Romeo and Juliet Act Summaries, Important Ideas and Questions.

Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet

Act Summaries, Important Act Summaries, Important Ideas and QuestionsIdeas and Questions

Act IAct IExposition and ComplicationExposition and Complication

Scene IScene I Sunday morning; VeronaSunday morning; Verona Play opens with violence/ conflict/ feudingPlay opens with violence/ conflict/ feuding Sampson and Gregory’s SpeechSampson and Gregory’s Speech

They boast about their manhoodThey boast about their manhood They boast about what they'll do to the men and They boast about what they'll do to the men and

“maids” of the Montague household“maids” of the Montague household They take on the quarrel for their master (the “ancient They take on the quarrel for their master (the “ancient

grudge” mentioned in prologue and deliberately provoke grudge” mentioned in prologue and deliberately provoke a fight)a fight)

They daren’t go beyond the law (“Is the law on our They daren’t go beyond the law (“Is the law on our side…”)side…”)

They only get really aggressive when they see Tybalt They only get really aggressive when they see Tybalt coming (“one of my master’s kinsman”)coming (“one of my master’s kinsman”)

Prince Escalus’ SpeechPrince Escalus’ Speech

Numerous references to violenceNumerous references to violenceThree previous civil brawls (violence Three previous civil brawls (violence

is affecting all of Verona, not just is affecting all of Verona, not just two feuding families)two feuding families)

Threatens next disturbance of peace Threatens next disturbance of peace will mean deathwill mean death

Act I Act I continuedcontinued

Scene IVScene IV Streets of VeronaStreets of Verona

Romeo is still very depressedRomeo is still very depressed Romeo seems convinced that his death will result from Romeo seems convinced that his death will result from

going to feastgoing to feast Mercutio tries to joke Romeo out of misery; uses Queen Mercutio tries to joke Romeo out of misery; uses Queen

Mab (Fairies’ Midwife who brings dreams to birth) Mab (Fairies’ Midwife who brings dreams to birth) speechspeech

Masks: the host of a feast in sixteenth century was Masks: the host of a feast in sixteenth century was flattered if masquers arrived uninvited. Thus, Benvolio flattered if masquers arrived uninvited. Thus, Benvolio suggests they go to the dance, pay compliments to the suggests they go to the dance, pay compliments to the host and then depart, no harm donehost and then depart, no harm done

Friends want Romeo to look for new beauties, which he Friends want Romeo to look for new beauties, which he thinks is impossiblethinks is impossible


Scene V: Capulet’s FeastScene V: Capulet’s Feast Note quickness of timeNote quickness of time Servants are busyServants are busy Guests arrive and are welcomed by CapuletGuests arrive and are welcomed by Capulet Capulet talks to his old cousin about the pastCapulet talks to his old cousin about the past Romeo sees Juliet and speaks about her beautyRomeo sees Juliet and speaks about her beauty Tybalt overhears Romeo and sends for his Tybalt overhears Romeo and sends for his

rapier to kill him ( notice- answer is violence), rapier to kill him ( notice- answer is violence), but Capulet stops him (even says Romeo has a but Capulet stops him (even says Romeo has a good reputation). Tybalt departs, swearing good reputation). Tybalt departs, swearing revenge (foreshadowing)revenge (foreshadowing)


Capulet Feast Capulet Feast continuedcontinued Romeo takes Juliet’s hands, speaks to her and Romeo takes Juliet’s hands, speaks to her and

kisses herkisses her Romeo asks Nurse who Juliet is and is shocked Romeo asks Nurse who Juliet is and is shocked

to discover she’s a Capuletto discover she’s a Capulet Capulet says farewell to guestsCapulet says farewell to guests Juliet is shocked to discover that Romeo is a Juliet is shocked to discover that Romeo is a

MontagueMontague COMPLICATION to play: Romeo and Juliet COMPLICATION to play: Romeo and Juliet

discover they each have fallen in love with discover they each have fallen in love with their enemytheir enemy

Act I Act I Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

Note Romeo’s sudden change of Note Romeo’s sudden change of love. How do you react to it?love. How do you react to it?

How seriously can we take their How seriously can we take their love?love?

Romeo goes from depressed teen Romeo goes from depressed teen pushing away friends and family to pushing away friends and family to someone convinced he is in love. He someone convinced he is in love. He is quite fickle!is quite fickle!

