Romeo and Juliet

Question

By William Shakespeare

FRIAR LAWRENCE:

I hear some noise. Lady, come from that nest

Of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep.

A greater power than we can contradict

Hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away.

Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead;

And Paris too. Come I’ll dispose of thee

Among a sisterhood of holy nuns.

Stay not to question, for the watch is coming.

Come, go good Juliet. I dare no longer stay.

Question
A painting of The Tomb Scene from Romeo and Juliet. Juliet wakes up and sees Romeo's dead body.

Use the passage and the image to answer the question.

How is Friar Lawrence’s description of the tomb as a “nest of . . . unnatural sleep” illustrated in the painting?

(1 point)
Responses

It shows the body of a man who willingly chose to end his own life.
It shows the body of a man who willingly chose to end his own life.

It shows the body of a man in his family sepulchre.
It shows the body of a man in his family sepulchre.

It shows the body of a man who was carefully placed in a sepulchre.
It shows the body of a man who was carefully placed in a sepulchre.

It shows the body of a man who is unconscious.
It shows the body of a man who is unconscious.

Answer 1

The best response to how Friar Lawrence’s description of the tomb as a “nest of . . . unnatural sleep” is illustrated in the painting is:

It shows the body of a man who willingly chose to end his own life.

This response captures the essence of "unnatural sleep" as it reflects the tragic outcome of Romeo's actions and the finality of death that contrasts with the natural state of life. The idea of a "nest" implies a place of rest or refuge; however, in this context, it is a macabre resting place due to the circumstances surrounding their deaths.