Romeo and Juliet LitChart

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Romeo and Juliet

• Literary Period: The Renaissance (1500-1660)
INTR
INTRO
O • Genre: Tragic drama
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE • Setting: The Italian cities of Verona and Mantua during the
Renaissance (around the fourteenth century).
Shakespeare's father was a glove-maker, and Shakespeare
received no more than a grammar school education. He • Climax: Romeo and Juliet's double suicide in the Capulet tomb.
married Anne Hathaway in 1582, but left his family behind
around 1590 and moved to London, where he became an actor EXTRA CREDIT
and playwright. He was an immediate success: Shakespeare Shakespeare or Not? There are some who believe Shakespeare
soon became the most popular playwright of the day as well as wasn't educated enough to write the plays attributed to him.
a part-owner of the Globe Theater. His theater troupe was The most common anti-Shakespeare theory is that Edward de
adopted by King James as the King's Men in 1603. Shakespeare Vere, the Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays and used Shakespeare
retired as a rich and prominent man to Stratford-upon-Avon in as a front man because aristocrats were not supposed to write
1613, and died three years later. plays. Yet the evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship
far outweighs any evidence against. So until further notice,
RELATED LITERARY WORKS Shakespeare is still the most influential writer in the English
language.
As with many other of his plays, Shakespeare adapted his
version of Romeo and Juliet from earlier sources. Shakespeare's
most direct source was an English narrative poem published in PL
PLO
OT SUMMARY
1562 by Arthur Brooke, which was itself a based on a French
version of an Italian story. Shakespeare's play and Brooke's In Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance, two noble families, the
poem share many similarities of plot, including how Romeo and Montagues and Capulets, are locked in a bitter feud. After a
Juliet met and died. However, while the plots are similar, series of public brawls between both the nobles and the
Brooke's version is generally considered to be plodding, while servants of the two families, Prince Escalus, the ruler of
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is one of the most exciting plays Verona, declares that anyone in either family involved in any
ever written. Shakespeare transformed the story in a variety of future fighting will be put to death.
ways. Three of the most important include cramming a plot that Every year the Capulets throw a masquerade ball. The
in Brooke's poem took nine months to unfold into just four Montagues, of course, are not invited. Capulet and Lady
frenetic days, having Tybalt kill Mercutio, and having Romeo Capulet, hope that this year their daughter Juliet will fall in
and Juliet's wedding day occur on the same day that Romeo is love with Paris at the ball, since at thirteen she is almost of
banished. But just as important in creating the ecstatic marriageable age and Paris would be a good match. But two
intensity of Romeo and Juliet is the unparalleled power of Montagues, sixteen-year-old Romeo and his cousin Benvolio,
Shakespeare's language. In addition to its similarity to earlier along with their friend Mercutio, a kinsmen of Prince Escalus,
versions of the Romeo and Juliet story, Shakespeare's play is crash the party. Romeo attends the party only because he
also similar to the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, which was best wants to see Rosaline, a young woman he has been
told by the Roman poet Ovid in his Metamorphoses. unsuccessfully pursuing for quite some time. That lack of
Shakespeare was not only aware of the similarity between the success has made him noticeably lovelorn of late. But at first
stories of Romeo and Juliet and Pyramus and Thisbe, he sight of Juliet, Romeo falls in love. Juliet is equally smitten. They
explicitly references Pyramus and Thisbe within Romeo and speak, and kiss. As the party ends Romeo and Juliet separately
Juliet. discover that they belong to rival families, and are both
distraught. Yet Romeo is already so in love that instead of
KEY FACTS leaving the Capulet's residence with his friends, he jumps a wall
and hides beneath her balcony. Suddenly she emerges, and tells
• Full Title: The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo
the night sky about her forbidden love for Romeo. Romeo
and Juliet
jumps out from his hiding place. They exchange vows of love.
• When Written: early to mid 1590s The next day, with the help of Friar Laurence and Juliet's
• Where Written: England Nurse, Romeo and Juliet are secretly married.
• When Published: 1597
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That same day, Benvolio and Mercutio encounter Tybalt, who is Romeo grows from a an adolescent who claims to be in love
Juliet's cousin. Tybalt is furious that the Montagues crashed the with Rosaline, but in reality seems more in love with the idea of
Capulet party (he spotted them). He has challenged Romeo to a love and with being a miserable wretch in the mold of classical
dual. While Mercutio mocks Tybalt, Romeo himself shows up. love poets, to a young man who shares a deep and passionate
Tybalt challenged him to fight. Romeo, who is now secretly love with Juliet and is willing to face the obstacles of friends,
Tybalt's kinsmen by marriage, refuses. Before Romeo can family, the law, fate, and, ultimately, death in order to be with
explain his reasons, Mercutio disgustedly steps in. Romeo tries her.
to separate them, but Tybalt stabs and kills Mercutio under Juliet — The beautiful thirteen-year-old daughter of Capulet
Romeo's arm. Mercutio dies cursing both Montagues and and Lady Capulet, and cousins with Tybalt. The Nurse is her
Capulets. In a rage, Romeo kills Tybalt. closest friend and advisor. Juliet is naïve and sheltered at the
Because Romeo at first tried to stop the fighting, instead of beginning of the play, and has given almost no thought to love.
ordering him executed the Prince banishes him from Verona. But as soon as she meets and falls in love with Romeo she
Juliet is devastated when she learns that Romeo killed her quickly develops into a woman of remarkable strength and
cousin, but she decides that her loyalty must be with her resolve in pursuing what she wants. Like Romeo, she is willing
husband. That night Romeo comes to her room and the lovers to face all obstacles of society, fate, and death to be with her
are able to spend one glorious night together before Romeo, at love. Yet even while head over heels in love, Juliet remains
dawn, must flee Verona to Mantua. more grounded than Romeo. She even calls him on his silliness
The death of Tybalt affects Lord Capulet deeply. He decides to when he gets overly poetic. It seems possible to attribute much
marry Juliet to Paris immediately. Juliet refuses. Capulet of Romeo's transformation from a callous youth to a passionate
threatens to disown her. Lady Capulet sides with her husband, lover to Juliet's influence.
and even the Nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris and forget The Nurse — The Nurse is a servant who nursed Juliet as a
Romeo. Juliet rushes to Friar Laurence, who comes up with a baby (the Nurse's own baby died just before Juliet was born),
plan: he gives her a potion that will make it seem like she's died and raised her through childhood. She is Juliet's best friend and
but will really only put her to sleep. She will be laid to rest in the confidante, and in many ways is more her mother than Lady
Capulet tomb, and there will wake up. Meanwhile, the Friar Capulet is. The Nurse can be quite sentimental, but also tends
promises to get news to Romeo so that he'll secretly return to go on and on with bawdy and sometimes embarrassing
from Mantua and be there when she wakes up. She follows the stories. Though the Nurse will do anything for Juliet, and helps
Friar's advice. The next morning the Capulet household wakes Juliet to marry Romeo, in the end she proves herself to be
to discover Juliet has died. Instead of a wedding, they have a pragmatic when it comes to love.
funeral. Juliet's body is put in the tomb. Mercutio — Romeo's close friend, and a kinsmen of Prince
But the Friar's letter to Romeo goes astray. Romeo hears only Escalus. Mercutio is a wild, antic, and brooding youth. He is a
that Juliet has died. In despair, Romeo buys poison and, after whiz with wordplay and is constantly dropping sexual puns, but
fighting and killing a grieving Paris, sneaks into Juliet's tomb. In beneath this playful and sarcastic veneer lies a bitter world-
the tomb, Romeo gazes on what he thinks is the dead body of weariness. Mercutio hates romantic ideals of any sort, whether
his beloved, drinks the poison, and dies. Seconds later, Juliet about honor or love, and mercilessly mocks those who hold
wakes. She sees Romeo's body. Friar Laurence rushes into the them.
cell too late. He tells Juliet what happened, but hears people
Friar Laurence — A Franciscan monk and a friend to both
approaching. He begs Juliet to come with him, but she refuses.
Romeo and Juliet. He preaches moderation because he
He flees. In order to be with Romeo, Juliet kills herself with his
understands that intensity of any kind of emotion, good or bad,
dagger.
can lead to disaster. Yet he gets caught up in his own hope for
The Montagues and Capulets are grief-stricken when they ending the feud between Montagues and Capulets. In the
learn the truth. They agree to end their feud. process, he shows himself to be quite a schemer.
Capulet — Juliet's father, Lady Capulet's husband, and Tybalt's
uncle. He is the leader of the Capulet family, and an enemy of
CHARA
CHARACTERS
CTERS Montague. Capulet tries to appear like an even-minded and
Romeo — The sixteen-year-old son of Montague and Lady loving man, and he certainly does love his daughter, but he
Montague. He is cousins with Benvolio, and friends with believes he knows what's best for her, never consults her about
Mercutio and Friar Laurence. Romeo's defining characteristic her feelings, and is quick to anger when crossed or disobeyed.
is the intensity of his emotions—whether in anger, love, or Lady Capulet — Juliet's mother, and Capulet's wife. A woman
despair. Romeo is also intelligent, quick-witted, loved by his who married Capulet when she was Juliet's age (thirteen), she
friends, and not a bad swordsmen. Over the course of the play, loves her daughter but is a flighty woman and an ineffectual