Act IIAct IIRising ActionRising Action

Scene I: Sunday night after feast, in Scene I: Sunday night after feast, in streets outside Capulet orchardstreets outside Capulet orchard

Romeo cannot bear to leave JulietRomeo cannot bear to leave JulietHe does not answer to Mercutio and He does not answer to Mercutio and

Benvolio’s callsBenvolio’s callsMercutio, of course, uses words and Mercutio, of course, uses words and

humor to attempt to conjure him to humor to attempt to conjure him to appear- using Rosaline’s name, appear- using Rosaline’s name, unaware Romeo no longer cares for unaware Romeo no longer cares for herher

Act IIAct II continued continued

Scene II: Balcony Scene Scene II: Balcony Scene (Sun. Night- Monday (Sun. Night- Monday dawn)dawn)

Juliet proposes marriage to Romeo, who Juliet proposes marriage to Romeo, who agrees to tell her messenger the next agrees to tell her messenger the next morning of arrangements he has mademorning of arrangements he has made

Notice time- they are swept up by time. Notice time- they are swept up by time. Also notice how different they are in Also notice how different they are in

thought, language and experiencethought, language and experienceShe is thoughtful, rationalShe is thoughtful, rationalHe is more fickle, rash, and emotionalHe is more fickle, rash, and emotional


When Romeo sees her at balcony, she When Romeo sees her at balcony, she appears to him to be a source of light; for appears to him to be a source of light; for him she is so beautiful that the only worthy him she is so beautiful that the only worthy things to compare her with are the moon, things to compare her with are the moon, stars and sun. He is looking up not just at stars and sun. He is looking up not just at her, but also the sky- so the heavenly her, but also the sky- so the heavenly bodies are natural points of comparison.bodies are natural points of comparison.

Would she not be upset he is stalking her?Would she not be upset he is stalking her? Note their lines describing love (and Note their lines describing love (and

differences)differences)

Act II Act II continuedcontinuedJuliet and the problem of namesJuliet and the problem of names

Juliet’s words, on the other hand, follow a Juliet’s words, on the other hand, follow a logical argument. She attempts to find away logical argument. She attempts to find away out of the impossible situation she realizes she out of the impossible situation she realizes she is in.is in.

She sees the problem as one of names. She sees the problem as one of names. She tries to separate the name from the personShe tries to separate the name from the person However, it has been made clear that there is However, it has been made clear that there is

no escaping your name and what it stands for.no escaping your name and what it stands for. Would it work for them to be together by simply Would it work for them to be together by simply

shedding their names?shedding their names?


Juliet asks him serious questions, which Juliet asks him serious questions, which shows her fear for his safety.shows her fear for his safety.

He does not take her concerns seriously.He does not take her concerns seriously. She doesn't talk about him like he does She doesn't talk about him like he does

about her.about her. While she is young and naïve in love, she is While she is young and naïve in love, she is

more practical (the smart, thoughtful one)more practical (the smart, thoughtful one) ““Dost thou love me…” She knows her love Dost thou love me…” She knows her love

for him is deep and dependable.for him is deep and dependable. Notice his responses.Notice his responses.


Scene III: Scene III: Early Monday morning Fr. Laurence's cellEarly Monday morning Fr. Laurence's cell Fr. Laurence, Romeo’s confessor, agrees to marry Fr. Laurence, Romeo’s confessor, agrees to marry

Romeo and Juliet in order to bring about Romeo and Juliet in order to bring about reconciliation between the two households. His reconciliation between the two households. His relationship with Romeo mirrors that Nurse and relationship with Romeo mirrors that Nurse and Juliet.Juliet.

What is his perception of Romeo’s new feelings? What What is his perception of Romeo’s new feelings? What does he say? does he say?

Why does Romeo love Juliet? (She loves him, she is Why does Romeo love Juliet? (She loves him, she is beautiful, he would love anyone that would respond to beautiful, he would love anyone that would respond to him?)him?)

Is Friar Laurence a bit presumptuous that he can end Is Friar Laurence a bit presumptuous that he can end feud with marriage? Hubris?feud with marriage? Hubris?

Act II Act II continuedcontinued

Scene IV: Monday morning before midday, Scene IV: Monday morning before midday, Verona streetsVerona streets Arrangements for marriage made. Tybalt has Arrangements for marriage made. Tybalt has

also sent a challenge to Romeo also sent a challenge to Romeo (foreshadowing). This is the only scene in (foreshadowing). This is the only scene in which Romeo talks cheerfully to his friendswhich Romeo talks cheerfully to his friends

Mercutio and Benvolio do not know about Juliet Mercutio and Benvolio do not know about Juliet and neither of them ever finds out. Mercutio and neither of them ever finds out. Mercutio thinks it’s still Rosaline he lovesthinks it’s still Rosaline he loves

