romeo and juliet text guide€¦ · at the tomb, romeo encounters paris, who mourns for juliet....

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Romeo and Juliet Text Guide

Name: Teacher:

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjcyfGuhvfTAhXJAcAKHTDVAdkQjRwIBw&url=http://eunjiseo.tumblr.com/post/97345569387/redesign-of-romeo-and-juliet-i-was-going-for-a&psig=AFQjCNGqUKBAX7rf92iQUT9CjgKnknK76A&ust=1495114642579726

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AO1 Meaning: The Simplified Story

(circle and look up any words that you do not understand).

Verona is home to two feuding noble houses, the Montagues and the Capulets. In response to the constant brawling between members of these families, the Prince of Verona has issued an edict that will impose a death sentence on anyone caught duelling. Against this backdrop, young Romeo of the house of Montague has recently been infatuated with Rosaline, a niece of Capulet. Rosaline is quickly forgotten, however, when Romeo and his friends disguise themselves and slip into a masque ball at Capulet's house. During the festivities, Romeo catches his first glimpse of Juliet, Capulet's daughter. In one of Shakespeare's most memorable scenes, Romeo steals into the garden and professes his love to Juliet, who stands above on her balcony. The two young lovers, with the aid of Friar Laurence, make plans to be married in secret.

Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, later discovers that Romeo has attended the ball, and he sets out to teach the young Montague a lesson at the point of his sword. Romeo is challenged by Tybalt, but tries to avoid a duel between them since he is now married to Juliet (making Tybalt a kinsman). Mercutio, Romeo's best friend, takes up Tybalt's challenge and is killed in the ensuing fight. Enraged, Romeo slays Tybalt in turn. As a result of this bloodshed, the Prince proclaims that Romeo is to be banished from Verona for his actions. Romeo has time to consummate the marriage and bid farewell to Juliet, though he hopes to be reunited with her once the Capulets learn that they are man and wife.

The Capulets, meanwhile, press for Juliet to marry Paris, a cousin to the Prince. Juliet, relying again on Friar Laurence, devises a desperate plan to avoid her parent's wishes. She obtains a drug that will make her seem dead for forty-two hours; while she is in this state, Friar Laurence will send word to Romeo of the situation so that he can rescue her from her tomb. Unfortunately, fate will not be so kind; the letter from Friar Laurence is delayed. Romeo instead hears second-hand news that Juliet has died. Grief-stricken, Romeo purchases poison and hastens to Juliet's tomb to die at her side. Meanwhile, Friar Laurence has discovered to his horror that his letter did not arrive, and he means to take Juliet away until he can set things right.

At the tomb, Romeo encounters Paris, who mourns for Juliet. Romeo slays Paris, then enters the tomb and downs his poison. As Friar Laurence comes upon the scene, Juliet awakens only to find the lifeless body of her beloved Romeo laying beside her. Juliet takes the dagger from Romeo's belt and plunges it into her heart. Upon this scene, the Prince arrives—along with the Montague and Capulet parents—demanding to know what has happened. Friar Laurence relates to all the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage and their senseless suicides. The Montagues and Capulets, when faced with the terrible price that their feud has exacted, vow to put an end to the enmity between their two houses. The play closes with the Prince reflecting upon the tragedy of the two young lovers’ deaths.

On the next page, produce a list of ten bullet-points which tell the story of Romeo and Juliet…

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AO3: Context

Even though you are not assessed for context for the Shakespeare section of the exam, you need to have an understanding of what was happening at the time that the play was set. This information will support your understanding of key characters and events within the play and why characters’ behaviour is somewhat controversial in parts.

Government

The reigning monarch of England was Queen Elizabeth I. She governed the nation from London, even though fewer than half a million people of the total country population of six million that lived in the country. The average man had no vote and women had no rights whatsoever.

Religion

England was a Christian country. All children were baptized, soon after they were born. They were taught the value of the Christian faith and instructed to their duty to God. Marriages were conducted only by licensed clergy and according to the Christian rites of tradition. In Elizabethan times, people got married much earlier than they do today. It would be common practice to get married at 13 years of age. Normally, parents would choose their child's partner and this would be based on wealth, potential titles and family ties.

Drama and the Theatre

At the beginning of the Elizabethan era, plays were performed by groups of actors. These were all-male characters (boys acted the female roles) who travelled from town to town, performing in open spaces with the permission of the landowner. In 1576, the Theatre (imaginatively named) was constructed for performances to take place within. This was met with disapproval; theatres brought huge crowds together which resulted in fast spreading disease and dangerously, new ideas. The Puritans tried to close down the theatres as they were concerned that rules of behaviour were not as strict as they would prefer.

Shakespeare and Tragedy

Shakespeare’s purpose when writing the play was to explore the validity of true love. The basic story would have already been familiar to his audience; Shakespeare’s aim was to produce an interesting variation on the theme of forbidden love. A tragedy is a drama which traces the career and downfall of an individual. The ingredients of tragedy are: *The tragic hero should be of high, but not perfect, worth or standing. *A tragic flaw, weakness or excess of arrogant ambition (hubris) leads to downfall. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is viewed as a tragedy because it is generally accepted that responsibility for their downfall lies outside the characters- in the workings of so-called Fate. It is the family feud rather than any moral weakness that leads to the deaths of the lovers. Comprehension Questions (AO1) Answer in full sentences that make sense on their own. 1. What rights did women have in Elizabethan times? 2. Which religion was predominant within England at the time? 3. Why was the construction of the Theatre met with disapproval? 4. What are the ingredients of a tragedy and how does Romeo and Juliet fit these? 5. Why did Shakespeare write the play?

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AO2 The Features of a Shakespearean Text

Feature Definition Example

Tragedy

A drama that tracks the downfall of a flawed hero

Protagonist

The heroic lead within a play, text or film

Prologue The introductory section of a play or text

Foil A foil character is one that has traits that are opposite of another character

Foreshadowing

A hint of an event that will take place at a later point

Soliloquy

Speaking aloud alone on stage, usually about personal thoughts or feelings

Allusion

Reference to someone in a direct or indirect way, usually a biblical or mythological

reference within literature

Sonnet form

A lyric poem consisting of fourteen lines in iambic pentameter, typically used to show

particularly strong emotions

Iambic

pentameter

a line of verse with five metrical feet, each consisting of one short (or unstressed)

syllable followed by one long (or stressed) syllable.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows more than the characters. Dramatic irony gives power to

the audience. Shakespeare uses it to highlight the cruel nature of fate.

Prose

Also known as free or blank verse, written text in ordinary form

Oxymoron

A type of antithesis with two contradicting terms that relate to the same idea.

Religious imagery

Figurative language that creates religious connotations for the audience

Pun Word play for humour, using a word that has several meanings.

Juxtaposition Two things placed together for contrasting

effect.

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How to use this booklet

This is your Romeo and Juliet bible! Once we complete the unit, this will be your go-to guide for revision. As you complete each section, you will see the following icons that give you analysis of characters or themes explored within the play:

Nature, Love vs Hate and Violence, Spiritual love and Religious imagery, Fate vs Free will: unfortunate turn of events, family/youth vs age and light vs darkness

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Juliet Romeo Lord Capulet

Lady Capulet Nurse Friar Lawrence

Mercutio Benvolio Tybalt

Use this page to add adjectives to each character as we are introduced to them to give you a developed understanding of their personality; later in this booklet, we will revisit each character and consider how their experiences reveal other aspects of their character.

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Exam Practice AO1, AO2: What does the Prologue Reveal?

Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows

Do with their death bury their parents' strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,

And the continuance of their parents' rage, Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,

Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend,

What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

Do with their death bury their parents' strife.

How does the writer achieve it? Identify a technique/ use of language Use a quotation

Why is it effective? Link to the actual words used What does it make you feel/do? What are the connotations? Does it have an emotional impact?

What does the prologue reveal to us about the play?