mother who left most of the raising of her daughter to the are willing to give everything to it. But it is also chaotic and
Nurse. When it comes to marriage, Lady Capulet believes more destructive, bringing death to friends, family, and to
in the material happiness a "good match" can bring than in love. themselves. Over and over in the play, Romeo and Juliet's love
Ben
Benvvolio — Montague's nephew, Romeo's cousin., and is mentioned in connection with death and violence, and finds
Mercutio's friend. Of the three boys, he is the most calm and it's greatest expression in their suicide.
the least quick-witted. On a few occasions he tries to keep the The theme of love in Romeo and Juliet also extends beyond the
peace rather than fight. Yet Benvolio is seldom successful in his love that Romeo and Juliet feel for each other. All the
peacekeeping efforts, and will fight if pushed. characters in the play constantly talk about love. Mercutio
Tybalt — The nephew of Capulet, and Juliet's cousin. A thinks love is little more than an excuse to pursue sexual
hothead consumed by issues of honor and well known for his pleasure and that it makes a man weak and dumb. Lady Capulet
skill with a sword, Tybalt hates the Montagues with a profound thinks love is based on material things: Paris is handsome and
passion. He seems to look for excuses to fight. wealthy; therefore Lady Capulet believes Juliet will love him.
Lord Capulet sees love as obedience and duty. Friar Laurence
Paris — A kinsman of Prince Escalus who wants to marry Juliet.
knows that love may be passionate, but argues that it's also a
Paris is a good-looking and wealthy man, but is rather pompous,
responsibility. Paris seems to think that love is at his command,
a tad boring, and lacks Romeo's passion. His love for Juliet
since he tells Juliet that she loves him. In short, love is
seems genuine, but, like Capulet, he seems to think he can
everywhere in Romeo and Juliet, and everyone sees it
make Juliet's decisions for her.
differently.
Prince Escalus — The Prince and leader of Verona. Escalus is
concerned primarily with keeping order in the city. He will do
2 FATE
anything in his power to stop the feud between the Montagues
and Capulets from affecting the other citizens of the city. From the opening prologue when the Chorus summarizes
Romeo and Juliet and says that the "star-crossed lovers" will die,
Montague — Romeo's father, Lady Montague's husband, and
Romeo and Juliet are trapped by fate. No matter what the
Benvolio's uncle. The leader of the Montague household, and
lovers do, what plans they make, or how much they love each
quick to anger at his bitter rival, Capulet.
other, their struggles against fate only help fulfill it. But
Lady Montague — Montague's wife and Romeo's mother. She defeating or escaping fate is not the point. No one escapes fate.
barely appears in the play. It is Romeo and Juliet's determination to struggle against fate
Friar John — A Franciscan friar. in order to be together, whether in life or death, that shows the
fiery passion of their love, and which makes that love eternal.
Balthasar — Romeo's servant.
Fate is not just a force felt by the characters in Romeo and Juliet.
Samson and Gregory — Capulet servants.
The audience also senses it through Shakespeare's use of
Abr
Abraham
aham — Montague's servant. foreshadowing. Time and again, both Romeo and Juliet
Peter — An illiterate Capulet servant. unknowingly reference their imminent deaths, as when Juliet
The Apothecary — A poor apothecary (a drug seller) in Mantua. says after first meeting Romeo: "If he be married / My grave is
like to be my wedding bed." She means that if Romeo is already
Rosaline — A young woman who has taken a vow of chastity, married she'll be miserable. But the audience knows that
yet with whom Romeo is infatuated at the beginning of the play. Juliet's grave actually will be her wedding bed. In Romeo and
The Chorus — An on-stage commentator on the events of the Juliet, fate is a force that neither the characters nor the
play (usually a single person). audience can escape, and so every word and gesture gains in
power, becomes fateful.
THEMES 3 INDIVIDUALS VS. SOCIETY

In LitCharts each theme gets its own color and number. Our Because of their forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet are forced
color-coded theme boxes make it easy to track where the into conflict with the social world around them: family, friends,
themes occur throughout the work. If you don't have a color political authority, and even religion. The lovers try to avoid this
printer, use the numbers instead. conflict by hiding, by escaping from it. They prefer the privacy
of nighttime to the public world of day. They volunteer to give
1 LOVE up their names, their social identities, in order to be together.
They begin to keep secrets and speak in puns so that they can
Love in Romeo and Juliet is not some pretty, idealized emotion.
publicly say one thing while meaning another. On the morning
Yes, the love Romeo and Juliet share is beautiful and
passionate. It is pure, exhilarating, and transformative, and they