Tybalt sends challenge. Mercutio jokes as to Tybalt sends challenge. Mercutio jokes as to whether Romeo is man enough to encounter whether Romeo is man enough to encounter Tybalt. Mercutio says Romeo is as good as Tybalt. Mercutio says Romeo is as good as dead (foreshadowing)dead (foreshadowing)


Scene V: Monday midday Capulet’s Scene V: Monday midday Capulet’s househouseNurse tells Juliet the arrangements for the Nurse tells Juliet the arrangements for the

marriage.marriage.She holds back the news at first, which She holds back the news at first, which

makes Juliet very impatient. makes Juliet very impatient. Nurse- comic relief; clearly cares about Nurse- comic relief; clearly cares about

Juliet as her own “daughter”Juliet as her own “daughter”Scene similar to that of Friar Laurence Scene similar to that of Friar Laurence

and Romeoand Romeo


Scene VI: Monday afternoon; Friar Scene VI: Monday afternoon; Friar Laurence’s cell, VeronaLaurence’s cell, Verona Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Laurence’s cell.Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Laurence’s cell. He, marrying them secretly but with the best of He, marrying them secretly but with the best of

intentions, will not leave them alone together intentions, will not leave them alone together until they have been married in the sight of until they have been married in the sight of God. God.

How do Romeo and Juliet express their love?How do Romeo and Juliet express their love? Both Friar Laurence and Romeo express fears Both Friar Laurence and Romeo express fears

about the future.about the future. Should he have married them behind their Should he have married them behind their

parents’ back? (another complication)parents’ back? (another complication)

Act III Act III ClimaxClimax

Scene I: Monday afternoon, an hour or Scene I: Monday afternoon, an hour or so after marriage. Streets of Veronaso after marriage. Streets of VeronaTurning point of play/climaxTurning point of play/climaxBefore Romeo arrives, events that will Before Romeo arrives, events that will

lead to his banishment have already lead to his banishment have already been sparked. His friend Mercutio and his been sparked. His friend Mercutio and his “new” cousin Tybalt are killed, and all the “new” cousin Tybalt are killed, and all the promise of his marriage to Juliet are promise of his marriage to Juliet are destroyed.destroyed.

Act III Act III continuedcontinued

Why does Tybalt call Romeo “villain”? Is Why does Tybalt call Romeo “villain”? Is this justified?this justified?

Romeo refuses to rise to Tybalt’s insults, Romeo refuses to rise to Tybalt’s insults, even though Tybalt twice tries to provoke even though Tybalt twice tries to provoke him.him.

““What would’st thou have with me?” Tybalt What would’st thou have with me?” Tybalt takes up Mercutio’s challenge instead of takes up Mercutio’s challenge instead of going after Mercutio. How does Mercutio going after Mercutio. How does Mercutio makes sure that Tybalt must answer him?makes sure that Tybalt must answer him?

What is Mercutio fighting about? Tybalt’s What is Mercutio fighting about? Tybalt’s insults to Romeo or Romeo’s calm, insults to Romeo or Romeo’s calm, “dishonorable vile submission”?“dishonorable vile submission”?

Act III continuedAct III continued

Was Mercutio wounded deliberately Was Mercutio wounded deliberately or by mistake? How odes Romeo play or by mistake? How odes Romeo play a part in it?a part in it?

““A plague on both of your houses”- A plague on both of your houses”- foreshadowing, repeated three times, foreshadowing, repeated three times, prophecy will be fulfilled prophecy will be fulfilled


Once Romeo hears Mercutio’s death, Once Romeo hears Mercutio’s death, he forgets his previous own owrds. he forgets his previous own owrds.

Fury gives Romeo upper hand, even Fury gives Romeo upper hand, even though Tybalt is better swordsmanthough Tybalt is better swordsman

What does Romeo mean when he What does Romeo mean when he says, “Oh, I am fortune’s fool”? says, “Oh, I am fortune’s fool”? (fate).(fate).


Prince’s decisionPrince’s decision He has himself already forbidden any more He has himself already forbidden any more

brawling in streets on pain of deathbrawling in streets on pain of death Lady Capulet is demanding Romeo's life as Lady Capulet is demanding Romeo's life as

price for Tybalt’s deathprice for Tybalt’s death His kinsman Mercutio has been one of the His kinsman Mercutio has been one of the

victimsvictims And, as he says himself: “Romeo slew him; he And, as he says himself: “Romeo slew him; he

slew Mercutio/ Who now the price of his dear slew Mercutio/ Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?”blood doth owe?”

