Reread the fable and the excerpt from Romeo and Juliet. What overall message is suggested in both texts? A king had a dream that his son would be killed by a lion. Afraid the dream should prove true, he built for his son a pleasant palace and adorned its walls with life-sized animals, among which was the picture of a lion. When the young Prince saw this, his grief at being thus confined burst out afresh, and, standing near the lion, he said: “O you most detestable of animals! Through a lying dream of my father’s, I am shut up on your account in this palace!” With these words he stretched out his hands toward a thorn-tree, meaning to cut a stick from its branches so that he might beat the lion. But one of the tree’s prickles pierced his finger. A violent fever suddenly set in, from which he died not many days later. ROMEO I dreamt a dream tonight. MERCUTIO And so did I. ROMEO Well, what was yours? MERCUTIO That dreamers often lie. ROMEO In bed asleep while they do dream things true. . . . ROMEO Peace, peace, Mercutio, peace. Thou talk’st of nothing. MERCUTIO True, I talk of dreams, Which are the children of an idle brain, Begot of nothing but vain fantasy, Which is as thin of substance as the air And more inconstant than the wind, who woos Even now the frozen bosom of the north And, being angered, puffs away from thence, Turning his side to the dew-dropping south. BENVOLIO This wind you talk of blows us from ourselves. Supper is done, and we shall come too late. ROMEO I fear too early, for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night’s revels, and expire the term Of a despisèd life closed in my breast By some vile forfeit of untimely death. (1 point) Responses Our dreams never reveal the truth. Our dreams never reveal the truth. Dreams are only the products of our imagination. Dreams are only the products of our imagination. Dreams can influence how we feel and act. Dreams can influence how we feel and act. You should always follow your dreams for success.

1 answer

The overall message suggested in both texts revolves around the idea that dreams can have significant consequences on our actions and feelings, often leading to unfortunate outcomes. In the fable, the king's attempt to protect his son from a fate foretold by a dream results in the very opposite, showing how fear and overprotection can lead to tragedy. In "Romeo and Juliet," the exchange between Romeo and Mercutio highlights the complexities of dreams, with Romeo expressing a foreboding that suggests dreams may point to true outcomes, while Mercutio views them as mere fantasies. Ultimately, both texts suggest that while dreams may not always reveal absolute truths, they can deeply influence our emotions and decisions, sometimes with dire consequences.

Thus, the most accurate response would be: "Dreams can influence how we feel and act."