Choose two micro-quotations from the text. Re-phrase the question as a statement, using your two micro-quotations in it. On the surface the simile ‘…’ means... Yet, on a deeper level we can infer… Here, Shakespeare employs the word/phrase ‘...’ to imply… Perhaps, the chorus was hinting that…

Useful vocabulary: figurative, foreshadowing, juxtaposition, sonnet

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Example One

The prologue reveals the events with the play to us. On the surface, the quote, ‘Do with their death bury their parents' strife’ means that the Capulets and Montagues have been fighting with each other. Yet on a deeper level, the word, ‘bury’ shows the death of their children ends the feud in a tragic state of events. Shakespeare employs the word, ‘bury’ to suggest the extreme lengths that were needed to bring the conflict to an end. Perhaps Shakespeare is hinting at the fact that the feud was both pointless and unjustified.

How good is this answer? Why?

Example Two

The prologue reveals the tragic qualities of the play to us before we watch the story unfold, foreshadowing the tragic elements of the play itself. On the surface, the quote, ‘Do with their death bury their parents’ strife’ presents the ongoing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. Yet on a deeper level, the word, ‘strife,’ demonstrates the anguish that both the feud and the deaths of their children have cost both families on an emotional level. Shakespeare employs the word, ‘bury’ to convey both the literal meaning of Romeo and Juliet’s death but also the metaphorical meaning, the need to bring conflict between both families to an end. Perhaps Shakespeare is foreshadowing the end of the play to ensure that we understand the moral element of the plot.

Why is this answer better than Example One?

Example Three

The prologue reveals the tragic features of the play to the audience but also reveals the ongoing idea that death is necessary to change within a society wrapped in conflict like the Verona described to us within the play. On the surface, the quote, ‘Do with their death bury their parents’ strife,’ presents both the feud continued by both families but also hints at the fact the both the Montagues and Capulets have ultimately lost people of huge value as a result. On a deeper level, we can infer that ‘strife’ hints at the idea that the feud was hurtful and painful for both families involved. The word, ‘bury’ is used figuratively to show that death was a tragic but somewhat essential step to end the conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets. Perhaps Shakespeare is foreshadowing the end of the story, when The two lovers’ deaths are the pivotal point that high society within Verona realise that their grudge has been futile.

Why is this the best of all?

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Act One Comprehension: Summary of Act One (AO1)

A1S1: Sampson and Gregory, servants to the Capulets and Abraham and Balthasar, servants to the Montague family start a _____________, which is joined by Benvolio (Montague) and Tybalt (Capulet). Escalus, the Prince of ______________who angrily learns of this fight, declares a death penalty for further ________ between the two families. Romeo we learn is ________; Rosaline, the object of his affections will not requite his love. His friend Benvolio tells Romeo to look at other girls to stop Romeo lingering over thoughts of her.

A1S2: Meanwhile Capulet is _____ for Paris to marry his daughter Juliet and plans a party to be held later that night. Capulet discusses Juliet with Paris, and shows concern that she is still too young but then closes the discussion by stating that he hopes Paris can win her ______.

A1S3: Lady Capulet discusses the idea of marriage to Paris with Juliet. The Lady asks the Nurse to stay whilst she discusses marriage with Juliet. Lady Capulet asks Juliet what she thinks about getting married. Juliet replies that she has not given it any thought. Lady Capulet observes that she gave _______to Juliet when she was almost Juliet’s current age. She excitedly continues that Juliet must begin to think about marriage because the “valiant Paris” has expressed an interest in her. Juliet dutifully replies that she will look upon Paris at the feast to see if she might ______him.

A1S4: Romeo explains that in a dream he learned that going to the feast was a bad idea. Mercutio responds with a long speech about ________ of the fairies, who visits people’s dreams. The speech begins as a joke, but Mercutio becomes almost _________by it, and the moment becomes tense. Romeo steps in to stop the speech and calm Mercutio down, at which point Mercutio admits that he has been talking of nothing. Romeo has a feeling that the night’s activities will set in motion the action of fate, resulting in untimely ________.

Romeo and friends decide to turn up uninvited, Romeo hoping to see _________ whom he still pines for.

A1S5: At the Capulet's party, Romeo who is disguised by a ______, becomes transfixed by Juliet and falls in love with her on sight. Capulet stops Tybalt from attacking Romeo at his party, telling him there will be other opportunities, but also that he is being __________ by attempting to start a fight in the Lord’s home. Meanwhile, Romeo has approached Juliet and touched her hand. In a dialogue laced with religious metaphors that figure Juliet as a saint and Romeo as a pilgrim who wishes to erase his _______, he tries to convince her to kiss him and Juliet agrees to remain still as Romeo kisses her.

Both Romeo and Juliet learn that they are each enemies of the other's family. A Prologue sung by a choir dramatizes the conflict both Romeo and Juliet feel between their love for one another and their ________ to their respective families.

Use the vocabulary below to fill in the gaps

Street fight Verona Feuding Lovesick Keen

Birth Queen Mab Death Entranced Rosaline

Mask Disrespectful Sin Loyalty love

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Comprehension Questions (AO1) 1. Choose three adjectives to describe Romeo. Is he our typical hero? Why/why not? 2. How does Shakespeare ensure that the audience understand the severity of the feud? 3. What do we learn about Juliet at this stage? 4. How does Shakespeare want Capulet to appear to the audience? Why? 5. What phrase shows Juliet’s shock when she finds out Romeo is a Montague? 6. Where are later events of death or misfortune foreshadowed within this act?

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(AO2) Act One Vocabulary – find the full quote/example in the

play.

brawling (verb)

Fighting, usually in a public place so that others can pass judgment as they watch on.

Well-seeming (adjective)

Apparently beautiful.

transgression (noun)

An act that goes against a rule.

Marr’d (verb)

Spoiled, ruined, damaged.

hoodwinked (verb)

Blindfolded, to hide or deceived

fleer (noun)

Sneer to show disgust.

Saucy (adjective)

Insolent or disobedient.

Mannerly (adjective)

Polite.

forswear (verb)

To deny or reject. .

Perforce (verb)

Compelled to do something.

Prodigious (adjective)

Ominous, abnormal or predicting evil.

Foe (noun) Enemy.

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Act 1, Scene 1 Exam Practice AO1, AO2: How is Romeo presented within the extract?

ROMEO

Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still, Should, without eyes, see pathways to his will! Where shall we dine? O me! What fray was here? Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all. Here's much to do with hate, but more with love. Why, then, O brawling love! O loving hate! O any thing, of nothing first create! O heavy lightness! serious vanity! Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health! Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! This love feel I, that feel no love in this. Dost thou not laugh?

BENVOLIO

No, coz, I rather weep.

ROMEO

Good heart, at what?

BENVOLIO

At thy good heart's oppression.

ROMEO

Why, such is love's transgression. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou wilt propagate, to have it prest With more of thine: this love that thou hast shown Doth add more grief to too much of mine own. Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vex'd a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears: What is it else? a madness most discreet, A choking gall and a preserving sweet. Farewell, my coz.

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Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health!



How is Romeo presented within the extract? Choose two micro-quotations from the text. Re-phrase the question as a statement, using your two micro-quotations in it. On the surface the simile ‘…’ means... Yet, on a deeper level we can infer… Here, Shakespeare employs the word/phrase ‘...’ to imply… Perhaps, this implies that Romeo is…

Useful vocabulary: figurative, oxymoronic, protagonist

ROMEO: Here we meet our protagonist. Expecting a dashing,

brave, valiant young man, what type of hero do we find instead?

WORDBANK:

Pessimistic, contradictory, impulsive,

masculine,

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A1 S5: The Shared Sonnet: Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight

ROMEO [To JULIET] If I profane with my unworthiest hand 1 This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: 2 My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand 3 To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. 4

JULIET Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, 5 Which mannerly devotion shows in this; 6 For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, 7 And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss. 8

ROMEO Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too? 9

JULIET Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer. 10

ROMEO O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; 11 They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair. 12

JULIET Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake. 13

ROMEO Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take. 14

Read the sonnet and look out for the words at the end of each line. Can you identify which lines rhyme?