He decides on a compromise- banishment.He decides on a compromise- banishment. BUT as Prince/order, should he have followed BUT as Prince/order, should he have followed

through with command? Do further through with command? Do further unnecessary deaths occur as a result of this?unnecessary deaths occur as a result of this?

Act III continuedAct III continued Romeo’s Emotional changes (in 24 hours- again, TIME)Romeo’s Emotional changes (in 24 hours- again, TIME)

Out of love’s favor with RosalineOut of love’s favor with Rosaline Meets and falls in love with JulietMeets and falls in love with Juliet Marries JulietMarries Juliet Genuinely doesn’t know what Tybalt wants with himhe does Genuinely doesn’t know what Tybalt wants with himhe does

not know that Tybalt saw him at the Capulet feast and was not know that Tybalt saw him at the Capulet feast and was prevented from attacking himprevented from attacking him

He gives the best answer he can to the challenge- and it is trueHe gives the best answer he can to the challenge- and it is true He does expect Mercutio to step in and fight for him- in fact, he He does expect Mercutio to step in and fight for him- in fact, he

ahs no way of knowing that he has walked into a situation ahs no way of knowing that he has walked into a situation which is already on the boilwhich is already on the boil

He tries to stop the fight unsuccessfullyHe tries to stop the fight unsuccessfully He doesn’t realize that Mercutio is wounded to death. When he He doesn’t realize that Mercutio is wounded to death. When he

does, he knows what he must do, has to throw off his genteel does, he knows what he must do, has to throw off his genteel behavior. He realizes that eh will have to fight for two reasons: behavior. He realizes that eh will have to fight for two reasons: to redeem his reputation and to avenge Mercutio's death.to redeem his reputation and to avenge Mercutio's death.

Act III continuedAct III continued

Has Romeo any control over any of Has Romeo any control over any of the events in the play?the events in the play?Capulet feast?Capulet feast?Meeting JulietMeeting JulietBalcony sceneBalcony sceneMarriage to JulietMarriage to JulietStreet fight with TybaltStreet fight with TybaltIs it emotion controlling these or FATE?Is it emotion controlling these or FATE?


Act II: Monday evening, Capulet's house, Act II: Monday evening, Capulet's house, VeronaVerona

Romeo and Juliet have been married for Romeo and Juliet have been married for three hours.three hours.

Juliet knows nothing of what has happened in Juliet knows nothing of what has happened in the street and is eagerly awaiting the night. the street and is eagerly awaiting the night.

The joyful mood at the start of the scene The joyful mood at the start of the scene changes suddenly to misery when the Nurse changes suddenly to misery when the Nurse brings the news of Tybalt’s death.brings the news of Tybalt’s death.

Juliet’s love for Romeo is put the test.Juliet’s love for Romeo is put the test.


Scene begins with Juliet during night Scene begins with Juliet during night to come quickly so that she can be to come quickly so that she can be with Romeowith Romeo

Nurse comes and says what’s on her Nurse comes and says what’s on her mind: “He’s dead…” Doesn’t prepare mind: “He’s dead…” Doesn’t prepare Juliet for the news. A feature of her Juliet for the news. A feature of her speech is to go off the point and not speech is to go off the point and not to say at once everything she knows. to say at once everything she knows. She is grief-stricken.She is grief-stricken.


Juliet must now come to terms with what Juliet must now come to terms with what has happened. Her “dearest cousin” has has happened. Her “dearest cousin” has been killed by her “dearer lord”been killed by her “dearer lord”

How could Romeo’s hand shed Tybalt’s How could Romeo’s hand shed Tybalt’s blood? blood?

Expresses conflicting emotions.Expresses conflicting emotions.However, when Nurse says shame to However, when Nurse says shame to

Romeo she knows where her loyalties Romeo she knows where her loyalties are.are.

What does banishment mean to Juliet?What does banishment mean to Juliet?


Scene III: Mon. evening, Fr. Scene III: Mon. evening, Fr. Laurence’s cellLaurence’s cell

Romeo ran straight to Fr. Laurence’s Romeo ran straight to Fr. Laurence’s cell for refuge after he killed Tybalt, cell for refuge after he killed Tybalt, so he doesn’t yet know his fate of so he doesn’t yet know his fate of banishment.banishment.

Fr. Laurence tells him and persuades Fr. Laurence tells him and persuades him that all is not lost Only when the him that all is not lost Only when the nurse comes and talks about Juliet nurse comes and talks about Juliet does he stop crying.does he stop crying.


