When Romeo learns of Juliet's "death" (Act 5 Scene 1), he plans to be join her and goes to an apothecary to buy poison.

Question

The question I have is why did he choose to use poison on HIMSELF rather than a dagger, to join Juliet?

Ie. What was Shakespeare's intent on making Romeo use poison rather than a dagger to ?

Answer 1

Daggers are bloody and messy -- and sometimes people chicken out!

Shakespeare was fond of using poison, either for killing others (one of King Lear's daughters and Hamlet's father, among others) or for suicide (Romeo).

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/

http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/romeo_and_juliet/

Answer 2

Thank you. That was the best response I found on the internet. And believe me, I searched.

Again, thank you.

Answer 3

Here are several other really good websites about Shakespeare and his works and his times. Be sure to add ALL THESE to your favorites so you can find them again.

http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/

http://www.bardweb.net/

http://www.enotes.com/william-shakespeare/

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/