Romeo and Juliet’s shared sonnet is punctuated with repeated words. Can you highlight or underline the words in the sonnet that are repeated? Why might these words be significant?

When Romeo and Juliet meet they speak just fourteen lines before

their first kiss. These fourteen lines make up a shared sonnet, with a

rhyme scheme of ababcdcdefefgg. A sonnet is a perfect, idealized

poetic form often used to write about love. Encapsulating the

moment of origin of Romeo and Juliet’s love within a sonnet

therefore creates a perfect match between literary content and

formal style. The use of the sonnet, however, also serves a second,

darker purpose. Where have we already seen the sonnet form within

this play? How does this foreshadow later events relating to these

characters?

JULIET: We see a secretive side

to Juliet’s character here. To

what extent is she innocent and

naïve?

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Act Two Comprehension: Summary of Act Two (AO1)

A2S1: Having left the feast, Romeo climbs a wall and leaps down into the Capulet _________ Juliet suddenly appears at a window above the spot where Romeo is standing. Romeo compares her to the morning ____, far more beautiful than the moon it banishes. He nearly speaks to her, but thinks better of it. Juliet, musing to herself, asks why Romeo must be Romeo—a Montague, and therefore an _______ to her family. Romeo responds to her plea, surprising Juliet, since she thought she was alone. The pair confesses their ______. Romeo begins to swear to her, but she stops him, concerned that everything is happening too quickly. He reassures her, and the two confess their love again. Juliet tells Romeo that she will send someone to him the next day to see if his love is _________ and if he intends to wed her; they settle on nine in the morning. A2S2: Romeo visits Friar Lawrence and describes his new love for Juliet, his intent to _______ her, and his desire that the friar _________ to marry them that very day. Friar Lawrence is shocked at this sudden shift from Rosaline to Juliet. He comments on the _________ of young love. Romeo defends himself, noting that Juliet returns his love while Rosaline did not. Remaining _________at Romeo’s sudden change of heart, Friar Lawrence nonetheless _______ to marry the couple. He expresses the hope that the marriage of Romeo and Juliet might end the _______ ravaging the Montagues and Capulets.

A2S3: Mercutio and Benvolio discuss the fact that Tybalt has sent Romeo a challenge to a ______. Romeo arrives, followed shortly by the Nurse, and when they are alone Romeo tells her of the ________ plans: the ceremony will be performed that afternoon, and so Juliet will need to leave home secretly and meet him at the Friar’s cell.

A2S4: Juliet anxiously presses the Nurse for news. The Nurse claims to be too tired, sore, and out of breath to tell Juliet what has happened. Juliet grows ________, and eventually the Nurse gives in and tells her that Romeo is waiting at Friar Lawrence’s cell to marry her. A2S5: As they wait for Juliet to arrive at the cell, Friar Lawrence counsels Romeo to love moderately and not with too much ___________, saying, “these violent delights have violent ends” (2.5.9). Juliet enters and the lovers exit with Friar Lawrence to be wed.


Orchard Honourable Marry Feud sceptical

Duel Frantic Intensity Fickleness agrees

Sun Enemy Wedding Love consent

Comprehension Questions: 1. Choose three adjectives to describe Friar Lawrence. Is he what we expect? 2. How does Shakespeare ensure that the audience understand the extremity of time in this act? 3. What do we learn about Romeo at this stage? 4. How does Shakespeare want the Nurse to appear to the audience? Why? 5. What phrase shows Romeo’s love at first sight? 6. What reasons could Shakespeare have had to choose not to include a scene showing the wedding

of Romeo and Juliet?

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(AO2) Act Two Vocabulary – find the full quote/example in the

play.

wherefore (adverb)

why

Discourses (verb)

Speak eloquently

spheres (verb)

to orbit

Contract (noun)

agreement

bent (noun)

Intention or promise

sallow (adjective)

Sickly or pale .

Wanton (adjective)

Uncontrolled or playful

Tardy (noun)

late

Conceit (noun)

Imagination

Unbruised (adjective)

Unharmed, either physically or mentally

Perjuries (noun)

Broken vows

Frank (adjective)

To speak honestly or generously

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A2S2 Romeo’s soliloquy: Daring to approach Juliet

ROMEO He jests at scars that never felt a wound.

JULIET appears above at a window

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou her maid art far more fair than she: Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green And none but fools do wear it; cast it off. It is my lady, O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were! She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that? Her eye discourses; I will answer it. I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks: Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O, that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!

JULIET Ay me!

ROMEO She speaks: O, speak again, bright angel! for thou art As glorious to this night, being o'er my head As is a winged messenger of heaven Unto the white-upturned wondering eyes Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him When he bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds And sails upon the bosom of the air.

O, speak again, bright angel!

How does the writer achieve it?

Why is it effective? Link to the actual words used What does it make you feel/do?

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Identify a technique/ use of language Use a quotation

What are the connotations? Does it have an emotional impact?

How is Romeo’s love for Juliet presented within the soliloquy?

Choose two micro-quotations from the text. Re-phrase the question as a statement, using your two micro-quotations in it. Literally, the simile ‘…’ means... Yet, figuratively, we can consider… Here, Shakespeare employs the word/phrase ‘...’ to imply… Perhaps, this indicates that Romeo’s love is…

Useful vocabulary: soliloquy, religious imagery, light, darkness

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Act 2 Scene 3: The Friar offers words of wisdom

ROMEO That last is true; the sweeter rest was mine.

FRIAR LAURENCE God pardon sin! wast thou with Rosaline?

ROMEO With Rosaline, my ghostly father? no; I have forgot that name, and that name's woe.

FRIAR LAURENCE That's my good son: but where hast thou been, then?

ROMEO I'll tell thee, ere thou ask it me again. I have been feasting with mine enemy, Where on a sudden one hath wounded me, That's by me wounded: both our remedies Within thy help and holy physic lies: I bear no hatred, blessed man, for, lo, My intercession likewise steads my foe.

FRIAR LAURENCE Be plain, good son, and homely in thy drift; Riddling confession finds but riddling shrift.

ROMEO Then plainly know my heart's dear love is set On the fair daughter of rich Capulet: As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine; And all combined, save what thou must combine By holy marriage: when and where and how We met, we woo'd and made exchange of vow, I'll tell thee as we pass; but this I pray, That thou consent to marry us to-day.

How does the Friar act as a father figure to Romeo here?

All Friar Lawrence’s speeches in this scene are written in rhyming couplets. Does this make Friar clever but superficial? Does he seem old, wise and dignified? Notice that Romeo mirrors the rhyme to complete the couplets. Why might Shakespeare have

chosen to do so?

Useful vocabulary: soliloquy, religious imagery, light, darkness

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Act 2 Scene 6: What is the role of Friar Lawrence within the play? FRIAR LAURENCE These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume: the sweetest honey Is loathsome in his own deliciousness And in the taste confounds the appetite: Therefore love moderately; long love doth so; Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.

Enter JULIET

Here comes the lady: O, so light a foot Will ne'er wear out the everlasting flint: A lover may bestride the gossamer That idles in the wanton summer air, And yet not fall; so light is vanity. JULIET Good even to my ghostly confessor. FRIAR LAURENCE Romeo shall thank thee, daughter, for us both. JULIET As much to him, else is his thanks too much. ROMEO Ah, Juliet, if the measure of thy joy Be heap'd like mine and that thy skill be more To blazon it, then sweeten with thy breath This neighbour air, and let rich music's tongue Unfold the imagined happiness that both Receive in either by this dear encounter. JULIET Conceit, more rich in matter than in words, Brags of his substance, not of ornament: They are but beggars that can count their worth; But my true love is grown to such excess I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth. FRIAR LAURENCE Come, come with me, and we will make short work; For, by your leaves, you shall not stay alone Till holy church incorporate two in one.