Banishment: Verona is walled town Banishment: Verona is walled town with heavy gates guarding the with heavy gates guarding the entrances from outside world, making entrances from outside world, making it difficult to escape notice on the way it difficult to escape notice on the way in or out. in or out. Both Romeo and Juliet are well aware of Both Romeo and Juliet are well aware of

what banishment means: never to have what banishment means: never to have the right of freedom to return to Verona. the right of freedom to return to Verona.

The idea of banishment terrifies them. The idea of banishment terrifies them. They both see it as death. They both see it as death.

Act III Act III continued continued

Romeo cannot say nor believe that the Prince’s Romeo cannot say nor believe that the Prince’s sentence is better than death. Again note sentence is better than death. Again note emotional change.emotional change.

When Nurse comes, Romeo focuses on the only When Nurse comes, Romeo focuses on the only thing he can think of which explains what has thing he can think of which explains what has happened. They both realize that they cannot be happened. They both realize that they cannot be separated from their names. separated from their names.

Fr. Laurence is forced by Romeo’s suicidal Fr. Laurence is forced by Romeo’s suicidal behavior to argue him out of his despair. He gives behavior to argue him out of his despair. He gives him reasons to be happy, trying to show him that him reasons to be happy, trying to show him that things could be worse.things could be worse.

Fr. Laurence devises a plan, but again does not Fr. Laurence devises a plan, but again does not go to parents for help (hubris).go to parents for help (hubris).


Scene IV: Very late Monday evening. Scene IV: Very late Monday evening. Capulet’s houseCapulet’s house

Paris comes to woo Juliet the day after the Paris comes to woo Juliet the day after the feast. feast.

Both he and Capulet completely ignore Both he and Capulet completely ignore what Capulet said earlier about Juliet’s what Capulet said earlier about Juliet’s youth. youth.

While they are talking, audience is aware While they are talking, audience is aware that Juliet is waiting for Romeo, or that that Juliet is waiting for Romeo, or that they are upstairs (dramatic irony)they are upstairs (dramatic irony)


Notice how quickly Paris is “moved” Notice how quickly Paris is “moved” to like Juliet- whom he just met/saw to like Juliet- whom he just met/saw yesterdayyesterday

Why does he want to marry her? Why does he want to marry her? Capulet speaks in a disjointed way in Capulet speaks in a disjointed way in

this scene. What is wrong with him? this scene. What is wrong with him? What does he say that might What does he say that might threaten danger or difficulties for threaten danger or difficulties for Juliet in the future?Juliet in the future?


Scene V: Early Tuesday morning, Scene V: Early Tuesday morning, Capulet house. Capulet house.

Juliet parts from Romeo- don’t know Juliet parts from Romeo- don’t know if they’ll see each other againif they’ll see each other again

By the end of the scene she is totally By the end of the scene she is totally isolated from her parents and the isolated from her parents and the Nurse and has only the Friar to turn Nurse and has only the Friar to turn toto

Act III Act III continuedcontinued Lady Capulet, on her husband’s order (Great Chain of Lady Capulet, on her husband’s order (Great Chain of

Being), has come to talk to Juliet about marriage to Paris. Being), has come to talk to Juliet about marriage to Paris. She finds Juliet weeping, things she is crying for Tybalt She finds Juliet weeping, things she is crying for Tybalt

(which only happened that afternoon). However, we (which only happened that afternoon). However, we know Juliet is speaking the truth- about losing Romeo.know Juliet is speaking the truth- about losing Romeo.

Announcement of marriage is dreadful shock to Juliet. But Announcement of marriage is dreadful shock to Juliet. But to be true to Romeo and her marriage vows, she refuses to be true to Romeo and her marriage vows, she refuses to marry Paristo marry Paris

Notice parents’ treatment/attitude to Juliet, their Notice parents’ treatment/attitude to Juliet, their daughter.daughter.

Capulet says, “I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee..” Is his anger Capulet says, “I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee..” Is his anger justified? What options does Juliet have?justified? What options does Juliet have?

Neither Lady Capulet nor Nurse can help Juliet. Is the Neither Lady Capulet nor Nurse can help Juliet. Is the nurse talking sense, should Juliet have listened? Why nurse talking sense, should Juliet have listened? Why doesn’t’ she?doesn’t’ she?

Act IVAct IVFalling ActionFalling Action

Scene 1: Tuesday afternoon. Scene 1: Tuesday afternoon. Friar Laurence's cellFriar Laurence's cellAt the very place where she goes to At the very place where she goes to

seek help, Juliet meets the man who is seek help, Juliet meets the man who is the cause of her distress.the cause of her distress.

