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.

1 answer

The best paraphrase of Romeo's dialogue is: Banishment is a worse punishment than death. This captures the essence of Romeo's emotional turmoil, as he expresses that the fear and pain of being banished is greater than the fear of death itself.