stronger than this hatred. Tybalt, Mercutio, the Prince specifically said He forbids any fighting in our Verona streets. Hold, Tybalt. Stop, good Mercutio! He explains that now that he is hurt, the wound will surely kill him. He will be as worthless as worms, rats and dogs. He shall be a plague for both houses, and asks Romeo why he stood in between him and his opponent. He blames the violence and fighting on the hatred between houses. He says that if it were not for their rivalry, he would not be on the brink of death. Are you happy and triumphant, now that Mercutio is slain? Now that he's gone to heaven as he had been chosen to? May I be led by fiery fury! Now, Tybalt I shall be the "villain" you so called me, I shall have revenge for Mercutio's soul. For he is flying over our heads, Staying to watch us fight, waiting for you to join him in death. Either you or me, or both of us, shall join him in death. Mercutio was an old friend of Romeo's, and he could not accept his death with open arms. He had to have revenge and fight his family's enemy. Romeo means to say that he has let fortune lead his destiny, and this has brought him to many difficulties. That he was a fool for trusting fortune and fate, but now he is stuck with it forever. Lady Capulet is saying that since the Prince made a law, Romeo should also be subject to it, and receive equal punishment. (death) The lord is saying that the law should not apply to Romeo, since he was not the one who killed Mercutio (he was a friend,) and it should be Tybalt that should suffer the penalty. But since Tybalt is dead, then the debt is paid and there should be no more trouble. The Prince sentences Romeo to exile, since he cannot take his life. = **ACT 3 SCENE 2** =
 * 1. Why do you think Tybalt approaches Mercutio and Benvolio and wants a “word” with one of them (line 37)?**
 * 2. Mercutio tries to provoke Tybalt to fight (lines 38-39). Why doesn’t Tybalt want to fight him (line 53)?**
 * 3. After Tybalt insults Romeo, Romeo responds with lines 61-64. Explain his lines. What is the “reason” Romeo has for ignoring the insult?**
 * 4. Review lines 67-71. Explain the meaning of the lines and the dramatic irony of the situation.**
 * 5. Why does Romeo’s answer to Tybalt’s insults upset Mercutio? What does he think Romeo is doing (line 72)?**
 * 6. Romeo tries to stop Mercutio and Tybalt from fighting by reasoning with them (lines 82-88). Paraphrase what he says.**
 * 7. Even when he is dying, Mercutio continues to joke and to make puns. Explain the pun he makes in lines 94-102.**
 * 8. . Explain what Mercutio is saying in the following lines:**
 * “A plague O’ both your houses!**
 * They have made worm’s meat of me.”**
 * 9. Paraphrase Romeo's lines 120 to 127?**
 * 10. After Mercutio dies, why does Romeo decide to kill Tybalt instead of accepting Mercutio’s death as an unfortunate accident?**
 * 11. Review line 134. What does Romeo mean?**
 * 12. Review lines 174-175. What reasoning does Lady Capulet use in begging the Prince for vengeance for Tybalt’s death?**
 * 13. Review lines 182-184. What is Lord Montagues’ reasoning in his attempt to persuade the Prince not to kill Romeo for killing Tybalt?**
 * 14.** ** What is the Prince’s decree, and what are the reasons he gives for making it? **

Juliet makes the misconception that Romeo was the one killed, when it was really her cousin Tybalt. Juliet thinks that Romeo is a monster hidden behind a pretty face, and cannot keep her anger to herself. Juliet cannot bring herself to hate her husband, and forgives him for killing Tybalt. To her, having Romeo be exiled is ten times worse than his death, and we can see how much she wants to believe he is good. Juliet begs the nurse to find Romeo and bring him to their wedding bed, and gives her a ring to symbolize her love for Romeo. The nurse agrees to go find him at Friar's Cell. =** ACT 3 SCENE 3 **=
 * 1. In lines 37-68 the nurse confuses Juliet as she tells Juliet of the fight. What misconception does Juliet make?**
 * 2. Review line 73. When Juliet receives news of Tybalt’s death, what is her first reaction?**
 * 3.Review Juliet’s lines 90-92. When the nurse agrees with Juliet, Juliet has a different reaction to Romeo’s killing of Tybalt. Explain.**
 * 4. How does the scene end?**