Friar's original good intentions are Friar's original good intentions are already disrupted, and he is forced to already disrupted, and he is forced to set Juliet off on a very dangerous set Juliet off on a very dangerous course.course.

Act IV Act IV continuedcontinued

Paris: this is the only opportunity he Paris: this is the only opportunity he has to woo Juliet. has to woo Juliet.

He speaks directly to her, for the first He speaks directly to her, for the first time, about their marriage.time, about their marriage.

Juliet is forced to speak with double Juliet is forced to speak with double meaning (verbal irony) to avoid meaning (verbal irony) to avoid revealing her true situation.revealing her true situation.

He tries to find out if she loves himHe tries to find out if she loves him


Suicide: Juliet speaks of suicide to Fr. Laurence Suicide: Juliet speaks of suicide to Fr. Laurence (as Romeo had).(as Romeo had).

At this time, a man of the church would have At this time, a man of the church would have done anything in his/her power to prevent it.done anything in his/her power to prevent it.

Elizabethans thought suicide was a sin against Elizabethans thought suicide was a sin against God, and the souls of suicide were eternally God, and the souls of suicide were eternally damned. damned.

They could not be buried in tombs or graveyards, They could not be buried in tombs or graveyards, but rather in a crossroads with a steak driven but rather in a crossroads with a steak driven through them. through them.

Thus, Fr. Laurence has to do whatever he can to Thus, Fr. Laurence has to do whatever he can to save their lives. If he fails, he knows what save their lives. If he fails, he knows what punishments their souls will receive.punishments their souls will receive.


What are her fears of the plan?What are her fears of the plan?Foreshadowing: Fr. Laurence’s Foreshadowing: Fr. Laurence’s

description of Juliet's’ false death description of Juliet's’ false death shows in advance what her real shows in advance what her real death later will be like.death later will be like.


Tuesday evening. Capulet’s house.Tuesday evening. Capulet’s house. Capulet is overjoyed with Juliet’s new obedienceCapulet is overjoyed with Juliet’s new obedience Brings marriage forward to Wednesday morning. Brings marriage forward to Wednesday morning. Capulet cannot know that Juliet and “this Capulet cannot know that Juliet and “this

reverend holy friar” are planning to thwart him. reverend holy friar” are planning to thwart him. When he says “my heart is wondrous light” the When he says “my heart is wondrous light” the

audience knows that it won’t be for long.audience knows that it won’t be for long. Juliet speech has become much more formal. Is Juliet speech has become much more formal. Is

it because she is obedient or feeling it because she is obedient or feeling dead/unemotional?dead/unemotional?


Tuesday night.Tuesday night. In spite of her terror at what might go In spite of her terror at what might go

wrong, Juliet takes the potion.wrong, Juliet takes the potion.Her fear of waking before Romeo Her fear of waking before Romeo

comes is the opposite of what finally comes is the opposite of what finally happens.happens.

She does not consider that the Friar’s She does not consider that the Friar’s plans for contacting Romeo in Mantua plans for contacting Romeo in Mantua might go awry.might go awry.


Juliet’s words to her parents are very formal- unlike Juliet’s words to her parents are very formal- unlike beforebefore

Fr. Laurence talked about the ancient vault. Fr. Laurence talked about the ancient vault. Vault/tomb would have been a large, underground Vault/tomb would have been a large, underground

chamber, marked with a stone monument above ground, in chamber, marked with a stone monument above ground, in which the buried dead Capulets were laid on stone biers. which the buried dead Capulets were laid on stone biers.

They were never actually buried in the ground.They were never actually buried in the ground. Juliet knows this, so she can imagine the bones of those Juliet knows this, so she can imagine the bones of those

long-dead ancestors, lying on their biers or stacked on long-dead ancestors, lying on their biers or stacked on shelves, and some idea of how corpses rot in their shrouds.shelves, and some idea of how corpses rot in their shrouds.

She expresses her terror in long, incomplete sentences, She expresses her terror in long, incomplete sentences, asking questions for which she has no convincing answers. asking questions for which she has no convincing answers. Her image of death, if it is in the tomb, is full of horror.Her image of death, if it is in the tomb, is full of horror.


Scene IV: Early Wed. morning. Capulet Scene IV: Early Wed. morning. Capulet househouse

The importance of this scene is to provide The importance of this scene is to provide a time gap between Juliet's taking the a time gap between Juliet's taking the potion and her being found “dead.” potion and her being found “dead.”

It highlights the futility of Capulet's busy It highlights the futility of Capulet's busy activity; the daughter he is doing this for is activity; the daughter he is doing this for is already “dead.”already “dead.”

