3B+Romeo+and+Juliet

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Model Essays
I enjoyed reading ALL your essays, so I have posted them all here for you to read. They all have strong points, which I have added comments on in addition to commenting on areas for improvement. **I strongly suggest you review all the essays** as well as **your own previous work** when preparing for the in-class essay on Tuesday. Some repeated problems were apostrophe use and present tense for analysis, so do leave time to edit carefully for these in your work. Also, you need to carefully review how to quote from Shakespeare. This information is in the 3.5 pack and I've also posted it on the home page for your reference.

Casey and Oliver's group has a fantastic introduction and thesis: Amy and Angela's group's has some wonderful vocabulary (magnanimous, quintessential) and a very balanced paragraph on Capulet: Regan and Junee's group had some interesting and creative ideas: Finally, Tracey and Dawson's group had well supported points in their body paragraphs and lots of great stuff on Capulet:

Essential Questions
Are the tragic events of the play fated from the very start? - Angela Shakespeare’s famous tragedy //Romeo and Juliet// portrays a pair of star-crossed lovers who are unfortunately ill fated from the start. The chorus (prologue) clearly states that Romeo and Juliet are “A pair of star-crossed lovers” (1.prologue.6) blighted from their love due to the ancient grudge of their families. It is their destiny to fall in passionate love at first sight, then “take their life” (prologue.6) due to the extreme hatred their family names bear. Judging by the common theme of oppositions throughout the play of //Romeo and Juliet,// it is inferable that the lovers are ill-fated form the beginning. Looking at the general plot, Romeo and Juliet’s love begins with honey sweet passion of love at first sight showing all the romantic aspects of love. However, because of a constant opposition theme, Romeo and Juliet’s love can be inferred to end tragically in order to convey the opposite of love, hatred.

One may argue that Romeo and Juliet’s misfortune is due to their own decisions. Although they know “[their] only love sprung from [their] only hate” 1.5.152, they still ignore the fact of their ancient family hatred and continue loving each other. After being married by father Lawrence, the sweet couple hides the truth of their union to their families. The fighting of act 3 is the result of their choice of hiding their love. Their decisions towards the honesty of their love are the main influence on the outcome of their love. Although Romeo and Juliet are fated to die, “passion lends them power” (2.prologue.13) creates a hope in their ill fate as if they can actually escape this misfortune. The audience can infer that the will to love will overpower their ill fate and become the dominant influence to triumph over the challenges they may face. Romeo and Juliet are not ill fated from the beginning. Fate brings them together to meet, yet falling heads-over-heels for each other is their own decision. Romeo and Juliet are simply inexperienced lovers whom met at the wrong time and made the wrong decisions out of their own free will.

“The sweetest honey/ Is loathsome in his own deliciousness/ And in the taste counfounds the appetite./ Therefore love moderately, long love doth so” (2.6.11 – 14) Passion is important in the creation of love, however, having too much of anything generates an opposite effect destroying the originally balanced relationship. The unprecedented love of Romeo and Juliet led to their tragic ending, but having loved each other even for only days, it creates enough power for them to venture and defy their ill fate. Romeo and Juliet are a paired of star-crossed lovers whom unfortunate fate impeded with.

(word count 456)

