Question

Read the excerpt from Act III, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo: Ha! banishment! be merciful, say ‘death;’
For exile hath more terror in his look,
Much more than death: do not say ‘banishment.’

Which is the best paraphrase of this dialogue?

Death is more frightening than banishment.
Banishment is a worse punishment than death.
Death and banishment are deserved punishments.
Banishment is equal to the pain of death.

Answer 1

Banishment is a worse punishment than death.

Romeo says exile (banishment) is more terrifying and painful to him than death, so he'd rather be told he's to die.