...behavior between the characters ‘Romeo and ‘Friar Lawrence’ in the famous play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Romeo and Juliet is a Shakespearean classic that is widely considered to be enduring and timeless and speaks about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families after the tragic end between the Capulet’s and Montague’s.introduce essay question Romeo validates the impulsive behavior in the Capulet feast. When he first meets Juliet and kisses Juliet at the Capulet’s party, she tells him “you kiss by the’ book,” hence he kisses according to the rules of lovego into detail-link to rosaline. Romeo promptly falls in love before he even gets to know her ‘If I profane with my unworthiest hand / this holy shrine ‘’ Romeo sees himself as unworthy of Juliet and that any offer to kiss or touch her would be discourteous. Juliet is a “holy shrine which also illustrates that she is sacred, pious in religion. In this quote Shakespeare uses metaphor ‘unworthiest hand’ go into detail-important quoteto propose that Romeo is unworthy of Juliet because she is infrequent. Romeo is not thinking sensibly here in Act 1 Scene 5 and is acting impulsively, because he does not get to know Juliet first. Throughout the play Romeo is one of the tragic heroes of Shakespeare. He stands out as the symbolic representation of youthful love, its disappointment, and its possibility for the tragedy that took place in the play. Additionally, Romeo also illustrates impulsive behavior...
Words: 1055 - Pages: 5
...Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous plays ever written. Shakespeare wrote this tragic play in 1595 about two star crossed lovers. In the play, Shakespeare included several literary devices like dramatic irony, soliloquy, and monologue. These made the play more interesting and gave it more detail. Dramatic irony was included in many parts of the story. “Thy lips are warm.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Juliet stated this after Romeo consumed poison and she kissed him. As a reader of the play, we have knowledge of Romeo and Juliet’s marriage, but the Capulets and Montagues don’t know anything about it. The families eventually find out at the end of the play. We also know that Juliet actually took a sleeping potion and really isn’t dead, but everyone...
Words: 464 - Pages: 2
...act 3 Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Critical Reading Identify the letter of the choice that best answers the question. ____ 1. After he is wounded in Scene i, Mercutio says to Romeo, “Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.” Which of the following is the best paraphrase of Mercutio's words? a. I am so badly wounded that I feel I will die. b. Why did you interfere? Your arm allowed him to stab me. c. Why has the devil caused me bad fortune? d. Your arm could not save me, Romeo. ____ 2. When Benvolio announces Mercutio's death, Romeo replies, “This day's black fate on moe days doth depend; / This but begins the woe others must end.” Which of the following best describes Romeo's emotional reaction to Mercutio's death? a. shame and sympathy for Tybalt b. grief and fear of the future c. guilt and regret d. relief and optimism that all will end well ____ 3. After Tybalt's death, the Prince sentences Romeo to which of the following punishments? a. death b. banishment c. imprisonment for life d. the loss of his noble title ____ 4. At the beginning of Act III, Scene ii, Juliet is alone in Capulet's orchard. She delivers a long speech in which she eagerly anticipates Romeo's arrival at nightfall. Which of the following correctly describes this speech? a. aside b. monologue c. metaphor d. soliloquy ____ 5. In Act III, Scene iii, when Romeo learns...
Words: 2110 - Pages: 9
...Romeo and Juliet Essay - Critical Commentary Critical Commentary Opening Prologue: The first act prologue not only reveals what will happen during the course of the play, but also some of the major dichotomies. The opening line shows us that the Capulet and Montague houses are, although at odds, equal in their aristocratic status. It was considered "fashionable" in the Renaissance for aristocratic families to have feuds, but they were not to engage in public fighting, a taboo which is broken by the Capulets and the Montagues. However, line 4 indicates that these equal families are in an ungoverned situation where no rules will be obeyed, which is why they are able to fight. The Chorus reveals one of the most important themes of the play in line 5-8, which is that Romeo and Juliet are destined not only to love each other, but to die, which will end the feud. The fact that Shakespeare tells us the end of the play before it even begins is intentional—this creates a tension between what we as the audience know must happen, and what could have happened if the characters had acted differently. Thus the theme of fate versus free will emerges: do Romeo and Juliet die because it was their destiny, or do they die because of their actions and the actions of those around them? The third major point that surfaces in the opening prologue is one of extremes. There is extreme hatred between the Capulet and Montague families. The only solution to...