Household busy preparing for wedding Household busy preparing for wedding feast. feast.


Scene V: Early Thursday morning, Capulet houseScene V: Early Thursday morning, Capulet house This scene shows Juliet’s death, and it gives place This scene shows Juliet’s death, and it gives place

for mourning ritual, which could not be for mourning ritual, which could not be appropriate at the end of the play. Juliet’s real appropriate at the end of the play. Juliet’s real death is mourned before it happens.death is mourned before it happens.

Parents and Nurse lament for Juliet's’ death Parents and Nurse lament for Juliet's’ death privately.privately.

Lady Capulet, Nurse, Paris and Capulet now each Lady Capulet, Nurse, Paris and Capulet now each express their grief in a formal, public way, in express their grief in a formal, public way, in comparison to the private scene comparison to the private scene

Friar Laurence's plan depends on him writing a Friar Laurence's plan depends on him writing a letter to Romeo with all this news and with letter to Romeo with all this news and with instructions about what Romeo should do next.instructions about what Romeo should do next.


Notice film version changes to sceneNotice film version changes to sceneScenes cutScenes cutFamily and Paris not allowed to Family and Paris not allowed to

mourn for Juliet.mourn for Juliet.Why would Hollywood make these Why would Hollywood make these

changes?changes?

Act V Act V Dénouement and catharsisDénouement and catharsis

Scene I: Wed. afternoon (notice entire Scene I: Wed. afternoon (notice entire play takes place in days!). Mantuaplay takes place in days!). Mantua

After being in Mantua for one day After being in Mantua for one day Romeo receives news of Juliet, but the Romeo receives news of Juliet, but the wrong news (her death instead of word wrong news (her death instead of word from Fr. Laurence) from the wrong from Fr. Laurence) from the wrong mouth (Balthasar instead of Fr. John)mouth (Balthasar instead of Fr. John)

He has no means of knowing that the He has no means of knowing that the information is false.information is false.

Act V Act V continuedcontinued

Balthasar, as a Montague servant, Balthasar, as a Montague servant, can only see Juliet’s funeral at a can only see Juliet’s funeral at a distance. distance. In spite of his promise earlier, Fr. In spite of his promise earlier, Fr.

Laurence has not found Balthasar to tell Laurence has not found Balthasar to tell him of the change in Juliet’s situation, or him of the change in Juliet’s situation, or to give him letters for Romeoto give him letters for Romeo


Romeo reaction is immediate and finalRomeo reaction is immediate and final ““Then I defy you, stars [fate].”Then I defy you, stars [fate].” Up to this point, Romeo had left his life in the Up to this point, Romeo had left his life in the

hands of Fate/stars. Why is now defying the hands of Fate/stars. Why is now defying the stars?stars?

What are his thoughts about Juliet and the end What are his thoughts about Juliet and the end of all he had hoped for?of all he had hoped for?

Romeo resolves to kill himself to lie with Juliet in Romeo resolves to kill himself to lie with Juliet in the tomb. the tomb.

He needs a mortal drug, which is illegal. What He needs a mortal drug, which is illegal. What makes him think the apothecary will sell it to makes him think the apothecary will sell it to him? Why is the apothecary willing to sell it to him? Why is the apothecary willing to sell it to him, eventually? him, eventually?


Scene II: Wed. night. Friar Laurence's cell. VeronaScene II: Wed. night. Friar Laurence's cell. Verona Short scene contains the most crucial piece of Short scene contains the most crucial piece of

information. information. Fr. Laurence's letter to Romeo has never even left Fr. Laurence's letter to Romeo has never even left

Verona. It is now impossible for him to have Verona. It is now impossible for him to have Romeo at Juliet’s side when she awakens.Romeo at Juliet’s side when she awakens. What is Fr. John’s reasons for not delivering letter? Is it a What is Fr. John’s reasons for not delivering letter? Is it a

weakness in plot or character? Is his story convincing?weakness in plot or character? Is his story convincing? Dilemma: Romeo doesn’t know truth. Fr. Laurence Dilemma: Romeo doesn’t know truth. Fr. Laurence

doesn’t know he received inaccurate information.doesn’t know he received inaccurate information. Does anyone in the play know all the right information Does anyone in the play know all the right information

about both Romeo and Juliet?about both Romeo and Juliet? What should Fr. Laurence do at this point? (hubris)What should Fr. Laurence do at this point? (hubris)


Scene III: Wed. night.Scene III: Wed. night. Churchyard. Verona. Churchyard. Verona. In last scene of the play, all must be In last scene of the play, all must be

explained and resolved. explained and resolved. Friar Laurence's plan goes completely Friar Laurence's plan goes completely

astray. astray. Paris, Tybalt, Romeo and Juliet all lie dead Paris, Tybalt, Romeo and Juliet all lie dead

in the same tomb, but at last the two in the same tomb, but at last the two households are shamed into making households are shamed into making peace.peace.