after their marriage, they even go so far as to pretend that day LIGHT/DARK AND DAY/NIGHT
is night so they won't have to part.
Romeo and Juliet is filled with imagery of light and dark. But
But no one can stop day from dawning, and in the end Romeo while light is traditionally connected with "good" and dark with
and Juliet can't escape the responsibilities of the public world. "evil," in Romeo and Juliet the relationship is more complex.
Romeo tries to stop being a Montague and avoid fighting Romeo and Juliet constantly see each other as forms of light. In
Tybalt, but fails. Juliet tries to stop being a Capulet and to stand the balcony scene, Romeo describes Juliet as the sun, while
up to her father when he tries to marry her off to Paris, but is Juliet describes Romeo as stars. But the relationship between
abandoned by her mother and the Nurse. Romeo is banished light and dark is complicated by the lover's need for the privacy
from Verona by Prince Escalus, who embodies political law. of darkness in order to be together. As Romeo says when the
Finally, to preserve their love, Romeo and Juliet are forced to sun dawns on the morning when he is to be banished from
the ultimate act of independence and privacy: suicide. Verona, "More light and light, more dark and dark our woes!"
So while Romeo and Juliet see each other as light, in order for
4 LANGUAGE AND WORD PLAY their light to shine brightly it needs the contrast of darkness, of
Romeo and Juliet constantly play with language. They pun, night, to make it powerful.
rhyme, and speak in double entendres. All these word games
may seem like mere fun, and they are fun. The characters that
pun and play with language have fun doing it. But word play in
QUO
QUOTES
TES
Romeo and Juliet has a deeper purpose: rebellion. Romeo and The color-coded and numbered boxes under each quote below
Juliet play with language to escape the world. They claim they make it easy to track the themes related to each quote. Each
are not a Montague and a Capulet; they use words to try to color and number corresponds to one of the themes explained
transform day, for a moment, into night; they hide their love in the Themes section of this LitChart.
even while secretly admitting it. Other characters play with
language too. In particular, Mercutio and the Nurse make
constant sexual puns implying that while everyone is running PROLOGUE QUOTES
around talking about high ideals like honor and love, sex and Two households, both alike in dignity,
other base desires are at the root of human existence. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
So language in Romeo and Juliet serves two opposing purposes. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
It allows some characters to escape the world into intense love, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
while it allows other characters to reveal that the world of love, From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
honor, and high ideals are just masks people use to cover their A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
animal instincts. Whose misadventured piteous overthrows,
Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.
The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,
5 SERVANTS And the continuance of their parents' rage,
For a play about the two noble teenagers struggling to Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,
preserve their forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet sure has a lot of Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;
scenes focused on servants and non-nobles. Shakespeare did The which if you with patient ears attend,
this by design. The recurring presence of servants in the play, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.
from Peter, the Capulet servant who can't read, to the
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apothecary who's so poor he's willing to sell poison,
Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet goes to great efforts to show •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Romeo, Juliet
that the poor and downtrodden have lives of their own, and •Related themes
themes: Love, Fate, Individuals vs. Society
that to them Romeo and Juliet's love and death mean
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absolutely nothing. After all, why would the death of two noble
teenagers mean anything to servants just trying to make it 1 2 3
through the day and scrounge up something to eat for dinner?
ACT 1, SCENE 1 QUOTES
SYMBOLS Abraham: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
Sampson: I do bite my thumb, sir.
Symbols appear in red text throughout the Summary and Abraham: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
Analysis sections of this LitChart.

Sampson (to Gregory): Is the law of our side if I say ay? And being thus frighted swears a prayer or two
Gregory: No. And sleeps again. This is that very Mab
Sampson: No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you sir; but I bite my That plats the manes of horses in the night,
thumb, sir. And bakes the elflocks in foul sluttish hairs,
Which once untangled, much misfortune bodes:
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This is the hag, when maids lie on their backs,
•Related themes
themes: Individuals vs. Society, Servants That presses them and learns them first to bear,
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This is she—
3 5
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•Related themes
themes: Individuals vs. Society, Language and Word
Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate! Play
O any thing, of nothing first created;
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O heavy lightness! serious vanity!
Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms! 3 4
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•Related themes
themes: Love, Language and Word Play Romeo: I dream'd a dream to-night.
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Romeo: Well, what was yours?
1 4 Mercutio: That dreamers often lie.
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•Related themes
themes: Fate, Individuals vs. Society, Language and
Then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you. Word Play
She is the fairies’ midwife, and she comes
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In shape no bigger than an agate-stone
On the fore-finger of an alderman, 2 3 4
Drawn with a team of little atomies
Athwart men’s noses as they lie asleep;
Her wagon-spokes made of long spinners’ legs, ACT 1, SCENE 5 QUOTES
The cover of the wings of grasshoppers, Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
The traces of the smallest spider’s web, It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
The collars of the moonshine’s watery beams, Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear,
... Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.
And in this state she gallops night by night So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
Through lovers’ brains, and then they dream of love; As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.
O’er courtiers’ knees, that dream on court’sies straight, The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,
O’er lawyers’ fingers, who straight dream on fees, And, touching hers, make blessèd my rude hand.
O’er ladies o’ lips, who straight on kisses dream, Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!
Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues, For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.
Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are:
•Speak
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Sometime she gallops o’er a courtier's nose,
And then dreams he of smelling out a suit; •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Juliet
And sometime comes she with a tithe-pig’s tail •Related themes
themes: Love, Fate
Tickling a parson’s nose as a’ lies asleep,
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Then dreams, he of another benefice:
Sometime she driveth o’er a soldier’s neck, 1 2
And then dreams he of cutting foreign throats,
Of breaches, ambuscadoes, Spanish blades,
Of healths five-fathom deep; and then anon You kiss by th'book.
Drums in his ear, at which he starts and wakes,

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themes: Love, Language and Word Play
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But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
1 4 It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!
•Speak
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My only love sprung from my only hate! •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Juliet
Too early seen unknown, and known too late! •Related themes
themes: Love
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O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
1 2 3 Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.
I take thee at thy word: •Speak
•Speaker
er: Juliet
Call me but love, and I'll be new baptis'd; •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Romeo, Montague
Henceforth I never will be Romeo. •Related themes
themes: Love, Individuals vs. Society, Language and
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acters: Juliet •Theme T
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themes: Love, Individuals vs. Society, Language and 1 3 4
Word Play
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'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; —
1 3 4 Thou art thyself though, not a Montague.
What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
That I shall say good-night till it be morrow. What's in a name? That which we call a rose,
•Speak
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er: Juliet By any other word would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
characters
acters: Romeo Retain that dear perfection which he owes
•Related themes
themes: Love Without that title: — Romeo, doff thy name;
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code: And for thy name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself.
1
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characters
acters: Romeo
O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, •Related themes
That monthly changes in her circled orb, Word Play
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
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1 3 4
•Related themes
themes: Love