Who is to blame for the tragic events of the play? - Regan There is no single person to blame for the untimely deaths Romeo and Juliet, however many different themes and characters take responsibility for increasing the tragedy up until the climatic fight scene (the beginning of downfall) and eventually, the couples’ suicide. Shakespeare blames fate for the unfortunate events that occur in this play. Romeo often cries out “I am fortunes fool!” (3.1.142), “writ me sour in misfortunes book” (5.3.81) Showing that fate controls everything, even love. “A pair of star-crossed (fated) lovers” (prologue) In Shakespearean age, superstition and omens were common and assumed to be true, so he played on this and showed Romeo trying to control his own fate, “Then I defy you stars!” (5.1.25), but eventually failing and submitting to fate’s hand. He also uses a lot of “coincidental” situations that only fate could control. Had certain events not happened -Romeo and Juliet’s immediate love, the letter not making it to Romeo due to plague, Juliet awakening too late to stop Romeo, etc., the couple might have had a chance at living. But as fate has it, their death seemed “inevitable”. Another point. If it was “destiny” for Romeo and Juliet to fall in love, the blame can be put on the feuding families for disabling the couple to love openly, and causing them to be secretive and rash. If the families could have put their differences aside long ago, the couple may have lived. The character with most blame is the well-intentioned friar, who is a decent and honest man, making poor decisions. His judgments to marry the couple, give Juliet the poison, and try to get the word to Romeo seemed plausible at the time. However, his planned didn’t go as imagined. His idea that the uniting of the youths would bridge the feud between the families seemed noble, but his means to go about it were reckless and not thought through. “For this alliance may so happy prove, to turn your households’ rancor to pure love” (2.3.98-99) Of course, he didn’t know that Romeo would be banished, or that Capulet would arrange a second marriage for Juliet, so he simply responded to the dilemmas as they occurred. He wanted only to help the couple and fight for the belief of love and peace, but ended up helping to lead up to the tragic ending. Another aspect of blame can be put on the ignorance of youth, and the feelings of “invincibility” that love gave the couple. So madly, and furiously in love, Romeo and Juliet ignored all logic and practicality. They were so consumed with their passion that they rushed into things, with no future in mind. Though they were well aware of their family’s disagreements, they expressed that love was strong enough to triumph death and sorrow. “But come what sorrow can, it cannot countervail the exchange of joy” (2.6.3-4). They ironically, spoke lightly of death because as long as they had each other, nothing else mattered. “Then love-devouring death do what he dare, it is enough that I may but call her mine.” (2.6.7-8) They ignored all the warnings and “bad omens” they encountered, which foreshadows their death. So whether the blame can be put on another character (Balthazar (for bringing Romeo the news of Juliet’s “death” clueless of the implications), Romeo/Juliet (for their impulsivity and ignorance), Tybalt (for provoking Romeo and ultimately getting him banished), or fate itself, this complex book factored in many circumstances and events to lead up to the “story of woe…of Juliet and her Romeo” (5.3.320) Quotes: 81 Words Word Count (excluding quotes): 507