Exeunt

Here, with the line, ‘these violent delights have violent ends,’ the

Friar warns Romeo (and foreshadows again to the audience,

reinforcing the message of the prologue). He is trying to warn him

about the dangers of treating love as a religion in addition to how

catastrophic it is to worship someone.

FRIAR LAWRENCE: What do we

learn about the Friar’s

character here? What are the

different interpretations of the

line, ‘we shall make short

work’?

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Act Three Comprehension: Summary of Act Three (AO1)

A3S1: Tybalt approaches Benvolio and Mercutio and asks to speak with one of them. Annoyed, Mercutio begins to taunt and ________him. Romeo enters. Tybalt calls Romeo a villain and commands him to draw his sword. Romeo protests that he does not wish to fight him; Mercutio angrily draws his sword and states that if Romeo will not fight Tybalt, he will. Mercutio and Tybalt begin to fight. Tybalt stabs Mercutio and Mercutio dies, _________ both the Montagues and the Capulets. When Tybalt, still angry, storms back onto the scene, Romeo kills Tybalt, before running in panic. The Prince enters, and chooses to _________ Romeo from Verona. He declares that should Romeo be found within the city, he will be killed. A3S2: Juliet longs for night to fall so that Romeo will come to her. Suddenly the Nurse rushes in with news of the fight between Romeo and Tybalt. But the Nurse is so distraught, she _________ over the words, making it sound as if Romeo is dead. The Nurse then begins to moan about Tybalt’s death, and Juliet briefly fears that both Romeo and Tybalt are dead. When Juliet understands that Romeo has killed Tybalt and been sentenced to exile, she curses __________. Juliet claims that Romeo’s banishment is worse than ten thousand slain Tybalts. The Nurse assures her that she knows where Romeo is hiding, and will see to it that Romeo comes to her for their __________ night. A3S3: In Friar Lawrence’s cell, Friar Lawrence tells Romeo that the Prince has only banished him. Romeo claims that banishment is a __________ far worse than death, and falls to the floor. The Nurse arrives, and Romeo desperately asks her for news of Juliet. Friar Lawrence stops him and scolds him for being ___________. The friar sets forth a plan: Romeo will visit Juliet that night, but make sure to leave her chamber, and Verona, before the morning. He will then reside in Mantua until news of their marriage can be spread. The Nurse hands Romeo the ring from Juliet, and this physical __________of their love revives his spirits. A3S4: Capulet, Lady Capulet, and Paris walk together. Paris is about to leave when Capulet calls him back and says he thinks his daughter will listen to him, then corrects himself and states that he is sure Juliet will ___________ by his decision. He promises Paris that the wedding will be held on Wednesday, then stops suddenly and asks what day it is. Paris responds that it is Monday; Capulet decides that Wednesday is too soon, and that the wedding should instead be held on ___________.

A3S5: before dawn, Romeo prepares to lower himself from Juliet’s window to begin his exile. The Nurse enters to warn Juliet that Lady Capulet is approaching. Standing in the orchard below her window, Romeo promises Juliet that they will see one another again, but Juliet responds that he appears pale, as one dead in the bottom of a ___________. Romeo answers that, to him, she appears the same way, and that it is only sorrow that makes them both look pale. Lady Capulet enters the room and mistakes Juliet’s tears as continued grief for Tybalt. When Lady Capulet tells Juliet about Capulet’s plan for her to marry Paris on Thursday, she ________ the match, Capulet enters the chamber. When he learns of Juliet’s determination to defy him he __________ to disown Juliet if she refuses to obey him. When Juliet entreats her mother to intercede, her mother denies her help. The Nurse advises her to go through with the marriage to Paris—he is a better match, she says, and Romeo is as good as dead anyhow. Juliet pretends to agree, and tells her nurse that she is going to make confession at Friar Lawrence’s. If the friar is unable to help her, Juliet comments to herself, she still has the ___________ to take her own life.

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Rejects Thursday Provoke Stumbles nature

Power Abide Tomb Threatens unmanly

Curse Exile Wedding Penalty symbol

Comprehension Questions (AO1)

1. Choose three key events from this act that speed up the intensity of the tragedy. 2. How is honour and reputation important within this act? 3. How does the Nurse lose Juliet’s trust? 4. Why does Friar Lawrence scold Romeo? 5. What possible problems does the Friar’s plan present? 6. What one thing does Juliet still feel is within her control (what is not)?

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(AO2) Act Three Vocabulary – find the full quote/example in

the play.

Consort (verb)

Associate with someone, to the disapproval of

others

Slander (noun)

Make false and damaging statements

about someone

Forebear (noun)

ancestor

Dishonourable (adjective)

bringing shame upon someone

Determine (verb)

cause (something) to occur in a particular way

Villain (noun)

A character with evil actions or motives

Banished (noun)

send (someone) away from a country or place as

an official punishment.

Mangle (verb)

destroy or severely damage by tearing or

crushing

Chide (verb)

To scold

Unseemly (adjective)

Describes behaviour that is not appropriate

Wreak (verb)

Cause a large amount of damage or harm

Mammet (noun)

A doll or puppet

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A3S3: The Brawl for Honour

TYBALT Mercutio, thou consort'st with Romeo,--

MERCUTIO Consort! what, dost thou make us minstrels? an thou make minstrels of us, look to hear nothing but discords: here's my fiddlestick; here's that shall make you dance. 'Zounds, consort!

BENVOLIO We talk here in the public haunt of men: Either withdraw unto some private place, And reason coldly of your grievances, Or else depart; here all eyes gaze on us.

MERCUTIO Men's eyes were made to look, and let them gaze; I will not budge for no man's pleasure, I.

Enter ROMEO

TYBALT Well, peace be with you, sir: here comes my man.

MERCUTIO But I'll be hanged, sir, if he wear your livery: Marry, go before to field, he'll be your follower; Your worship in that sense may call him 'man.'

TYBALT Romeo, the hate I bear thee can afford No better term than this,--thou art a villain.

ROMEO Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee Doth much excuse the appertaining rage To such a greeting: villain am I none; Therefore farewell; I see thou know'st me not.

TYBALT Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw.

ROMEO I do protest, I never injured thee, But love thee better than thou canst devise, Till thou shalt know the reason of my love: And so, good Capulet,--which name I tender As dearly as my own,--be satisfied.

MERCUTIO O calm, dishonourable, vile submission! Alla stoccata carries it away.

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Draws

Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk?

TYBALT What wouldst thou have with me?

MERCUTIO Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives; that I mean to make bold withal, and as you shall use me hereafter, drybeat the rest of the eight. Will you pluck your sword out of his pitcher by the ears? make haste, lest mine be about your ears ere it be out.

TYBALT I am for you.

Drawing

ROMEO Gentle Mercutio, put thy rapier up.

MERCUTIO Come, sir, your passado.

They fight

ROMEO Draw, Benvolio; beat down their weapons. Gentlemen, for shame, forbear this outrage! Tybalt, Mercutio, the prince expressly hath Forbidden bandying in Verona streets: Hold, Tybalt! good Mercutio!

TYBALT under ROMEO's arm stabs MERCUTIO, and flies with his followers

MERCUTIO I am hurt. A plague o' both your houses! I am sped. Is he gone, and hath nothing?

BENVOLIO What, art thou hurt?

MERCUTIO Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch; marry, 'tis enough. Where is my page? Go, villain, fetch a surgeon.

Exit Page

ROMEO Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much.

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MERCUTIO No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but 'tis enough,'twill serve: ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man. I am peppered, I warrant, for this world. A plague o' both your houses! 'Zounds, a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cat, to scratch a man to death! a braggart, a rogue, a villain, that fights by the book of arithmetic! Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.

ROMEO I thought all for the best.

Choose your micro quotations here



How is honour and reputation presented within the extract?