ACT 2, SCENE 3 QUOTES That all the world will be in love with night,
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
For naught so vile that on the earth doth live
But to the earth some special good doth give; •Speak
•Speaker
er: Juliet
Nor aught so good but, strain'd from that fair use, •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Romeo
Revolts from true birth, stumbling on the abuse:
Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; •Related themes
themes: Love, Individuals vs. Society
And vice sometimes by action dignified. •Theme T
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themes: Individuals vs. Society
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Wilt thou be gone? it is not yet near day.
3
It was the nightingale, and not the lark,
That pierc'd the fearful hollow of thine ear;
ACT 3, SCENE 1 QUOTES Nightly she sings on yond pomegranate tree.
Romeo: Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much. Believe me love, it was the nightingale.
Mercutio: No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church- •Speak
•Speaker
er: Juliet
door; but 'tis enough, 'twill serve: ask for me to-morrow, and
you shall find me a grave man. •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Romeo
•Related themes
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er: Romeo, Mercutio Word Play
•Related themes
themes: Love, Fate, Individuals vs. Society, Language •Theme T
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1 2 3 4
Is there no pity sitting in the clouds
That sees into the bottom of my grief?
O, I am fortune's fool! O sweet my mother, cast me not away!
Delay this marriage for a month, a week,
•Speak
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Or if you do not, make the bridal bed
•Related themes
themes: Love, Fate In that dim monument where Tybalt lies.
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1 2 •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Lady Capulet, Tybalt
•Related themes
Romeo, the hate I bear thee can afford •Theme T
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No better term than this: thou art a villain.
1 2 3
•Speak
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characters
acters: Romeo ACT 4, SCENE 1 QUOTES
•Related themes
themes: Love Or bid me go into a new-made grave,
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code: And hide me with a dead man in his shroud -
Things that, to hear them told, have made me tremble -
1 And I will do it without fear or doubt,
To live an unstain'd wife to my sweet love.
ACT 3, SCENE 2 QUOTES •Speak
•Speaker
er: Juliet
Come, gentle night, — come, loving black brow'd night, •Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Romeo
Give me my Romeo; and when he shall die,
•Related themes
themes: Love, Individuals vs. Society
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of Heaven so fine

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LitChart.
1 3
PROLOGUE
ACT 5, SCENE 1 QUOTES The Prologue introduces themes
The Chorus delivers a
Then I defy you, stars! fourteen line sonnet, in which of love and death and individual
it states the topic of the play. In vs. society. And by revealing that
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Romeo
the city of Verona, there are R and J will die, the Prologue
•Related themes
themes: Love, Fate two noble houses that hold an goes further with fate: it literally
•Theme T
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code: "ancient grudge" against each creates their fate. R and J are
other, resulting in bloody fated to die because the Prologue
1 2 clashes. From these two says they will.
houses will emerge two "star-
ACT 5, SCENE 3 QUOTES crossed" lovers (1.p.3-6). The 1 2 3
lovers will heal the rift
O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. — Thus with a kiss I
between their families by
die.
dying.
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Romeo
characters
acters: Juliet, The Apothecary ACT 1, SCENE 1
•Related themes
themes: Love, Fate, Individuals vs. Society Two Capulet servants, The Montague-Capulet feud is
•Theme T
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code: Gregory and Samson, enter. immediately established as a
They brag about what they social force in Verona.
1 2 3 would do if they saw a
Montague. 3 5
For never was a story of more woe Suddenly they see Abraham, a Law and honor introduced as
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo. Montague servant. They want additional social forces at play in
to fight, but don't want to start Verona.
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Prince Escalus the fight so that the law is on
characters
acters: Romeo, Juliet their side. Samson insults 3 5
•Related themes
themes: Love, Individuals vs. Society Abraham by biting his thumb.
Abraham draws his sword.
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Benvolio arrives and tries to The Montague-Capulet feud is as
1 3 stop the fighting. Tybalt passionate among the nobles as
arrives and insults Benvolio among the servants. Tybalt
and all Montagues. Soon established as a hothead.
Yea, noise,then I'll be brief; they're all battling. Montague
O, happy dagger! and Capulet also try to join the 3 5
This is thy sheath; there rest, and let me die. fight, but their wives hold them
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Juliet back.
•Related themes
themes: Love, Fate, Individuals vs. Society The brawl halts only when As the only government official in
Prince Escalus arrives with the play, Prince Escalus comes to
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code:
members of the Civil Watch. symbolize the law.
1 2 3 Escalus proclaims that any
Montague or Capulet who 3
disturbs the peace in the
SUMMARY AND ANAL
ANALYSIS
YSIS future will be put to death.
The color-coded and numbered boxes under each row of

Summary and Analysis below make it easy to track the themes
throughout the work. Each color and number corresponds to

As Benvolio and Montague Love makes Romeo a loner–out As they exit, Capulet sends a The illiterate servant Peter is
discuss the fight a little later, of the social world. Love also servant, Peter, to deliver the treated as a second-class citizen.
Lady Montague says she's glad makes Romeo frequent the pre- rest of the invitations. But First, he's given a task by his
that Romeo, her son, wasn't dawn darkness. Though his Peter can't read. Just then, master that he can't accomplish,
involved. Benvolio says that family doesn't know why Romeo and Benvolio happen then he's tricked by Romeo and
just before dawn he saw Romeo's sad, the play gives a along. Peter asks them if they'll Benvolio. It's funny, but also
Romeo looking melancholy in a clue through a bad pun. read the list of invitations shows how powerless Peter is.
grove of sycamore trees. None Sycamore = sick amour (or "sick aloud for him. Romeo reads
of them know why Romeo has love"). the list. In thanks, Peter invites 5
seemed so sad recently. Just them to the masquerade, as
then they see Romeo 1 3 long as they aren't Montagues,
approaching. Montague and of course. Peter exits.
Lady Montague exit, to let
Benvolio notes that Rosaline Again, the audience knows
Benvolio speak with Romeo
was one of the names on the Romeo is wrong, and has
alone.
list. He suggests they crash the probably already realized that
Benvolio learns from Romeo Romeo's clichéd talk of love party so Romeo can see his Romeo will meet Juliet at the
that he is in love with Rosaline, mimics Petrarchan poems about love isn't anything special party. The audience has a fate's-
a woman who has taken an unrequited love. Romeo isn't compared to the other eye view of the play.
oath of chastity. Romeo makes actually in love—he's trying to be beauties there. Romeo agrees
poetic pronouncements about an unrequited lover. to go just to prove Benvolio 1 2
love, and speaks in clichés wrong.
about its paradoxes: "feather 1
of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, ACT 1, SCENE 3
sick health" (1.1.174).
Just before the masquerade, Lady Capulet's fear of talking to
Benvolio advises Romeo to Of course, the audience knows Lady Capulet asks the Nurse Juliet without the Nurse present
find someone else to love. Romeo is wrong: the play's title to find Juliet. Juliet enters. establishes her as an ineffectual
Romeo walks off, saying that makes it clear Juliet is his fate. Lady Capulet dismisses the mother. The Nurse's story implies
he can't forget Rosaline. Nurse, then immediately calls that women, even as infants, are
Benvolio vows to help him 1 2
her back. The Nurse then tells seen as sexual objects. Juliet's
forget her. a story about Juliet as a baby, ability to quiet the Nurse shows
in which the Nurse's now dead her strength.
ACT 1, SCENE 2 husband implicated an
unknowing Juliet in a sexual 3 5
Capulet and Paris, a kinsmen Capulet says he'll give Juliet the
joke. Lady Capulet can't quiet
of Prince Escalus, discuss chance to accept or refuse Paris'
the Nurse, but Juliet finally
Paris's wish to marry Capulet's marriage suit. Yet this generosity
does.
daughter, Juliet. Capulet says from Capulet suggests a deeper
Juliet is too young to truth: if Capulet can give Juliet Lady Capulet asks Juliet what Juliet's innocence is visible in her
marry—she's not yet fourteen. this power, he can also take it she thinks about marriage. lack of thought about love. Lady
Still, he urges Paris to woo her away. Juliet says she hasn't thought Capulet sees marriage in
and win her heart. After all, about it. Lady Capulet material terms. That Lady
Capulet says, while he wants 1 3 responds that at Juliet's age Capulet married at age 13 shows
Juliet to marry Paris, it's more she had already given birth to societal standards.
important that she want to Juliet. She reveals that Paris
marry him. Capulet invites seeks to marry Juliet and says 1 3
Paris to the annual Capulet that if Juliet marries him she
masquerade being held that will "share all that he doth
night. possess" (1.3.95).