Words: 1744 - Pages: 7
...The Development of Juliet's Character Throughout William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Juliet is first introduced to us in Act 1 Scene 3, where we learn about Juliet’s character. We know she is a polite, obedient girl. We can see this in the line where she says: “Madam, I am here. What is your will?” (Act 1 Scene 3 L78). This shows that Juliet is a well-mannered girl because she addresses her mother as Madam. This quotation also shows Juliet as obedient and always willing to help her mother because she says: “What is your will?” This scene also tells us that Juliet is thirteen and has never considered marriage, something which would have been common for girls her age at that time. She is still pure and innocent. “It is an honour I dream not of.” (Act 1 Scene 3 L66). From this scene we can observe that Juliet has a closer relationship with the nurse rather than with her own mother. “Faith, I can tell her age unto an hour.” This example shows how well the nurse knows Juliet. Shakespeare shows us that Juliet is still of the age where she does what her mother asks of her, without question. In the same scene again she says “Well, think of marriage now.” Which also shows us that Juliet does what her mother says. In Act 1 Scene 5 the first conversation between Romeo and Juliet is in the form of a sonnet (poem of sixteen lines). Romeo and Juliet take it in turns to speak; which shows how perfect they are for each other. A good example: If I profane with...
Words: 1655 - Pages: 7
...The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” is a very well known play. This play is known for its romance and its tragic ending. One question that is often asked is who is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death? This topic is very debatable, but there are a few people that can be held responsible for their death. The people to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s death are the Capulets and Montagues, Friar Laurence and Romeo and Juliet. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues could have possibly led to the death of Romeo and Juliet. This play starts off with a fight between the Capulets and Montagues to show the audience that these families do not get along. The biggest problem is that Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, are in love. Do to the fights between their families, it would be impossible for Romeo and Juliet to be married if their parents knew. Therefore, they felt it was best to keep their love a secret. Juliet’s parents had basically set up an arranged married for Juliet, which is hinted by her mother, Lady Capulet, in Act I, Scene III. When Romeo and Juliet first met, they instantly thought they were meant to be together. Because of Juliet’s arranged married, they were caused to speed their relationship up and they got married as soon as possible. If Romeo and Juliet could have been honest with their families then maybe the feud would have ended. In Act III, Scene I; Romeo’s cousin, Mercutio, and Juliet’s cousin...
Words: 1185 - Pages: 5
...In the Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, it can be inferred through the examination of language that Romeo is willing to do anything, such as change his name or personality, for the greater good and preservation of his relationship with Juliet, whereas Juliet is speculative and in some instances unwilling to make the same change. The word choice, or diction, Romeo and Juliet use in their moonlit conversation with each other shows a contrast in their willingness to change for their love. In the second scene of the second act, Romeo professes his willingness to change for his relationship by saying “Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized” (2.2.54). To this Juliet skeptically questions “Art thou not romeo, and a Montague?” (2.2.65)....
Words: 534 - Pages: 3
...The untimely deaths of Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's 1500’s play, Romeo & Juliet, do not go unnoticed. Both acting as part of opposing families, the two are incontrovertibly the main characters. During the final act in the play, Romeo and Juliet take their lives as they lie before one another, ultimately posing the question, ‘who is to blame for the deaths of the fate sealed lovers?’ Many suspects arise as so many characters have interaction with Romeo and Juliet. Friar John is to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet because he finds himself trapped in a quarantined house not having any sort of backup plan, making it so Romeo never gets word of Juliet’s fake death. We find Romeo in Juliet’s tomb where she lies asleep. He is soon confronted...
Words: 373 - Pages: 2
...characters in Romeo and Juliet and the speakers in the sonnets you have studied. Love is presented through the use of characters, themes, linguistic, structural and contextual references. That pieces are ‘Romeo and Juliet’ written by William Shakespeare, ‘Sonnet 116’ by William Shakespeare again, ‘Sonnet 43’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ‘Sonnet 130’ by Shakespeare and also ‘Sonnet 18’ again by Shakespeare. They were all written in the time that was considered the Elizabethan Era. A religious theme is set in both Romeo and Juliet and sonnet 43 to convey the attitudes to love. In Romeo and Juliet the theme of religion is used to express their love between each other and suggesting it is similar to religion can impose that it is a life-long commitment and will always be there even if they lose faith. At that time their attitude towards religion was very strong and it was their integral, which links to the love between Romeo and Juliet that now they have found it fully they will be part of each other’s’ lives for eternity. In Act 2, scene 2 Romeo states that Juliet’s eyes were “Two of the fairest stars in all of heaven” this is conveying that Juliet is angelic. Angels are referred to as innocent, Godly, pure and a good person; so although Romeo does not know a lot about her or even spoken to Juliet he is still portraying her as someone who is greatly looked up to and has, in the eyes of a religious person, the huge authority as they are seated with God. Romeo describes Juliet as a “messenger...
Words: 1357 - Pages: 6
...lead to tragedy and despair. Romeo and Juliet may be the most famous of the great literary tragedies. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets prohibits the love and ultimately results in the death of the “star-crossed lovers”. It may be difficult to truly determine who is to blame for the tragedy because their lives were influenced and affected by many figures. But the question is, who is most to blame for the death of the two lovers? I believe that Friar Lawrence is to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet. He easily could have prevented their love from being too strong by not marrying them. If he didn’t act so courageously and think that their marriage would end...