Choose two micro-quotations from the text. Re-phrase the question as a statement, using your two micro-quotations in it. Literally, the simile ‘…’ means... Yet, figuratively, we can consider… Here, Shakespeare employs the word/phrase ‘...’ to imply… Perhaps, this indicates that honour is…

Useful vocabulary: honour, reputation, gentleman, courage, peace, conflict

MERCUTIO: Lively, always talking, he even jests in death. How

does Mercutio’s independent mind and passionate

temperament contrast to Romeo?

WORDBANK:

Vivacious, jesting, shrewd, observant,

proud

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A3S2 Juliet’s maturity to a woman

JULIET

Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds,

Towards Phoebus' lodging: such a wagoner

As Phaethon would whip you to the west,

And bring in cloudy night immediately.

Spread thy close curtain, love-performing

night,

That runaway's eyes may wink and Romeo

Leap to these arms, untalk'd of and unseen.

Lovers can see to do their amorous rites

By their own beauties; or, if love be blind,

It best agrees with night. Come, civil night,

Thou sober-suited matron, all in black,

And learn me how to lose a winning match,

Play'd for a pair of stainless maidenhoods:

Hood my unmann'd blood, bating in my

cheeks,

With thy black mantle; till strange love,

grown bold,

Think true love acted simple modesty.

Come, night; come, Romeo; come, thou day

in night;

For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night

Whiter than new snow on a raven's back.

Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-

brow'd night,

Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die,

Take him and cut him out in little stars,

And he will make the face of heaven so fine

That all the world will be in love with night

And pay no worship to the garish sun.

O, I have bought the mansion of a love,

But not possess'd it, and, though I am sold,

Not yet enjoy'd: so tedious is this day

As is the night before some festival

To an impatient child that hath new robes

And may not wear them. O, here comes my

nurse,

And she brings news; and every tongue that

speaks

But Romeo's name speaks heavenly

eloquence.

JULIET

Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband?

Ah, poor my lord, what tongue shall smooth

thy name,

When I, thy three-hours wife, have mangled

it?

But, wherefore, villain, didst thou kill my

cousin?

That villain cousin would have kill'd my

husband:

Back, foolish tears, back to your native

spring;

Your tributary drops belong to woe,

Which you, mistaking, offer up to joy.

My husband lives, that Tybalt would have

slain;

And Tybalt's dead, that would have slain my

husband:

All this is comfort; wherefore weep I then?

Some word there was, worser than Tybalt's

death,

That murder'd me: I would forget it fain;

But, O, it presses to my memory,

Like damned guilty deeds to sinners' minds:

'Tybalt is dead, and Romeo--banished;'

That 'banished,' that one word 'banished,'

Hath slain ten thousand Tybalts. Tybalt's

death

Was woe enough, if it had ended there:

Or, if sour woe delights in fellowship

And needly will be rank'd with other griefs,

Why follow'd not, when she said 'Tybalt's

dead,'

Thy father, or thy mother, nay, or both,

Which modern lamentations might have

moved?

But with a rear-ward following Tybalt's death,

'Romeo is banished,' to speak that word,

Is father, mother, Tybalt, Romeo, Juliet,

All slain, all dead. 'Romeo is banished!'

There is no end, no limit, measure, bound,

In that word's death; no words can that woe

sound.

Where is my father, and my mother, nurse?

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How do the two speeches contrast to portray Juliet’s character?

HELP 1: Notice the use of imagery within the first speech. Why does Shakespeare choose to use an

extended metaphor of night and darkness to depict Juliet’s mood here? How does this make use of dramatic irony for the audience? HELP 2: Notice the structural techniques in use here. What is the impact of Juliet’s repeated use of

‘husband’ and increasing use of rhetorical questions suggest here?

Useful vocabulary: indecision, naivety, idealistic, maturity, impatience, innocence, childlike, decisive

32

A3S2 Romeo’s despair at Banishment

ROMEO 'Tis torture, and not mercy: heaven is here, Where Juliet lives; and every cat and dog And little mouse, every unworthy thing, Live here in heaven and may look on her; But Romeo may not: more validity, More honourable state, more courtship lives In carrion-flies than Romeo: they my seize On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand And steal immortal blessing from her lips, Who even in pure and vestal modesty, Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin; But Romeo may not; he is banished: Flies may do this, but I from this must fly: They are free men, but I am banished. And say'st thou yet that exile is not death? Hadst thou no poison mix'd, no sharp-ground knife, No sudden mean of death, though ne'er so mean, But 'banished' to kill me?--'banished'? O friar, the damned use that word in hell; Howlings attend it: how hast thou the heart, Being a divine, a ghostly confessor, A sin-absolver, and my friend profess'd, To mangle me with that word 'banished'?

FRIAR LAURENCE Hold thy desperate hand: Art thou a man? thy form cries out thou art: Thy tears are womanish; thy wild acts denote The unreasonable fury of a beast: Unseemly woman in a seeming man! Or ill-beseeming beast in seeming both! Thou hast amazed me: by my holy order, I thought thy disposition better temper'd. Hast thou slain Tybalt? wilt thou slay thyself? And stay thy lady too that lives in thee, By doing damned hate upon thyself? Why rail'st thou on thy birth, the heaven, and earth? Since birth, and heaven, and earth, all three do meet In thee at once; which thou at once wouldst lose. Fie, fie, thou shamest thy shape, thy love, thy wit; Which, like a usurer, abound'st in all, And usest none in that true use indeed Which should bedeck thy shape, thy love, thy wit: Thy noble shape is but a form of wax,

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Digressing from the valour of a man; Thy dear love sworn but hollow perjury, Killing that love which thou hast vow'd to cherish; Thy wit, that ornament to shape and love, Misshapen in the conduct of them both, Like powder in a skitless soldier's flask, Is set afire by thine own ignorance, And thou dismember'd with thine own defence. What, rouse thee, man! thy Juliet is alive, For whose dear sake thou wast but lately dead; There art thou happy: Tybalt would kill thee, But thou slew'st Tybalt; there are thou happy too: The law that threaten'd death becomes thy friend And turns it to exile; there art thou happy: A pack of blessings lights up upon thy back; Happiness courts thee in her best array; But, like a misbehaved and sullen wench, Thou pout'st upon thy fortune and thy love:

Take heed, take heed, for such die miserable.

How does Friar Lawrence act as a role model to Romeo?

HELP 1: Notice Romeo’s dramatic reaction to banishment. What does he say would be preferable? How does the use of religious imagery help us to understand Romeo’s mood? HELP 2: Does Friar Lawrence demonstrate sympathy for Romeo? How does he describe Romeo’s

behaviour? Why do you think he takes that approach? To what extent has the Friar encouraged this reaction up to this point?

Useful vocabulary: imagery, despair, hysteria, heroic, torment, calm, philosophical, wisdom, gratitude

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A3S5 Disobedient or Desperate for Independence?

LADY CAPULET Marry, my child, early next Thursday morn, The gallant, young and noble gentleman, The County Paris, at Saint Peter's Church, Shall happily make thee there a joyful bride.

JULIET Now, by Saint Peter's Church and Peter too, He shall not make me there a joyful bride. I wonder at this haste; that I must wed Ere he, that should be husband, comes to woo. I pray you, tell my lord and father, madam, I will not marry yet; and, when I do, I swear, It shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate, Rather than Paris. These are news indeed!

LADY CAPULET Here comes your father; tell him so yourself, And see how he will take it at your hands.

Enter CAPULET and Nurse

CAPULET When the sun sets, the air doth drizzle dew; But for the sunset of my brother's son It rains downright. How now! a conduit, girl? what, still in tears? Evermore showering? In one little body Thou counterfeit'st a bark, a sea, a wind; For still thy eyes, which I may call the sea, Do ebb and flow with tears; the bark thy body is, Sailing in this salt flood; the winds, thy sighs; Who, raging with thy tears, and they with them, Without a sudden calm, will overset Thy tempest-tossed body. How now, wife! Have you deliver'd to her our decree?

LADY CAPULET Ay, sir; but she will none, she gives you thanks. I would the fool were married to her grave!