Juliet says she'll look at Paris Juliet uses word play to make Romeo catches sight of Juliet. Romeo's first sight of Juliet is
to see if she could love him, but resistance sound like obedience: He doesn't know who she is, linked to Tybalt's noticing
won't look any more deeply she'll do what her mother asks, but immediately forgets Romeo. Love can't escape the
than her mother instructs. but not a jot more. Rosaline. He says that Juliet society surrounding it.
teaches the "torches to burn
1 3 4 bright!"(1.5.41). At the same 1 2 3
time, Tybalt recognizes Romeo
ACT 1, SCENE 4 and prepares to attack this
party-crashing Montague.
Romeo, Benvolio, and their Mercutio thinks little of love. He
friend Mercutio (a kinsmen of uses puns to show love is nothing Capulet, furious that Tybalt Romeo and Juliet's meeting sets
Prince Escalus), walk toward more than a pretty excuse to would ruin the party, stops in motion Tybalt's part in their
the Capulet's ball. Romeo, still chase sex. Mercutio's banter also him. Once Capulet is gone, fate.
melancholy, says he won't shows how friends exert social Tybalt secretly vows revenge,
dance at the party. Mercutio pressure. and exits. 2 3
makes fun of Romeo, twisting The prologue and this first
1 3 4 Romeo approaches Juliet.
all his comments about love meeting between R and J are
Their entire first conversation
into sexual metaphors. both in sonnet form. The play
is an intertwined fourteen line
Romeo says he dreamed that Fate and foreshadowing. sonnet, in which they develop links the prologue's theme of fate
going to the feast was a bad a complicated religious with R and J's love from the first
idea. 2 metaphor that Romeo guides instant through this stylistic
into a first kiss, and which echo.
Mercutio launches into a In the famous Queen Mab
Juliet guides toward a second.
speech about dreams and speech, Mercutio reveals the 1 4
Juliet comments that Romeo
Queen Mab, the Queen of dark desires that hide behind
kisses "by the book" (1.5.107).
Fairies. The speech begins as a mankind's pretty ideals, and his
kind of fairy-tale, with Queen own revulsion at this subterfuge. The Nurse interrupts, calling Just as they fall in love, R and J
Mab bringing dreams in her He also shows his wit with words Juliet to her mother. Romeo discover the main social
carriage made from a walnut. and a tendency to get carried learns from the Nurse that forces—their families—opposing
But the dreams become more furiously away. Juliet's a Capulet. Moments them. Juliet simultaneously
and more nightmarish, later, Juliet says about Romeo, foreshadows her fate: when
revealing men's greed, 3 4 as the Nurse goes to find out Romeo gets married, Juliet's
violence, and sexual desire. who he is, "If he be married, my grave does become her wedding
Mercutio works himself into a grave is like to be my wedding bed.
fervor. Romeo breaks in and bed" (1.5.131-132). The Nurse
calms him down. reports Romeo's a Montague. 1 2 3
Benvolio breaks in to say Romeo gives himself to fate.
they'll be late if they don't ACT 2, PROLOGUE
hurry. Romeo again says he 2 In another sonnet, the Chorus This prologue emphasizes how
has a bad feeling. He senses describes the obstacles facing passion can move people to
that the events of the night will the new love between Romeo struggle against social realities.
set fate in motion and result in and Juliet, but also says that
his untimely death. But he "passion lends them power" 1 3
shrugs it off and follows his (2.p.13).
friends.
ACT 1, SCENE 5
At the masquerade, servants Servant's view of the party: work.
bustle, complain, and save a
little marzipan for themselves. 5

ACT 2, SCENE 1 ACT 2, SCENE 3
Instead of leaving the party Another social pressure that As dawn breaks, Friar The Friar's thoughts on the
with Benvolio and Mercutio, Romeo must face: his friends. For Laurence collects herbs importance of moderation prove
Romeo jumps the wall into the the rest of the play, by the way, outside his cell. He muses on fateful, given the destruction that
Capulet garden to try to find Romeo's friends continue to the fact that everything on R and J's passion causes.
Juliet. Benvolio and Mercutio think Romeo loves Rosaline. Earth, from herbs to virtues,
call after him, and Mercutio has some special good, but 1 2
laughingly mocks Romeo's 1 3 that any of those things, if
passion and love for Rosaline. misapplied or used in excess,
Finally, they give up and leave. can cause disaster.
Romeo rushes into Friar The Friar's comments on
ACT 2, SCENE 2 Laurence's cell. Friar Laurence moderation contrast with
Just then, Romeo sees Juliet Light/dark imagery. Juliet is a immediately sees that Romeo Romeo's youthful insistence on
walk out onto a balcony. In a sun, lighting up the night. did not sleep that night, and is speed and extreme emotion
whisper he compares her to alarmed that Romeo might above all else.
the sun, and hides beneath her 1 have slept in sin with Rosaline.
But Romeo says he has 1
balcony.
forgotten Rosaline, and
Juliet speaks: she asks why Juliet tries to use language, describes his love for Juliet
Romeo must be Romeo. She name-changing, to escape from and his desire to marry her.
asks him to forswear his name, the social world in order to love
to give up being a Montague, freely. The Friar is suspicious of Another clue that before Juliet,
then offers to give up being a Romeo's sudden switch from Romeo's "love" came from
Capulet if Romeo will love her. 1 3 Rosaline to Juliet. Romeo copying romantic poetry rather
responds that Juliet, unlike than experience.
Romeo emerges from his Romeo's passion for Juliet is so Rosaline, returns his love. The
hiding place, startling Juliet. great it is almost violent, and Friar comments that Rosaline 1
She says that if Romeo is makes him think nothing of knew Romeo's "love did read
noticed he'll be killed, but death. by rote, that could not spell"
Romeo responds that he (2.2.86).
would rather die than live 1 2 3
without her love. But Friar Laurence also sees Though he preaches moderation,
an opportunity to end the feud Friar Laurence gets caught up in
As the Nurse calls from Juliet's Even head over heels in love, between the Montagues and his own big dreams of creating
room, Juliet hurriedly asks Juliet, as a woman, must protect Capulets, and agrees to marry peace.
Romeo, if his "love be her honor. Society demands it. Romeo and Juliet.
honorable" (2.1.185), to send 3
her word tomorrow whether 1 3
he will marry her. He tells her
ACT 2, SCENE 4
to send the Nurse to him at
nine. They exchange more Benvolio and Mercutio Mercutio's mockery shows
hurried words of love, then wonder what happened to similarities between Tybalt and
exit. Romeo the previous night. Romeo: Romeo loves love, Tybalt
Benvolio mentions that Tybalt loves honor. Mercutio thinks
has challenged Romeo to a they're both fools, though he likes
dual. In a display of verbal wit, Romeo and hates Tybalt.
Mercutio mocks Tybalt as a
"Prince of Cats" (2.3.17) who 3 4
follows honor to a ridiculous
degree. But he admits Tybalt is
a good swordsmen.