Romeo would have rather been killed than exiled, and he thinks it is an even worse punishment than death. Romeo used to feel only hatred for his name, but now he feels like he should tear it from his own body. He blames his name for all the miseries that have happened, and in a way, it is true. But he says that if Juliet should be hurt, it would be his own life that would pay the price. He says Romeo should be happy, for both he and Juliet are still alive, and since Tybalt is dead, he can no longer be a threat. The law has become a "friend", and has allowed him exile, and spared him from death. The Friar tells Romeo to go find Juliet, and stay with her for the night. But as soon as day comes around, he must go to Mantua until the time he may be forgiven by the prince, and be joined with Juliet.
 * 1.Review line 12. What is Romeo’s reaction when he learns that he has been banished? **
 * 2. From the beginning of the play, Romeo acts impulsively. In what way is he still impulsive in this scene (lines 102-108)? **
 * 3. Friar Laurence tells Romeo to count his blessings. What are they (line 135-140)? **
 * 4. Explain Friar Laurence’s plan (lines 146-154). **

=** ACT 3 SCENE 5 **=
 * Questions begin with Lady Capulet’s entrance, line 68. **

Juliet tells her mother that she will only be at peace when she holds Romeo's (dead) body in her arms again, and that if only he could be within reach, and not within Mantua, she would be able to forgive him more easily. She explains that she could never be happy with Paris as a husband, and that she doesn't want to marry him so soon. The only man she will ever marry is Romeo, and this is very offensive to her mother since he is supposed to be absolutely hated by every Capulet. Juliet has changed from her safe, guarded self to a woman with an opinion and a voice to carry it. Lady Capulet has never been totally capable of taking care of her daughter, so she depends on her husband and the nurse to talk to Juliet about important things. She thinks that Juliet will never listen to her side of things, and that she has (ironically) sent herself to her own grave for not loving Paris. Lord Capulet says that if she does not marry Paris, she shall be disowned and shall live on the streets without any help from her family. The nurse thinks that since Romeo has been banished, he will probably never see Juliet again. Therefore, she would be much happier with the attractive Paris than with an exiled man. Juliet decides that she will see Romeo again, and will devise a game with the Friar so that she can find a way too. But she also decides that she is never trusting the nurse again, and this will probably lead her down the wrong path.
 * 1. Lady Capulet misunderstands Juliet’s sadness, and Juliet does not want her to know what has happened between Romeo and Juliet. What does Juliet say about Tybalt and Romeo to keep the truth from her mother (lines 67-102)? **
 * 2. What is Juliet’s response when she is told the news that she is to marry Paris (lines 116-123)? How has she changed since Act 1? **
 * 3. What is her mother’s reaction to Juliet’s response (line 124 and lines 139-140)? **
 * 4. Review lines 190-194. What is Lord Capulet’s response to Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris? **
 * 5. What does the Nurse advise Juliet to do (lines 212-225)? What is her reasoning? **
 * 6. After the Nurse leaves and Juliet is alone, what does Juliet decide to do (lines 240-243)? **

ACT IV SCENE 1
The Friar knows that Juliet was already married to Romeo, and he was the one to bless them. So it would be a sin upon himself to marry her to another man. Both Paris and Lord Capulet think that by marrying them sooner, the misery and depression over Tybalt's death will disappear and the family will be happy again. It is ironic, because Juliet is telling Paris that she does not love him, and loves another. But he does not realize this and thinks she is saying she is sad over her cousin's death. Juliet threatens to kill herself if the Friar does not come up with an idea to prevent the marriage. The Friar thinks that since she is desperate enough to kill herself, she would not mind to fake death if it means being reunited with her lover. The Friar gives Juliet a vial which, if she drinks tonight, she shall sleep for two whole days. The potion will make her appear to be dead, and while she is in the family tomb, Romeo will come and get her and they will escape together to Mantua.
 * 1. Why is Friar Lawrence reluctant to marry Paris to Juliet? **
 * 2. How does Paris explain the sudden haste of the marriage plans? **
 * 3. What is ironic about the conversation between Juliet and Paris? **
 * 4. If Friar Lawrence cannot help her, what does Juliet threaten to do? **
 * 5. Why does Friar Lawrence think that Juliet will accept his plan? **
 * 6. Describe the friar’s plan for Juliet. **

