Romeo & Juliet:

1. What decision does Lord Capulet make regarding Juliet's marriage to Paris and why?

2. How does Paris react to Lord Capulet’s decision? What does this reveal about Paris’s character and his attitude towards marriage?

3. In the beginning of Act 3, Scene 5, what are Romeo and Juliet arguing about?

4. How does Juliet feel after Romeo leaves her?

5. How does Juliet respond to the news of her upcoming marriage to Paris? What threats does Lord Capulet make to Juliet if she does not obey his wishes?

6. What advice does the Nurse give Juliet? How does this make Juliet feel?

7. What decision does Juliet make at the end of Act 3 Scene 5?

8. How does Juliet’s character develop in these scenes, particularly in her responses to her parents and the Nurse?

3 answers

Sure! Here's a breakdown of the questions regarding "Romeo & Juliet" Act 3, Scene 5:

  1. Lord Capulet's Decision Regarding Juliet's Marriage to Paris: Lord Capulet decides that Juliet will marry Paris in three days. He believes that this marriage will help lift Juliet out of her sorrow over Tybalt’s death and thinks it's the best course to secure her happiness, illustrating a desire to maintain family alliances and social status.

  2. Paris's Reaction to Lord Capulet’s Decision: Paris responds positively and with eagerness to marry Juliet, showing that he is compliant and respectful of Lord Capulet’s wishes. His willingness to go along with the plan suggests that he views marriage as a social contract rather than an emotional bond, revealing a more pragmatic attitude toward love and relationships.

  3. Argument Between Romeo and Juliet: In the beginning of Act 3, Scene 5, Romeo and Juliet argue about the song of the nightingale and the lark. Juliet wants to believe that it is still night and that Romeo should stay, while Romeo insists it is the lark and dawn is coming, which means he must leave.

  4. Juliet's Feelings After Romeo Leaves: After Romeo leaves, Juliet feels deeply despondent and filled with foreboding. She expresses her sense of loss and grief at his departure, illustrating the intensity of her love and her emotional turmoil.

  5. Juliet's Response to News of Marriage to Paris: When Juliet learns of her arranged marriage to Paris, she is horrified and refuses to accept the proposal, stating that she would rather marry Romeo, whom she loves. Lord Capulet reacts furiously, threatening to disown her and to physically cast her out if she does not obey and marry Paris.

  6. Nurse's Advice to Juliet: The Nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris, suggesting that he is a better match for her now that Romeo is banished. This pragmatism frustrates Juliet, as she feels betrayed by the Nurse, who has been her confidante. This advice pushes Juliet deeper into despair and isolation.

  7. Juliet's Decision at the End of Act 3, Scene 5: Juliet decides to seek a drastic solution to avoid marrying Paris. She resolves to take her own life if necessary, indicating her determination to remain loyal to Romeo at all costs.

  8. Development of Juliet’s Character: In these scenes, Juliet’s character evolves significantly. Initially obedient and compliant, she becomes defiant and assertive in the face of her parents’ demands. Her willingness to reject her family’s wishes and her Nurse's advice shows her growing independence and depth of emotion, marking her transition from a naive girl to a determined young woman willing to fight for her love.

This analysis highlights Juliet's increasing agency and the tension between familial duty and personal desire that defines her character arc throughout the play.

simplify this answer

Certainly! Here’s a simplified version of the responses about "Romeo & Juliet" Act 3, Scene 5:

  1. Lord Capulet's Decision: He decides Juliet will marry Paris in three days to help her cope with Tybalt's death.

  2. Paris's Reaction: Paris is eager and compliant, showing he takes a practical view of marriage rather than a romantic one.

  3. Argument Between Romeo and Juliet: They argue about whether it is night (the nightingale) or morning (the lark) since Romeo must leave.

  4. Juliet's Feelings After Romeo Leaves: Juliet feels sad and anxious after he departs.

  5. Juliet's Response to Marriage News: She refuses to marry Paris, saying she would prefer to be with Romeo. Lord Capulet threatens to disown her if she doesn’t obey.

  6. Nurse's Advice: The Nurse tells Juliet to marry Paris, which disappoints her and makes her feel betrayed.

  7. Juliet's Decision: She decides she would rather die than marry Paris, demonstrating her commitment to Romeo.

  8. Juliet’s Character Development: Juliet grows from obedient to defiant, showing her determination to follow her heart despite her parents' wishes.

This summary highlights key points about Juliet’s conflict and growth in the scene.