Romeo appears. Mercutio This is a glimpse of who Romeo ACT 2, SCENE 6
mockingly compares Rosaline was before he became obsessed
Friar Laurence and Romeo Contrast between Romeo's
to all the great heroines of with love: a kid with a wit as
wait for Juliet. Romeo is so passions and the Friar's
classical literature. Romeo and quick and wicked as Mercutio's.
excited he says that no matter moderation. And the Friar is
Mercutio then engage in an Mercutio believes this bantering
what sorrow might come, it right: Romeo's end is violent. But
epic banter match, throwing Romeo is the "true" Romeo
cannot compare to his joy. The Romeo wouldn't have it any
back and forth their wit and
1 3 4 Friar counsels moderation in other way.
sexual double entendres.
everything, including love,
Finally, Mercutio breaks off 1 2
saying "These violent delights
and says in great joy, "Now art
have violent ends" (2.5.9).
thou sociable, now art thou
Romeo" (2.3.77). Juliet arrives, and Romeo asks Juliet calls Romeo on his overly-
her to describe her love for poetic love. She makes him see
The Nurse appears, looking for Here's an example of casual
him. But Juliet refuses. She that love is bigger than just
Romeo. For fun, Mercutio verbal abuse of lower-classes by
comments that "They are but saying the words.
compares the Nurse to a nobles, even if in good fun.
beggars that can count their
prostitute for a while, then 1 4
5 worth" (2.5.32). She says her
goes off with Benvolio to get
love is too large to describe.
lunch.
The Nurse threatens some The Nurse is determined to
ACT 3, SCENE 1
dire response if Romeo means protect both Juliet's honor and
to mislead Juliet. But Romeo her heart. Romeo shows he is The following day is boiling Scene shifts from the privacy of
says that if Juliet can get to honorable. hot. Benvolio tells Mercutio Friar Laurence's cell where
Friar Laurence's cell that they should get off the streets: Romeo and Juliet were married
afternoon, they will be 1 3 the hot weather is bound to to a public square where friends,
married. He also plans with the cause hot tempers. Just then, honor, and family ties hold sway.
Nurse to set a rope ladder to Tybalt enters with some other
Capulets. Tybalt and Mercutio 2 3 4
Juliet's room, so he can climb
to her room for their wedding quickly start insulting each
night. other and seem close to
drawing swords. Benvolio tries
to calm them.
ACT 2, SCENE 5
Romeo appears. Tybalt calls Romeo tries to avoid or deny
Juliet waits impatiently for the Romeo, as a man, can go out into
Romeo a "villain," but Romeo obligations of the social world
Nurse to return, and maligns the world and act. Juliet, as a
refuses to duel, saying that he with love...
"old folks" as "unwieldy, slow, woman, must wait at home.
loves Tybalt, and that the name
heavy, and pale as lead" 1 3 4
1 3 Capulet is as dear as his own.
(2.4.14–15). Finally, the Nurse
arrives. At first, the Nurse Mercutio, furious that Romeo ...but Romeo's love becomes
pretends she's too tired to talk refuses to stand up for himself, warped by the social world, and
in order to extort a back rub challenges Tybalt. They draw results in the death of his friend.
from Juliet. Then she relents their swords and begin to fight. Mercutio's dying curse on the
and tells an ecstatic Juliet to Romeo steps between them to Capulets and Montagues can be
get to Friar Laurence's cell to stop the fighting, but Tybalt seen as both foreshadowing and
be married. stabs Mercutio under Romeo's fate.
arm. Tybalt and the Capulets
rush off. Mercutio dies, cursing 1 2 3
both Montagues and Capulets:
"A plague o' both your houses"
(3.1.86).

Romeo says to himself that Romeo realizes he can't live by ACT 3, SCENE 3
love for Juliet has made him love in the social world of men.
Romeo, hiding in Friar Romeo's argument about love
"effeminate." Tybalt returns. He avenges Mercutio's death, as
Laurence's cell, learns he has with Friar Laurence boils down to
Romeo avenges Mercutio by honor dictates he must.
been banished. He says youth and passion vs. age and
fighting and killing Tybalt. As
1 3 banishment is worse than moderation.
the Watch and Prince Escalus
death because it means life
approach, Romeo flees. 1 2
without Juliet. Friar Laurence
Benvolio tells Prince Escalus The law, though neutral, does not tells him to be patient and
what happened. The Capulets consider private matters such as scolds him for being ungrateful
demand that Romeo be love, and so the law becomes R that his life has been spared.
executed, while the and J's enemy. Romeo says if the Friar felt
Montagues argue that Tybalt what he feels, the Friar would
was to blame. Escalus banishes 3 understand Romeo's despair.
Romeo from Verona. Romeo throws himself to the
floor.
ACT 3, SCENE 2 There is a knock on the door. Romeo continues to link his
Juliet begs nightfall to hurry in Night and privacy are here linked Romeo hides. Friar Laurence passionate love to violence and
its coming, and to bring Romeo with love. lets in the Nurse. Romeo suicide. It is, of course, another
with it. She imagines that when believes Juliet must think him instance of foreshadowing. But it
she dies Romeo will be 1 3 a murderer and tries to stab makes the point that Romeo's
immortalized as stars in himself. The Nurse stops him. character drives his fate...
heaven. Friar Laurence scolds him for
his crying and counts all the 1 2
The Nurse runs in crying and Juliet demonstrates her own ways that Romeo is lucky.
shouting "He's dead!" (3.2.36). willingness to die for love.
Juliet thinks Romeo has killed The Friar tells Romeo to go ...so no matter how reasonable
himself, and threatens to kill 1 2 spend the night with Juliet and the Friar's plan might be, it's
herself. then before dawn to flee bound to not work out.
Verona for Mantua. There he
The Nurse in her grief starts Juliet chooses Romeo over her should wait until some time 1 2
calling out Tybalt's name. family. In the balcony scene she has passed and the marriage
Juliet realizes there's been a offered to give up her name. Her can be made public knowledge
mistake. The Nurse tells her decision here to support Romeo and the prince begged to
Romeo killed Tybalt and has shows that she now really has pardon him.
been banished. Juliet laments given it up. She supports her
that Romeo could seem such husband, a Montague, over her
an angel and be such a devil. cousin, a Capulet.
The Nurse curses him. But
Juliet cuts the Nurse off, and 1 3
chides herself for speaking ill
of Romeo. Romeo is her
husband, and her loyalty and
love are with him.
Juliet tells the Nurse to find Even as the social world seems to
Romeo and bid him come that conspire against them, night
night to her room so that they gives R and J the privacy they
can consummate their need to love.
marriage. The Nurse knows
Romeo is hiding at Friar 1
Laurence's cell.