Romeo’s indecisiveness makes him very Romeo’s indecisiveness makes him very aggressive in this last scene.aggressive in this last scene.

Notes his behavior to Balthasar and Paris. Does Notes his behavior to Balthasar and Paris. Does Balthasar suspect something is up?Balthasar suspect something is up?

Romeo and Paris meet for the first time. Romeo and Paris meet for the first time. Paris recognizes him, but Romeo doesn’t recognize him Paris recognizes him, but Romeo doesn’t recognize him

until it's too late. until it's too late. What reasons does Paris give for not liking Romeo?What reasons does Paris give for not liking Romeo? ““Tempt not a desperate man.” What is he desperate to Tempt not a desperate man.” What is he desperate to

do?do? ““A grave? O no, a lantern.” These words begin his A grave? O no, a lantern.” These words begin his

farewell to the world. What is his state of mind? Who do farewell to the world. What is his state of mind? Who do you know? Does he die happy?you know? Does he die happy?


Fr. Laurence arrives to be at Juliet’s Fr. Laurence arrives to be at Juliet’s side when she wakes. He has no idea side when she wakes. He has no idea of what he will find.of what he will find.

At what line, does Fr. Laurence begin At what line, does Fr. Laurence begin to fear that all is not as it should be? to fear that all is not as it should be? Is he filled with fear?Is he filled with fear?


When Juliet kisses Romeo what does When Juliet kisses Romeo what does she realize? she realize?

She has no time to do anything She has no time to do anything except react to the noises and voices except react to the noises and voices she can hear around her. she can hear around her.

How is she feeling/acting?How is she feeling/acting?


The watch turns these private deaths into The watch turns these private deaths into a public tragedy; they order the Prince, the a public tragedy; they order the Prince, the Capulets and the Montagues to be woken Capulets and the Montagues to be woken up and brought to the tomb.up and brought to the tomb.

They also order anyone found in the They also order anyone found in the churchyard to be arrested. The only churchyard to be arrested. The only people who know, at this point, all that has people who know, at this point, all that has happened is the audience (dramatic happened is the audience (dramatic irony).irony).

What does Fr. Laurence say? How do you What does Fr. Laurence say? How do you feel about his actions now?feel about his actions now?

Great Chain of BeingGreat Chain of BeingOrder RestoredOrder Restored

Prince Escalus says, “All are Prince Escalus says, “All are punish’d.” punish’d.” What took him so long to restore order? What took him so long to restore order? Is he, too, to blame at all?Is he, too, to blame at all?

DenouementDenouement Civil strife in Verona spread to kill many.Civil strife in Verona spread to kill many. It killed all the young people in the play It killed all the young people in the play

except Benvolio.except Benvolio. Tybalt, Mercutio, Paris, Romeo and Juliet are all Tybalt, Mercutio, Paris, Romeo and Juliet are all

dead. dead. Now all the older generation are feeling its Now all the older generation are feeling its

effectseffects Lady Montague is dead. (“Grief of Romeo’s exile Lady Montague is dead. (“Grief of Romeo’s exile

hath stopp’d her breath.”)hath stopp’d her breath.”) Lady Capulet says, “This sight of death is as a Lady Capulet says, “This sight of death is as a

bell, that warns my old age to a sepulcher.”bell, that warns my old age to a sepulcher.” Fr. Laurence says, “Let my old life be sacrific’d, Fr. Laurence says, “Let my old life be sacrific’d,

some hour before his time.”some hour before his time.” Fathers make gestures. What are they?Fathers make gestures. What are they?

CatharsisCatharsis

In the end, as needs to occur in In the end, as needs to occur in Shakespeare, order has been restored, Shakespeare, order has been restored, but not without loss of life.but not without loss of life.

Were these deaths unnecessary? Were these deaths unnecessary? Why/why not?Why/why not?

Could they have been prevented? Could they have been prevented? How?How?

Did they parents learn?Did they parents learn?As it is a tragedy, who are the tragic As it is a tragedy, who are the tragic

heroes? What are their fatal flaws?heroes? What are their fatal flaws?

Romeo and Juliet Act Summaries, Important Ideas and Questions.

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Transcript of Romeo and Juliet Act Summaries, Important Ideas and Questions.