**scene ii:**
Juliet apologizes for refusing to marry Paris, and this makes him happy because he never wanted to disown his daughter. Lord Capulet changes the date from Thursday to Wednesday, which complicates the plan because Romeo will not be there in time to rescue her when she wakes up.
 * 1. What does Juliet say that makes her father happy? **
 * 2. How does Capulet change the wedding plans? What implications does this have? **

**scene iii:**
Juliet is showing her maturity in this scene by thinking through her options, the implications and the consequences to taking the vial. She is not relying on the nurse or her mother to make the decision for her, therefore showing her independence a little more. She says that if the potion does not work she shall take her own life. She fears that by taking the potion, she could wake up alone in the tomb and suffocate to death, or the the potion would actually kill her instead of putting her to sleep.
 * 1. How does Juliet show her maturity and independence in this scene? **
 * 2. If the potion does not work, what will Juliet do? **
 * 3. What are some of the fears Juliet has about the potion? **

**scene iv:**
In this scene, the Capulet family is getting ready for the wedding. Cooks are bringing out food, wood is being carried in to make fires and Lord Capulet tells the nurse to fetch Juliet and get her ready for the wedding.
 * 1. What is happening in this brief scene? **

**scene v:**
"Her blood is settled. Life and these lips have long been separated. Death lies on her like an untimely frost, upon the sweetest flower in all the field." He describes her life as a sweet flower, and death the frost that ends it. Life and lips, describing the breath coming from them, is gone. Instead of having Paris marry Juliet, they describe her as married to death, and having him come into her bed instead of her to-be husband.
 * 1. Describe the imagery Shakespeare uses in describing Juliet’s “death.” **
 * 2. What does friar Lawrence say to comfort the Capulet family? **

The friar reassures them that their daughter has been accepted into heaven, and that is the greatest gift they could expect to have. The capulets are now getting ready for their daughter's funeral instead of her wedding, but can use all the flowers and food for both.
 * 3. What event are the Capulets preparing for now? **

Romeo has a dream that he will receive a reviving kiss from Juliet that will bring him back from death. This is foreshadowing both their deaths. Balthazar brings news of Juliet's death, which ruins the Friar's plan since he will not get the letter explaining how Juliet is not actually dead, and will reawaken within a few hours. "If this is true, then I can no longer trust the stars to guide me." This is contrary to what he had previously been saying, since he was always relying on fate and destiny to guide his future. Romeo decides to go to the Apothecary and get a vial of poison to kill himself near Juliet.
 * ACT 5 SCENE 1 **
 * 1. What premonition does Romeo have at the beginning of this scene (lines 1-11)? **
 * 2. What news does Balthasar bring? How does this disrupt the Friar’s plan? **
 * 3. Review line 24. Paraphrase. Why is this a brazen thing to say? **
 * 4. What does Romeo decide to do after he hears Balthasar’s story (lines 34-57)? **

= **ACT 5 SCENE 2** = Friar John tells Friar Laurence that he was slowed down by the plague, and no messenger wanted to deliver it.
 * 1. What story does Friar John tell Friar Laurence as explanation as to why he could not deliver the letter to Romeo? **

= **ACT 5 SCENE 3** =

Romeo is saying how beautiful and alive Juliet looks, even in death. This is ironic because as the audience, we know that Juliet is not actually dead, and will awaken again. Juliet realizes that Romeo's lips are warm after she kisses him, this means that he has barely died, and some of the warmth is still in his body. Juliet is saying that this happy dagger, (happy for it will end her life,) will have a new sheath to enter, and it will be her body.
 * 1. Review lines 91-96. What does Romeo notice about Juliet? Explain the dramatic irony. **
 * 2. Review line 167. What does Juliet realize about the situation? **
 * 3. Review lines 169-170. Explain the lines. **