ACT 3, SCENE 4 Lady Capulet reveals the plan Yet Juliet can only hide from the
for Juliet to marry Paris on public world; she can't overcome
It is just before dawn. Capulet, Juliet's apparent grief at Tybalt's
Thursday. Juliet refuses to it. As a daughter, she has no right
Lady Capulet, and Paris have death (which is really grief at
marry Paris just as Capulet or ability to stand up to her
stayed up late, discussing Romeo's banishment) moves
enters. He is furious at her father. Note how furious Capulet
Juliet and the tragedy of Capulet to decide to marry her to
ingratitude. Capulet says she'll gets at the mere suggestion of
Tybalt's death. Paris turns to Paris. Capulet is trying to make
marry Paris on Thursday even disobedience.
go, but Capulet suddenly calls Juliet happy, but this is a decision
if he has to drag her to the
him back. Capulet says he he's making for her. As her father, 1 3
church. And if she still refuses
wants Paris and Juliet to he has that right, and expects
to marry, he will disown her.
marry, and thinks her heart total obedience. Interesting that
Juliet begs her mother to step
"will be ruled in all respects by all this is happening at
in, but Lady Capulet follows
me" (3.4.14). He suggests the dawn—the moment when night
Capulet out the door.
marriage be held on shifts to day.
Wednesday. Then, realizing its Juliet asks the Nurse for Just as Friar Laurence can't
Monday, he says Wednesday's 1 2 3 advice. The Nurse says that understand Romeo's passion, the
too soon and moves the Romeo is banished and Nurse can't understand Juliet's.
Wedding back to Thursday. unlikely to return, so she The Nurse thinks one handsome
Paris is overjoyed. Capulet should marry Paris. The Nurse man is as good as another. Juliet,
instructs Lady Capulet to tell tries to ease the blow by in contrast, insists on the
Juliet about her imminent saying that Paris is better uniqueness of her love with
wedding. looking than Romeo anyway. Romeo.
Juliet privately vows never to
trust the Nurse again. She 1 3
ACT 3, SCENE 5
comes up with a lie in order to
The call of a bird wakes Romeo Earlier Romeo and Juliet tried to go see Friar Laurence, telling
and Juliet just before dawn, rename each other. Now they try the Nurse that because she
but Juliet claims the bird is a to rename things in the world to displeased her father she
nightingale rather than the lark stop the day from dawning. needs to go to confession.
greeting the day. Romeo says
he's willing to pretend it's night 1 3 4
and die, just to be with Juliet.
ACT 4, SCENE 1
Paris is talking with Father Of course, Friar Laurence does
Juliet stops pretending. She Juliet is willing to die for love.
Laurence, to prepare for the know what Juliet wants. He's
says it's day and Romeo must Romeo wants to die for love.
wedding on Thursday. Friar lying—trying to affect the world
go. through language without
1 3 Laurence says it's all
happening too fast and that revealing what he knows.
The Nurse enters and warns Perfect example of the social he's concerned that Paris
that Lady Capulet is world interfering in Romeo and doesn't even know if Juliet 3 4
approaching Juliet's room. Juliet's love, leading to a wants to marry him.
Romeo hurries down the rope foreshadowing of their fate.
Juliet arrives. Paris greets her Bland Paris takes love for
ladder. To Juliet, standing on
her balcony, it looks as if 2 as his wife. Paris is loving, but granted. Juliet masks the
condescending, assuming that meaning of her words with word
Romeo is descending into a
she loves him. Juliet is evasive play.
tomb.
and mocks Paris without his
Lady Capulet enters, and soon Juliet uses language to hide her realizing it. Friar Laurence 1 3 4
begins to curse Romeo as the meaning from her mother. Word steps in saying it is time for
"traitor murderer" (3.5.84) of play can keep private thoughts Juliet's confession.
Tybalt. Juliet speaks so safe from the public world.
Once they're alone, Juliet Love is here linked to violence,
cunningly that it seems like
1 3 4 draws a dagger and threatens and suicide brought up as a way
she's agreeing with her
to kill herself unless the Friar to escape society.
mother, but in reality she is
expressing her love for Romeo. can help her.
1 2 3

Friar Laurence quickly comes To save her love with Romeo, Once they leave, she picks up The depth of Juliet's love for
up with a plan: he gives Juliet a Juliet must make it look like she the vial of potion that Friar Romeo is visible in her
potion that, for forty-two killed herself, which foreshadows Laurence gave her. Suddenly willingness to drink the potion
hours, will put her into a sleep her actual suicide for love at the nervous, she thinks about what despite her profound fears.
so deep it will appear as if she play's end. Incidentally, death might go wrong with Friar
has died. He tells her to agree can be seen as the ultimate night, Laurence's plan: what if the 2
to marry Paris Thursday, but to the ultimate privacy; and it is Friar means to murder her to
take the potion Wednesday privacy from the social world hide his participation in her
night. Instead of a wedding, that Juliet needs in order to marriage to Romeo? What if
the Capulets will hold a share her love with Romeo in she wakes up in the vault
funeral, and inter Juliet in their peace. before Romeo arrives, and
family tomb. Meanwhile, the goes insane because she is
friar will get word to Romeo, 1 2 3 surrounded by death and
who will come to the tomb in skeletons?
time to be there when she
Juliet sees a vision of Tybalt Juliet's vision symbolizes fate
wakes, and the two of them
chasing Romeo, yet lifts the battling love. Juliet, steeled by
will together go to Mantua.
vial, toasts to Romeo, and love, stares down fate and drinks.
drinks.
ACT 4, SCENE 2 1 2
At the Capulet's home, Earlier, Juliet had been using
preparations for the wedding language to make one thing ACT 4, SCENE 4
are in full swing. Juliet returns sound like another. Now she's As the Capulet household The Friar's chiding of the
from Friar Laurence's cell with lying outright to her parents. readies for the wedding the Capulets for immoderate grief
a smile on her face. She following morning, Capulet mirrors his advice to Romeo
"repent[s] of the sin of 3 4
sends the Nurse to wake about immoderate passion. But
disobedient opposition" Juliet. But Juliet is dead. The now Friar Laurence is using his
(4.2.17) and begs for her Nurse, Lady Capulet, and advice to lie. Even if he's doing it
father to forgive her. Capulet cry out in grief. Just to help Juliet, it seems a pretty
Capulet is overjoyed. In fact, It is ironic, and fateful, that then, Paris and Friar Laurence un-friarlike thing to do.
he's so happy that over his Juliet's fake joy convinces arrive with musicians. Paris
Capulet to move the wedding joins in the mourning. But Friar 3 4
wife's objections he decides to
move the wedding up a day to forward a day. Laurence chides them. He says
Wednesday, which is that Juliet is now happy in
tomorrow. Juliet and Nurse go 2 heaven, and says they must
to Juliet's room to pick out prepare the funeral. The
clothes for Juliet to wear. Capulets, Paris, the Nurse, and
Friar Laurence all exit.
ACT 4, SCENE 3
After selecting clothes for the Juliet needs privacy to take her
wedding, Juliet asks the Nurse stand against society.
and Lady Capulet to let her
spend the night before her 3
wedding alone.

