Romeo & Juliet:

Question

What news does Balthasar bring to Romeo? How does Romeo react to this news?

Why does Romeo seek out an apothecary, and what does he intend to do?

What prevents Friar John from delivering Friar Lawrence’s letter to Romeo? How does the failure of the letter delivery contribute to the sense of impending tragedy?

Why is Paris at Juliet’s tomb, and what does this reveal about his character and feelings for Juliet?

Answer 1

In "Romeo and Juliet," Balthasar brings the tragic news to Romeo that Juliet has died. This news comes as a shock to Romeo, who is heartbroken and devastated. He cannot process the grief and believes that life without Juliet is not worth living. His reaction is impulsive and filled with despair.

Romeo seeks out an apothecary because he wishes to purchase poison. He intends to return to Verona to take his own life beside Juliet, whom he believes to be dead. The apothecary, living in poverty, reluctantly agrees to sell Romeo the poison, despite the risks involved, indicating the desperation of Romeo's situation.

Friar John, tasked with delivering Friar Laurence's letter to Romeo, is unable to do so because he is quarantined due to a plague outbreak. This failure prevents Romeo from receiving the crucial information that Juliet's death was part of a plan to fake her death and reunite with him. The failure of the letter delivery heightens the sense of impending tragedy, as it illustrates the theme of fate and miscommunication that ultimately leads to the couple's demise.

Paris is at Juliet's tomb to mourn her and to lay flowers in remembrance of her. His presence reveals that he genuinely cared for Juliet and feels a sense of loss. This scene highlights Paris's idealistic love for her, contrasting with the passionate, albeit tragic love she shared with Romeo. Paris's determination to honor Juliet even after her death indicates his deep feelings and commitment to her memory.

Answer 2

Why is Paris at Juliet’s tomb, and what does this reveal about his character and feelings for Juliet?

How is Paris and Romeo’s fight similar to Romeo and Tybalt’s fight? What is the outcome?

What are Romeo’s thoughts and emotions as he prepares to take the poison and join Juliet in death?

What is Juliet’s reaction upon waking and finding Romeo dead beside her? What does her decision to join Romeo in death reveal about her character?

What does Friar Laurence confess, and how does he explain the series of events that led to the tragedy?

What actions do the two families take to honor Romeo and Juliet, and what message does this convey?

Answer 3

Paris at Juliet’s Tomb: Paris is at Juliet's tomb to mourn her death and to pay his respects, revealing that he genuinely loved her and was deeply affected by her passing. His intentions are honorable, seeking to honor her memory with flowers and, perhaps, to lay claim to her as his betrothed, even posthumously. This demonstrates a contrast between Paris's romantic idealism and the passionate, more authentic love that Juliet shared with Romeo.

Paris and Romeo’s Fight: The fight between Paris and Romeo mirrors Romeo’s earlier duel with Tybalt in that both confrontations are driven by honor and a desire to protect Juliet’s memory. Paris confronts Romeo, believing him to be a vandal intent on desecrating Juliet's tomb. Romeo, however, is consumed by grief and is not in a state to engage in the typical notions of honor. The outcome of both fights is tragic; Romeo ultimately kills Paris, similar to how he killed Tybalt. Both encounters result in further violence and death, adding to the tragedy of the play.

Romeo’s Thoughts Before Taking Poison: As Romeo prepares to take the poison, he is engulfed by profound sorrow and a deep sense of despair. He reflects on his love for Juliet and the anguish of living without her. He views death as a release from his pain and a way to be reunited with Juliet, conveying emotions of hopelessness and a sense of inevitability. Romeo's love has fully transformed into despair, leading him to embrace death as a means of escape.

Juliet’s Reaction Upon Awakening: When Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead beside her, she is initially confused and then consumed by shock and devastation. Her reaction is one of profound grief and despair, realizing that he has taken poison out of love and loss. In her decision to join him in death, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her love for Romeo. Her choice reflects both her passionate nature and her belief that life without him is unbearable, showcasing the depth of her character and her tragic resolve.

Friar Laurence’s Confession: Friar Laurence eventually confesses to the truth of the events leading to the tragedy, explaining the misunderstandings and miscommunications, including the failure of Friar John to deliver the letter to Romeo. He outlines how the plan to fake Juliet’s death went awry, highlighting the role of fate and a series of unfortunate coincidences. Laurence acknowledges his responsibility in the tragedy, admitting that his well-intentioned actions ultimately led to disastrous consequences.

Actions of the Two Families: In the wake of the tragedy, both the Montagues and Capulets decide to honor the memories of Romeo and Juliet by reconciling and pledging to end their feud. They agree to erect statues in honor of the lovers. This action conveys a powerful message about the senselessness of their feud and highlights the tragic cost of their animosity. Their decision reflects regret and a realization that love should transcend the hatred that divided them, albeit too late to save Romeo and Juliet.