CAPULET Soft! take me with you, take me with you, wife. How! will she none? doth she not give us thanks? Is she not proud? doth she not count her blest, Unworthy as she is, that we have wrought So worthy a gentleman to be her bridegroom?

JULIET

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Not proud, you have; but thankful, that you have: Proud can I never be of what I hate; But thankful even for hate, that is meant love.

CAPULET How now, how now, chop-logic! What is this? 'Proud,' and 'I thank you,' and 'I thank you not;' And yet 'not proud,' mistress minion, you, Thank me no thankings, nor, proud me no prouds, But fettle your fine joints 'gainst Thursday next, To go with Paris to Saint Peter's Church, Or I will drag thee on a hurdle thither. Out, you green-sickness carrion! out, you baggage! You tallow-face!

LADY CAPULET Fie, fie! what, are you mad?

JULIET Good father, I beseech you on my knees, Hear me with patience but to speak a word.

CAPULET Hang thee, young baggage! disobedient wretch! I tell thee what: get thee to church o' Thursday, Or never after look me in the face: Speak not, reply not, do not answer me; My fingers itch. Wife, we scarce thought us blest That God had lent us but this only child; But now I see this one is one too much, And that we have a curse in having her: Out on her, hilding!

Choose your micro quotations here:


How is the importance of family presented here?

CHALLENGE: why has Capulet’s attitude changed from a previous point in the play?

Choose two micro-quotations from the text. Re-phrase the question as a statement, using your two micro-quotations in it. Literally, the simile ‘…’ means... Yet, figuratively, we can consider… Here, Shakespeare employs the word/phrase ‘...’ to imply… Perhaps, this indicates that family is…

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Useful vocabulary: family, respect, generations, gender, rebellion, obedience, derogatory

The Nurse vs Lady Capulet: the Purpose of the Foil

The nurse is vulgar, insensitive and coarse but an endearing character all the same. She speaks without tact , however she seems to truly have Juliet’s best interests at heart. Her love for Juliet appears to be genuine and she is in a trusted position, which is why it is disappointing that she lets Juliet down at a crucial point. As a result., Juliet loses her confidence in the Nurse but this may just be a sign of Juliet becoming more assertive and less influenced by others.

Lady Capulet lacks a maternal aspect to her personality, she is rather curt and abrupt in her manner and portrayed as far older than her years; at only just under thirty, her husband is much older and the marriage appears to be one of social standing rather than love. She does not seem as though she knows how to deal with Juliet and has very little patience or expertise when talking to her child. This results in the audience doubting her grief when Juliet is discovered ‘dead’ in her chamber in A4.

Comprehension and Evaluation (AO1, AO4) 1.How would you describe the Nurse’s relationship with Juliet?

2. How does she let Juliet down?

3. Why might Lord and Lady Capulet have married?

4. How might the Nurse be better in dealing with Juliet at various points in the play?

5. What similarities do the two characters possess? Give two examples.

CAPULET: Up to this point, Capulet has treated Juliet with a

gentle kindness, protecting her from Paris, sharing his concerns

about how young she is to be married. Why do you think we see

this change?

WORDBANK:

Proud, superior, patriarchal, tyrannical,

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Useful vocabulary: foil, contrast, maternal,

38

Act Four Comprehension: Summary of Act Four (AO1)

A4S1: Friar Lawrence speaks with Paris about his impending marriage to Juliet; Paris shares Capulet’s plans for them to marry _________. Juliet enters, and Paris speaks to her lovingly, if somewhat __________. Juliet responds indifferently, showing neither affection nor dislike. She remarks that she has not married him yet. After Paris leaves, Juliet asks Friar Lawrence for help, saying that she will ______ herself rather than marry Paris. The friar proposes a plan: Juliet must consent to marry Paris; then, on the night before the wedding, she must drink a sleeping __________ that will make her appear to be dead; she will be laid to rest in the Capulet tomb, and the friar will send word to Romeo in Mantua to help him retrieve her when she wakes up. She will then return to Mantua with Romeo, and be free to live with him away from their parents’ __________. Juliet agrees and Friar Lawrence gives her the sleeping potion. A4S2: Juliet returns home, and surprises her parents by repenting her _____________ and cheerfully ___________to marry Paris. Capulet is so pleased that he insists on moving the marriage up a day, to Wednesday—tomorrow.

A4S3: Alone in her bedchamber, clutching the ______of poison, Juliet wonders what will happen when she drinks it. If the friar is untrustworthy and seeks merely to hide his role in her marriage to Romeo, she might die; or, if Romeo is late for some reason, she might awaken in the tomb and go ______ with fear. She has a vision in which she sees Tybalt’s ________ searching for Romeo. She begs Tybalt’s ghost to quit its search for Romeo, and toasting to Romeo, ________ the contents of the vial.

A4S4: Early the next morning, Capulet sends the Nurse to go wake Juliet. She finds Juliet _______ and begins to wail, soon joined by both Lady Capulet and Capulet. Paris arrives with Friar Lawrence and a group of musicians for the wedding. When he learns what has happened, Paris joins in the ____________. The Friar reassures them that Juliet is in a better place to get them to leave. Sorrowfully, they exit.

A4S5: Peter, the Capulet servant, enters and asks the musicians to play a ________tune to ease his __________ heart. The musicians refuse, arguing that to play such music would be inappropriate. Angered, Peter insults the musicians, who respond in kind. The musicians decide to wait for the mourners to return so that they might get to eat the lunch that will be served.

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Happy Vial Dead Sorrowful hatred

Lamentations Thursday Kill Arrogantly Vial

Potion Mad Disobedience Agreeing Ghost

Comprehension Questions: 1. What would Juliet rather do that marry Paris? 2. How does the Friar believe that his plan will allow the two lovers to be free? 3. What doubts does Juliet have before she drinks the potion? 4. Why might Lord Capulet move the wedding forward? What does this show us about his relationship

with Juliet? 5. Where is there evidence of dramatic irony in scene 4? 6. To what extent is the Friar protecting himself?

40

(AO2) Act Four Vocabulary – find the full quote/example in the

play.

Entreat (verb)

Ask someone anxiously or beg them not to go

Presently (adverb)

After a short time or soon

Pensive (adjective)

reflecting deep or serious thought

.

Chapless (adjective)

Having no lower jaw

Redeem (verb)

Make up for faults or bad behaviour

Festering .(verb)

Become rotten or more intense

Dash (verb)

Strike or throw something with great force

Wretched (adjective)

Person in a very unfortunate or unhappy state

Untimely .(adjective)

Something done or happening at an unsuitable time

Pitiful (adjective)

Small, poor or inadequate

Contrary (adjective)

inclined to disagree or to do the opposite of what is expected or

desired

Mandrakes (noun)

A plant, poisonous and legend has it that it screams as its roots are ripped from the

earth.

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A4S1: Juliet’s Despair and Drawing Parallels

FRIAR LAURENCE Hold, daughter: I do spy a kind of hope, Which craves as desperate an execution. As that is desperate which we would prevent. If, rather than to marry County Paris, Thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself, Then is it likely thou wilt undertake A thing like death to chide away this shame, That copest with death himself to scape from it: And, if thou darest, I'll give thee remedy.

JULIET O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris, From off the battlements of yonder tower; Or walk in thievish ways; or bid me lurk Where serpents are; chain me with roaring bears; Or shut me nightly in a charnel-house, O'er-cover'd quite with dead men's rattling bones, With reeky shanks and yellow chapless skulls; Or bid me go into a new-made grave And hide me with a dead man in his shroud; Things that, to hear them told, have made me tremble; And I will do it without fear or doubt, To live an unstain'd wife to my sweet love.

How does Juliet’s reaction parallel Romeo’s response to banishment?

HELP 1: What does Juliet say she would rather do than marry Paris? Which is most effective and why? What options are available to Juliet at this point? Would Juliet be so open to the Friar’s plan if she was not as desperate? How is Juliet’s reaction similar or different to Romeo’s response in A3S3?