Words: 1034 - Pages: 5
...To put Romeo and Juliet into perspective, you will need to know a bit about William Shakespeare, the origins of the story, and its influence today. Shakespeare William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. His father sold gloves and became an important person in the town. William, one of eight children, was the eldest son, and probably educated at the local grammar school. He married when he was only 18 and his wife, Anne Hathaway, was eight years older than him. They had two girls and a boy (who died aged 11). Nobody knows how Shakespeare began to write, or when he entered the theatre. But we know he became a leading member of the theatre troupe known as 'The Lord Chamberlain's Men'. The company proved very popular, and later, when King James I granted it the right to perform at his court, became known as 'The King's Men'. Shakespeare wrote more than 30 plays for 'The King's Men', making it the most important theatre company in the country. He often wrote parts for particular actors, too. He was very successful and wealthy in his time, and his work has remained very popular ever since Romeo and Juliet in Popular Culture The basic story, of two young lovers from opposing families in Italy, had been popular for hundreds of years before Shakespeare wrote the play. However, there is no evidence Romeo or Juliet ever actually existed. We think Shakespeare based the play on a poem he had read. What makes Romeo and Juliet special is how Shakespeare tells the story...
Words: 2772 - Pages: 12
..._______________________ Per. ___ Romeo and Juliet – Discussion Questions Act II.i 1. Summarize this brief scene. What is the purpose of this scene? * Romeo decides to go seek Juliet – jumps wall into Capulet compound * Benvolio and Mercutio look for Romeo – Mercutio makes obscene jokes about Romeo’s love * Benvolio and Mercutio give up and leave * In the beginning of scene ii, we learn that Romeo hears them but says they don’t understand because they have never loved Act II.ii 1. According to Romeo, why is the moon “sick and pale with grief?” * The moon is sick with grief because the moon is not as beautiful as Juliet, who Romeo compares with the sun; * “That thou her maid art far more fair than she.” (I ii 5-6). 2. How do Romeo and Juliet feel about their respective last names? Provide textual evidence for each. Romeo: * Romeo says that if Juliet will love him, he will cease to be Romeo Montague: ““Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized:/Henceforth, I never will be Romeo.” (I ii 49-50) * He says his name is hateful to him: “My name, dear saint is hateful to myself/Because it is an enemy to thee.” (I ii 54-55) Juliet: * Juliet says that she wishes Romeo would deny his heritage and no longer be a Montague; she in turn would no longer be a Capulet. She says that Romeo’s name only is her enemy. * “’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.” 3. Why isn’t Romeo afraid to tell Juliet how he feels? * Because Romeo, when hidden...
Words: 1068 - Pages: 5
...In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet, Friar Lawrence, and Romeo ostensibly are to blame for the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet. All three come into this context more than other character’s because they started everything from the beginning. Without Romeo and Juliet falling in love so quickly and then wanting to get married so early, none of the conflict would have happened. The Friar, on the other half, was middling with this idea and did not think to put an end to it. Juliet, Friar Lawrence and Romeo all are selfish and caused the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because Juliet had ended up trying everything just because she did not want to leave her lavish lifestyle, Friar Lawrence had only married the two in order to reconcile the...
Words: 1429 - Pages: 6
...ROMEO & JULIET Prologue (ACT 1) As a prologue to the play, the Chorus enters. In a fourteen-line sonnet, the Chorus describes two noble households (called “houses”) in the city of Verona. The houses hold an “ancient grudge” (Prologue.2) against each other that remains a source of violent and bloody conflict. The Chorus states that from these two houses, two “star-crossed” (Prologue.6) lovers will appear. These lovers will mend the quarrel between their families by dying. The story of these two lovers, and of the terrible strife between their families, will be the topic of this play. ANALYSIS This opening speech by the Chorus serves as an introduction to Romeo and Juliet. We are provided with information about where the play takes place, and given some background information about its principal characters. The obvious function of the Prologue as introduction to the Verona of Romeo and Juliet can obscure its deeper, more important function. The Prologue does not merely set the scene of Romeo and Juliet, it tells the audience exactly what is going to happen in the play. The Prologue refers to an ill-fated couple with its use of the word “star-crossed,” which means, literally, against the stars. Stars were thought to control people’s destinies. But the Prologue itself creates this sense of fate by providing the audience with the knowledge that Romeo and Juliet will die even before the play has begun. The audience therefore watches the play with the expectation that it must...
Words: 15625 - Pages: 63
...Friar Lawrence, an optimistic, wise and helpful character who has played a big role in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Often a character who is being doubted about his decision on agreeing to the idea of marrying Romeo and Juliet. As the play goes on it is acknowledged that friar Lawrence was either a savior or a meddler. In the case of the Romeo and Juliet tragedy, friar Lawrence will appear to be considered as a meddler. The major poor decision that friar Lawrence made was to marry Romeo and Juliet. In act 2, scene 3 friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet even while knowing that this action is forbidden. These characters come from two different households in which their unable to even associate amongst each other. Friar Lawrence,...
Words: 421 - Pages: 2