Romeo & Juliet:

Question

In Act 4 Scene 4, the Capulets are preparing for Juliet’s wedding; however, as readers of the play, we know that Juliet has taken Friar Lawrence’s potion and is “dead.” What type of irony is this?

How do the Nurse and Lady Capulet react when they discover Juliet “dead” in her bed?

How does Lord Capulet react to Juliet’s apparent death? What does this reveal about his character?

How does Paris react to Juliet’s death? What does this suggest about his feelings for her?

How does Friar Lawrence attempt to comfort the Capulet family after Juliet’s “death”? What motivations might Friar Lawrence have for his words and actions in this scene?

Answer 1

In Act 4, Scene 4 of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the type of irony at play is dramatic irony. The audience is aware that Juliet is not really dead but in a death-like sleep caused by Friar Lawrence's potion. The Capulet family, unaware of this truth, excitedly prepares for her wedding, creating a poignant contrast between their actions and the reality of Juliet's situation.

When the Nurse and Lady Capulet discover Juliet "dead" in her bed, their reactions are ones of shock and despair. The Nurse, in particular, is distraught, calling out for Juliet and expressing her profound sorrow. Lady Capulet is similarly devastated, lamenting the loss of her daughter, showcasing the intensity of their grief and helplessness.

Lord Capulet's reaction to Juliet's apparent death is one of overwhelming sorrow mixed with anger. He shifts from joy about the wedding preparations to devastation upon discovering that Juliet has died. This reaction reveals a softer side of his character; his love for Juliet is evident, and the depth of his grief shows that he genuinely cares for her, despite his previous authoritarian demeanor. The suddenness of his despair indicates that he perhaps didn't fully appreciate Juliet's feelings and autonomy while she was alive.

Paris’s reaction to Juliet’s death is one of devastation and shock, as he mourns the loss of his bride-to-be. This suggests that Paris had deeper feelings for Juliet than mere societal expectation or ambition; he cared for her as a person and shows genuine sorrow, indicating that his initial interest in her was not purely transactional.

When Friar Lawrence attempts to comfort the Capulet family after Juliet's death, he offers a perspective that is both philosophical and somewhat pragmatic. He speaks of the cycles of life and death, and how death can sometimes be a pathway to a greater good. His intentions may stem from his awareness of the truth behind Juliet’s situation and a desire to mitigate the pain for the grieving family, as well as to protect Juliet’s secret. His motivations reflect his role as a priest and advisor, seeking to provide solace in a time of tragic loss while also attempting to manage the fallout of the events he has set in motion.