Useful vocabulary: imagery, despair, hysteria, methodical, entrapment, duties, devotion, obligation

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A4S3: Juliet’s Decision

JULIET Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again. I have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins, That almost freezes up the heat of life: I'll call them back again to comfort me: Nurse! What should she do here? My dismal scene I needs must act alone. Come, vial. What if this mixture do not work at all? Shall I be married then to-morrow morning? No, no: this shall forbid it: lie thou there.

Laying down her dagger

What if it be a poison, which the friar Subtly hath minister'd to have me dead, Lest in this marriage he should be dishonour'd, Because he married me before to Romeo? I fear it is: and yet, methinks, it should not, For he hath still been tried a holy man. How if, when I am laid into the tomb, I wake before the time that Romeo Come to redeem me? there's a fearful point! Shall I not, then, be stifled in the vault, To whose foul mouth no healthsome air breathes in, And there die strangled ere my Romeo comes? Or, if I live, is it not very like, The horrible conceit of death and night, Together with the terror of the place,-- As in a vault, an ancient receptacle, Where, for these many hundred years, the bones Of all my buried ancestors are packed: Where bloody Tybalt, yet but green in earth, Lies festering in his shroud; where, as they say, At some hours in the night spirits resort;-- Alack, alack, is it not like that I, So early waking, what with loathsome smells, And shrieks like mandrakes' torn out of the earth, That living mortals, hearing them, run mad:-- O, if I wake, shall I not be distraught, Environed with all these hideous fears? And madly play with my forefather's joints? And pluck the mangled Tybalt from his shroud? And, in this rage, with some great kinsman's bone, As with a club, dash out my desperate brains? O, look! methinks I see my cousin's ghost Seeking out Romeo, that did spit his body

43

Upon a rapier's point: stay, Tybalt, stay! Romeo, I come! this do I drink to thee.

How does Juliet make her decision in this extract?

HELP What are Juliet’s greatest fears here? Why is it ironic that she worries about waking too early? How is imagery of the mouth used to show her isolation? In your opinion, is Juliet brave or terrified?

Useful vocabulary: soliloquy, desperation, courage, isolation, fear, foreboding, reasoning, dramatic irony

44

Act Five Comprehension: Summary of Act Five (AO1)

A5S1: On a street in Mantua, a cheerful Romeo describes a wonderful __________ he had the night before: Juliet found him lying dead, but she kissed him, and breathed new life into his body. Just then, Balthasar enters and informs Romeo of Juliet’s death. ____________, Romeo cries out “Then I defy you, stars” (5.1.24). Romeo asks if Balthasar is carrying a letter from Friar Lawrence. Balthasar says he is not, and Romeo sends his servant on his way. Once Balthasar is gone, Romeo says that he will ___________ with Juliet that night. He goes to find an ____________, a seller of drugs. After telling the man in the shop that he looks poor, Romeo offers to pay him well for a vial of poison. The Apothecary finally ________ and sells Romeo the poison. Once alone, Romeo speaks to the vial, declaring that he will go to Juliet’s tomb and kill himself.

A5S2: At his cell, Friar Lawrence speaks with Friar John, whom he had earlier sent to Mantua with a letter for Romeo. He asks John how Romeo responded to his letter (which described the plan involving Juliet’s _______death). Friar John replies that he was unable to deliver the letter because he was shut up in a quarantined house due to an outbreak of ________. Friar Lawrence becomes upset, realizing that if Romeo does not know about Juliet’s false death, there will be no one to retrieve her from the tomb when she __________. (He does not know that Romeo has learned of Juliet’s death and believes it to be real.) Friar Lawrence declares that he will have to rescue Juliet from the tomb on his own. He sends another _________ to Romeo to warn him about what has happened.

A5S3: A ____________ Paris visits Juliet’s tomb; Romeo arrives and the two duel which ends in Paris’ death. Romeo sees Juliet and begins a long, sad ___________ before kissing her and drinking his poison. Friar Lawrence enters as Juliet is waking and tries to convince her to run from the scene but she refuses to leave Romeo. She grabs the vial of poison but it’s empty, so she stabs herself with a _________. The Prince, Montagues, Capulets and others arrive, horrified at the scene. The Prince holds the family feud responsible for the tragedy and the two families agree to end the feud.


Dagger Dream Soliloquy Apothecary

Mourning Thunderstruck Awakes Plague

Letter False Relents Lie

Comprehension Questions: 1.Describe the dream that Romeo has on Tuesday night. 2.What does Romeo curse when he finds out about Juliet’s death? 3.What possible reasons might the Friar have to worry that his plan is falling apart? 4.Where is there evidence of dramatic irony in scene 2? 5.What does the Prince blame for the two lovers’ tragic deaths? 6. What are the morals of the play?

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(AO2) Act Five Vocabulary – find the full quote/example in the

play.

Revived (verb)

Restore to life or consciousness

Disperse (verb)

Distribute or spread

Defy (verb)

Resist or refuse to obey .

Abhorred (verb)

Regard with disgust or hatred

Mortal (adjective)

Living as opposed to immortal

Consents (verb)

Give permission for something to happen.

Thwarted (verb)

Prevent someone from achieving something

Engrossing (adjective)

Absorb all attention

Churl (noun)

A mean spirited or cruel person

Impeach (verb)

Call the validity of something into question

Pardoned (verb)

Forgive or excuse

Anon (adverb)

Soon or shortly

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A5S3: The Tragic Torment of the Star Crossed Lovers

ROMEO In faith, I will. Let me peruse this face. Mercutio's kinsman, noble County Paris! What said my man, when my betossed soul Did not attend him as we rode? I think He told me Paris should have married Juliet: Said he not so? or did I dream it so? Or am I mad, hearing him talk of Juliet, To think it was so? O, give me thy hand, One writ with me in sour misfortune's book! I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave; A grave? O no! a lantern, slaughter'd youth, For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes This vault a feasting presence full of light. Death, lie thou there, by a dead man interr'd.

Laying PARIS in the tomb

How oft when men are at the point of death Have they been merry! which their keepers call A lightning before death: O, how may I Call this a lightning? O my love! my wife! Death, that hath suck'd the honey of thy breath, Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty: Thou art not conquer'd; beauty's ensign yet Is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks, And death's pale flag is not advanced there. Tybalt, liest thou there in thy bloody sheet? O, what more favour can I do to thee, Than with that hand that cut thy youth in twain To sunder his that was thine enemy? Forgive me, cousin! Ah, dear Juliet, Why art thou yet so fair? shall I believe That unsubstantial death is amorous, And that the lean abhorred monster keeps Thee here in dark to be his paramour? For fear of that, I still will stay with thee; And never from this palace of dim night Depart again: here, here will I remain With worms that are thy chamber-maids; O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace! and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death! Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide! Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on

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The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark! Here's to my love!

Drinks

O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.

Dies

How does Romeo’s final soliloquy show his love for Juliet was genuine?

HELP 1: How does this parallel Juliet’s fear; notice the mouth imagery, Romeo’s terror and indecision. How is it ironic that Romeo comments on Juliet’s beauty in death? How does Shakespeare use light and dark imagery to present Romeo’s final state of mind? How does Romeo acting too hastily, as always, prove to be his downfall?

Useful vocabulary: soliloquy, desperation, courage, isolation, fear, foreboding, reasoning, dramatic irony

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Themes in the play and scenes they appear in

Nature

'fresh female buds shall you see this night' Act 1

Scene 2

'Verona's summer hath not such a flower' Act 1 Scene 3

'So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows Act 1 Scene 5

'This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath,/May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet' Act 2 Scene 2

'O mickle is the powerful grace that lies/In plants, herbs, stones, and their true qualities./For naught so vile that on the earth doth live/But to the earth some special good doth give' Act 2 Scene 2

'An eagle, madam,/Hath not so green, so quick, so far an eye/As Paris hath Act 3 Scene 6

'sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew' Act 5 Scene 3

Love vs Hate and Violence

Act 1, Scene 1: The Capulets and Montagues fight in Verona's marketplace; Romeo tells Benvolio of his unrequited love for Rosaline.

