1.) In Act 4 Scene 4, the Capulets are preparing for Juliet’s wedding; however, as readers of the play, we know that Juliet has taken Friar Lawrence’s potion and is “dead.” What type of irony is this?

Question

2.) How do the Nurse and Lady Capulet react when they discover Juliet “dead” in her bed?

3.) How does Lord Capulet react to Juliet’s apparent death? What does this reveal about his character?

4.) How does Paris react to Juliet’s death? What does this suggest about his feelings for her?

5.) How does Friar Lawrence attempt to comfort the Capulet family after Juliet’s “death”? What motivations might Friar Lawrence have for his words and actions in this scene?

Answer the questions above simply.

Answer 1

1.) The type of irony present in Act 4 Scene 4 is dramatic irony. The audience knows that Juliet is not actually dead because she has taken a potion, but the Capulet family believes she is dead and is preparing for her wedding.

2.) When the Nurse and Lady Capulet discover Juliet “dead,” they are shocked and devastated. The Nurse is particularly heartbroken and laments over Juliet's loss, while Lady Capulet is consumed with grief and disbelief.

3.) Lord Capulet reacts with utter despair and outrage when he finds Juliet “dead.” He is heartbroken and moves quickly to arrange for her funeral. This reaction reveals his deep love for Juliet and highlights his vulnerability, contrasting with his earlier authority and harshness.

4.) Paris is devastated when he learns of Juliet's death. He expresses profound sorrow and feels the loss deeply, suggesting that he genuinely cared for Juliet and was looking forward to their marriage.

5.) Friar Lawrence attempts to comfort the Capulet family by suggesting that Juliet is in a better place and that death is a part of life. His motivations for these words may stem from a sense of guilt for his role in the events leading to her predicament, as well as a desire to maintain peace and prevent further grief or conflict among the families.