The sudden exit of the A noblewoman has apparently Romeo addresses Juliet, Romeo tells the apothecary to
Capulets leaves the musicians died on her wedding day, and telling her "I will lie with thee break the law because the law
all alone. Peter requests that musicians are wondering if it tonight" (5.1.34). He finds a doesn't do anything to help the
they play a happy song to means they won't get lunch. The poor apothecary, and asks the apothecary out of his poverty.
lessen his sadness, but they musicians, who work for their man to sell him poison. The But Romeo is also unwittingly
refuse because Peter has no living, have to care about their apothecary says Mantua has a describing his own situation: the
money to pay them. This leads own well-being. death penalty against anyone law cares nothing about his love,
to a confrontation with a who sells poison. Romeo says and so he's breaking it. By buying
furious Peter, but the 5 the apothecary should not pay poison, Romeo throws off the last
musicians don't give in. After any attention to the law, since of the social bonds constricting
Peter leaves, the musicians there is no law that protects him.
decide to stick around for a the apothecary from his
while to see if they can get a poverty. The apothecary sells 1 2 3 5
free lunch at the funeral Romeo poison, saying "My
reception. poverty but not my will
consents" (5.1.75). Romeo
ACT 5, SCENE 1 takes the poison and heads off
to Verona and the Capulet
Romeo, in Mantua, Romeo's dream is the opposite of tomb.
contemplates a happy dream what happens. Rather than bring
he's had: Juliet found him him back to life, in act 5, scene 3
dead, and brought him back to Juliet kisses his lips to try to join ACT 5, SCENE 2
life by kissing him. As Romeo him in death. Friar John, who Friar Fate can be a bummer.
muses on love, Balthasar, Laurence had sent to tell
Romeo's servant, arrives with 1 2 Romeo the plan about Juliet's 2
news: Juliet is dead. Balthasar fake death, returns. He
saw her laid to rest in the explains that he never made it
Capulet tomb. to Mantua because an
outbreak of the plague put him
Romeo shouts, "Then I defy Romeo seeks to deny fate by
in quarantine. Friar Laurence
you, stars" (5.1.24). He orders joining Juliet in death, but is
writes another letter to
Balthasar to get him paper and actually playing into fate's hands.
Romeo, then rushes off to free
ink for a note, and to hire some Part of the genius of Romeo and
Juliet from the Capulet tomb.
horses. Balthasar asks Romeo Juliet is how its characters'
to calm down and be personalities determine their
patient—he says that Romeo's fates. Also, note how Romeo, like ACT 5, SCENE 3
"pale and wild" looks signify Juliet did before, has now started Outside the Capulet tomb, Though Paris is little more than a
that Romeo is about to do to lie to protect his privacy. Paris mourns. He sends his good-looking bore, his love for
something rash. Romeo servant away to wait for him Juliet is real.
assures Balthasar that he 1 2 3 4
nearby, and tells the boy to
won't do anything crazy. whistle if anyone approaches. 1
Balthasar exits to get the While Paris strews the ground
paper and the horses. with flowers, the page
whistles. Paris hides.

Romeo enters bearing a torch, Romeo lies to Balthasar about Juliet sees the vial clutched in Juliet kills herself, fulfilling her
with Balthasar following him. his plans—once again he uses Romeo's dead hand and fate, when she hears the
Romeo gives Balthasar a letter deceiving language as a way to realizes he killed himself by approaching watch–a symbolic
and instructs him to give it to gain privacy from the social poison. She kisses his lips, playing out of death as a form of
his father (Montague) the next world. hoping to poison herself. But privacy from encroaching society.
morning. He says he wants to there is none left. She hears
see Juliet one last time, and to 1 3 4 the Watch approaching, pulls 1 2 3
take a ring from her as a Romeo's dagger from its
remembrance, and sends sheath, stabs herself, and dies.
Balthasar away. But Balthasar
The Watchmen enter and see The social world discovers what
doesn't leave, and instead
the dead bodies. They send has been going on in the private
hides nearby.
men to rouse Prince Escalus, world.
Paris recognizes Romeo and Paris throws flowers on his love's the Capulets, and the
thinks he has come to grave, while Romeo has come to Montagues, and search the 3
desecrate Tybalt's or Juliet's kill himself–Romeo vs. Paris pits area. They find Balthasar and
grave, or both. He draws his passionate love against a more Friar Laurence.
sword and confronts Romeo. "proper" love. It's no surprise who
Prince Escalus enters, Romeo and Juliet's love is so
Romeo begs Paris not to try to wins their duel.
followed first by the Capulets, passionate that it has to be
stop him, but Paris refuses.
1 and then by Montague, who everything or nothing, and in a
They fight. Paris's page runs to
says his wife has died of grief world of families, friendships,
call the Watch. Romeo kills
over Romeo's banishment. and civil law, love can't be
Paris, but promises to grant
Friar Laurence explains to everything. So their love
Paris's dying request to be laid
them everything that demanded that they die. In other
to rest near Juliet.
happened. Balthasar hands words, their love was their fate.
Romeo opens the tomb and Romeo fulfills both fate and love, over the letter from Romeo to And by killing themselves, Romeo
carries the body of Paris and removes himself from the his father, which corroborates and Juliet change the world in a
inside. He sees Juliet, and is social world—he kills himself to Friar Laurence's story. The way their word play and lies
amazed that her beauty is be with Juliet. Note also that the Prince turns to the Montagues couldn't:—they end the feud that
unaffected by death. He thinks dark tomb provides a kind of and Capulets and tells them made their love impossible. Fate
it seems almost as if death has permanent night. that their hate is so terrible may have ended their lives, but it
fallen in love with her. He that "heaven finds means to kill also made their love powerful.
kisses Juliet, drinks the poison, 1 2 3 your joys with love" (5.2.292).
kisses her once more, and dies. Montague and Capulet take 1 2 3
each other's hands, promising
Friar Laurence arrives at the By fleeing, the Friar shows that
to bury their grudge and to
churchyard and is greeted by his moderation, while usually the
erect golden statues of Juliet
Balthasar, who tells him that wiser course than passion, is
and Romeo. Prince Escalus,
Romeo has returned to see often not as honorable, pure, or
mourning his own dead
Juliet. The Friar, sensing courageous as passion can be.
relatives, leads the group away.
disaster, rushes to the tomb
and sees the blood and 1
weapons from Romeo's fight HOW T
TO
O CITE
with Paris. Just as he enters
the tomb, Juliet stirs and It's easy to cite LitCharts for use in academic papers and reports.
wakes. Friar Laurence hears
the approaching Watch. He MLA CIT
CITA
ATION
tells her what happened, and Florman, Ben. "Romeo and Juliet." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 22 Jul
begs Juliet to flee with him. 2013. Web. 26 Oct 2016.
Juliet refuses. Friar Laurence
runs.

CHICA
CHICAGO
GO MANU
MANUAL
AL CIT
CITA
ATION
Florman, Ben. "Romeo and Juliet." LitCharts LLC, July 22, 2013.
Retrieved October 26, 2016. http://www.litcharts.com/lit/romeo-
and-juliet.

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Romeo and Juliet

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THEMES 3 INDIVIDUALS VS. SOCIETY

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The color-coded and numbered boxes under each row of

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