Act 1, Scene 5: Forgetting Rosaline, Romeo falls in love with Juliet at first sight.

Act 2, Scene 2: In Juliet's orchard the two lovers agree to marry.

Act 3, Scene 1: Tybalt fatally wounds Mercutio under the newly-wed Romeo's arm.

Act 3, Scene 5: Romeo and Juliet prepare to part after their wedding night.

Act 5, Scene 3: Romeo kills Paris at the tomb door; Romeo and Juliet commit suicide; the Prince asks the two families to reconcile.

Spiritual love and Religious imagery

When the devout religion of mine eye Maintains such falsehood, then turn tears to fires;’ Act 1, Scene 2

The shared sonnet is a key example of religious imagery used to depict love; Act 1 Scene 5. This continues in Act 2 Scene 2: ‘dear saint…fair saint.’

It could be argued that Romeo and Juliet use religious imagery to either justify their love or emphasise their rebellious natures.

Friar Lawrence advises Romeo to consider the spiritual side of love rather than simply physical love; he worries that Romeo’s fickle approach to love suggests he is not developing a deep, spiritual experience.

Fate vs Free Will: Unfortunate turns of events

'A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life' The Prologue

'my mind misgives/Some consequence yet hanging in the stars' Act 1 Scene 4

'so smile the heavens upon this holy act,/ That after hours with sorrow chide us not!' Act 2 Scene 6

'Can heaven be so envious' Act 3 Scene 2

'The heavens do lour upon you for some ill' Act 4 Scene 5

'Is it even so? then I defy you, stars! Act 5 Scene 1

'See, what a scourge is laid upon your hate,/That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love' Act 5 Scene 3

Family / youth vs age

The Prologue: the Chorus describes the parents' 'ancient grudge' which is the catalyst for the death of their children.

Act 1, Scene 1: Lord Capulet approves Paris's request to ask Juliet to marry him.

Act 3, Scene 5: Lord and Lady Capulet tell Juliet of their arrangements for her to marry Paris.

Act 5, Scene 3: Romeo and Juliet commit suicide; the parents are faced with the consequences of their ancient feud.

Light vs Darkness

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?/It is the east, and Juliet is the sun' Act 2 Scene 2

'The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,/As daylight doth a lamp' Act 2 Scene 2

'It is too rash, too unadivsed, too sudden;/Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be/Ere one can say “It lightens”' Act 2 Scene 3

'Take him and cut him out in little stars,/And he will make the face of heaven so fine/That all the world will be in love with night/And pay no worship to the garish sun' Act 3 Scene 2

'More light and light; more dark and dark our woes!' Act 3 Scene 5

'For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes/This vault a feasting presence full of light' Act 5 Scene 3

'A glooming peace this morning with it brings./The sun for sorrow will not show his head' Act 5 Scene 3

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The Multifaceted (having many sides) Presentation of Love

Friendship Love

The love and loyalty of friendship presents itself more predominantly with the male characters of the play; trust and allegiance is key to upholding rules of honour.

Which characters?

Which events and evidence?

Paternal Love

This type of love presents itself through advisory roles and whilst parents of both hero and heroine are present, other characters take up these roles where the parents may not entirely provide sufficient paternal love.

Which characters?


Romantic Love

This type of love often fuels decisions within the play and certain characters try to moderate it with best interests at heart. In contrast, we see relationships that lack all sense of romantic love

Which characters?


Love of Violence

Violence is often seen as a resolution to obstacles within the play; ironically, it ultimately leads tio further violence and this is one of the key messages of the play’s tragic ending. However, certain characters are compelled by their love of violence, perhaps because of the age of the ongoing feud.

Which characters?


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Character Profiling

How do the characters develop and what purpose do they serve within the play?

For each character, consider: Adjectives to describe their behaviour and actions How this changes or develops and what event helps us to see this new aspect of their character What they are meant to teach us as an audience

Use the emotion vocabulary on the next page to help you.

Useful vocabulary: symbolises, represents, depicts, demonstrates

Juliet

Romeo Lord Capulet

Lady Capulet

Nurse Friar Lawrence

Mercutio

Benvolio Tybalt

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When? What happens? Act 1 – Prologue Find out the story in a condensed version

Act 1, Scene 1: Verona. A public

place.

Servants of the Montagues (Romeo) and Capulets (Juliet) start street brawl showing rivalry and tension between the

families. We discover Romeo loves Rosalind.

Act 1, Scene 2: A street.

Paris asks Capulet if he can marry Juliet. Romeo discovers that Rosalind will be at the Capulet ball that evening.

Act 1, Scene 3: A room in Capulet's

house.

Lady Capulet tells Juliet about Paris’s proposal. The nurse interrupts with a long story of her as a baby.


Romeo has a feeling that something terrible will happen if he goes to the ball but he goes anyway.

Act 1, Scene 5: A hall in Capulet's

house.

The Montagues go to the ball and Romeo forgets Rosalind as soon as he sees Juliet. Tybalt recognises them but Lord

Capulet will not allow a fight

Act 2, Prologue: PROLOGUE

The chorus informs us the pain R&J are in as they can’t meet but passion will find a way.

Act 2, Scene 1: A lane by the wall

of Capulet's orchard.

Romeo jumps into the Capulet garden to catch a glimpse of Juliet.

Act 2, Scene 2: Capulet's orchard

The Balcony Scene: Romeo professes his love to Juliet. They arrange a meeting.

Act 2, Scene 3: Friar Laurence's

cell.

Romeo goes to Friar Lawrence to arrange to marry Juliet – he agrees thinking it will end the feud between the families


Tybalt sends a challenge to Romeo. The Nurse gets the information about the wedding as a message to Juliet.

Act 2, Scene 5: Capulet's orchard.

The nurse delivers the news to Juliet of her upcoming marriage to Romeo.


cell.

They marry.

Act 3, Scene 1: A public place.

Romeo tries to avoid fighting. Mercutio is wounded and killed by Tybalt. Romeo then avenges his death and kills Tybalt.

Romeo is exiled for his part in this.

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/romeo_juliet/romeo_juliet.1.2.html

























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Juliet learns of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment and is distraught over the loss of her love.


cell.

Both Romeo and Juliet are distraught at the separation. Romeo tries to stab himself but is convinced to hold on by

Friar Laurence.

Act 3, Scene 4: A room in Capulet's

house.

Capulet promises on impulse that Juliet will marry Paris in two days.


Lady Capulet informs Juliet of her upcoming marriage. She is threatened by her father if she refuses to be thrown out. The

Nurse says she should marry Paris.


cell.

Friar plans to give Juliet a drug that makes her appear dead for 48 hours to escape for Mantua and a new life with Romeo

Act 4, Scene 2: Hall in Capulet's

house.

Juliet goes to her father and agrees to marry Paris. He moves the wedding forward a day.

Act 4, Scene 3: Juliet's chamber.

Juliet takes the poison.

Act 4, Scene 4: Hall in Capulet's

house.

Capulet sends the nurse to waken Juliet.

Act 4, Scene 5: Juliet's chamber.

The Nurse tries to wake Juliet, but finds that she is (apparently) dead. All are grief stricken but Friar Laurence

arranges the funeral quickly.

Act 5, Scene 1: Mantua. A street.

Romeo hears wrongly of Juliet’s death, buys poison and returns to join her.


cell.

Friar John explains why he didn’t deliver the letter and F L sends another.

Act 5, Scene 3: A churchyard; in it

a tomb belonging to the Capulets.

Outside the tomb where Juliet is (apparently) dead. Romeo and Paris fight. Paris is killed. Romeo takes the poison and

dies. Juliet wakes and finding Romeo dead kills herself with his dagger.
























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