Is Romeo and Juliet's love true love, or just infatuation? - Chiara In the Tragedy //Romeo and Juliet//, by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other isn’t just infatuation, but true love. At the beginning, Romeo is ‘head over heels’ in love with Rosaline ‘Oh she is rich in beauty only poor That, when she dies, with beauty dies her store’ (Act 1.1 L 223-4). But already in this quote, he only talks about Rosaline superficially. When he meets Juliet the first time, it is love at first sight. Though they are young and impetuous, when they are together, they give each other strength, courage and maturity. Romeo’s language changes from senseless and overdone to Poetic and romantic. In Describing His ‘love’ for Rosaline he says: ‘She’ll not be hit with Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit, And, in string proof of chastity well armed, From love’s weak childish bow she lives uncharmed. She will not stay the siege of loving terms, Nor bide th’ encounter of assailing eyes, Nor ope her lap to saint-seductive gold.’ (Act 1.1 L 217-222); In describing his love to Juliet he says: ‘If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.’ (Act 1.5 L 104-107), making him sound more serious. Romeo and Juliet are very young. This, however, does not, mean that they are inexperienced or don’t know what they’re doing. Older people just do what they have learned, instead of following their heart. This can prevent disasters but cannot always reveal true love. During the play, Juliet becomes more mature and, shown in act 4.3 ‘Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here’s drink. I drink to thee.’ (Act 4.3 L 59-60), Romeo gives her strength to act alone and overcome her fears. Juliet also gives Romeo courage and makes him feel invulnerable. When Tybalt dies, Juliet forgives Romeo and still loves him. On the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet describes him ‘O gentle Romeo, if thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.’(Act 2.2 L 98-99), ‘gentle’ being a characteristic of Romeo, which means that she sees more than just his looks. Romeo and Juliet risk a lot for each other; They are being abandoned by their families and in the end they even die for each other. The play ‘Romeo& Juliet’ was written and performed in the 17th century, when people got married younger than now. Even though Shakespeare has to keep the audience interested, which is the reason for everything happening so fast, love doesn’t always need time. Faith strikes, and Romeo finds Juliet ‘dead’ in the Capulet’s vault he is a mess and has extreme mood swings: Romeo refuses to let Paris distract him, but as his mood swings he starts a fight ‘Wilt thou provoke me? Then have at thee, boy!’ (Act 5.3 L 70). This shows how Juliet’s ‘death’ affects him and his deep and true love to Juliet. In contrast to Paris, when Romeo sees Juliet in her tomb, he describes the loss of Juliet ‘O, no. A lantern, slaughtered youth, For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes This vault a feasting presence full of light.’ (Act 5.3 L 84-86); Paris describes the loss for himself. Romeo’s decides to kill himself, ‘Ah Dear Juliet Why art thou yet so fair? Shall I believe that unsubstantial death is amorous And that the lean abhorred monster keeps thee here in dark to be is paramour? For fear of that I still will stay with Thee And never from this palace of dim night depart again.’ (Act 5.3 L 101-108). When Juliet wakes up, she wants to kill herself immediately, not questioning a life without him. This shows their selflessness to each other and their desperate need to be together. Both Romeo and Juliet love each other deeply and though the short time and the faith, that haunted them, Romeo and Juliet are a Love idol and their love was, without doubt, true love.

Is it true that the old people are wise and the young are foolish and impetuous? - Erik Throughout __Romeo and Juliet,__ both Romeo and Juliet look to and older role model for advise. Romeo had his relationship with the Friar and Juliet with the Nurse. These two figures became represented as parent like figures seeing as both children lack a normal relationship with their parents. These characters act as a older wiser version of the lovers. The Friar and the Nurse realize that the thoughts and feeling the lovers are going isn't totally real. This is why they attempt to guide them through the process so that Romeo and Juliet make the right decisions. Although times were different during the Elizabethan period and people got married at very young ages, this does not mean the lovers could not recognize how fast things were moving. Several times Juliet told Romeo it was all happening too fast, and she questioned if it was love or not. Yet they continue the process of getting married. Juliet tells her mother she is not ready to get married yet, but when she meets Romeo she is all the sudden willing to get married. This shows that she can be impetuous. Also the change between Rosaline and Juliet makes the Friar and other question if Romeo is in love or just attempting to fill the void of his heart. The Friar is astonished when Romeo no longer loves Rosaline and has moved on to Juliet. He says “Young men’s love then lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes… Lo, here upon thy check the stain doth sit of an old tear that is not washed off yet.” The Friar explains to Romeo that he doesn’t feel the love for these girls in his heart, that the love is not real. Also he comments on how he just got over Rosaline. This quote shows the wisdom of the Friar and that he can recognize that Romeo’s love for girls is still fairly immature. word count: around 290 not including quotes. What is love? - John  Love is very broad to define in one sentence, or even in one paragraph. The theme ‘love’ nonetheless is significant throughout Shakespeare’s //Romeo and Juliet// and connects readers to the play. Under special circumstances, love can take various forms. Love is boisterous, love is ardent, love is not only romantic but also familial. The main three types of love in Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy: paradoxical love, romantic love, and familial love, not only give characters depth, but also contribute to the plot. Paradoxical love is when lovers are emotionally disturbed by their unrequited love due to superficial infatuation. Superficial attraction is when one actually loves the term ‘love’ but not the person, which Romeo and Rosaline evidently display. Having recongnized Romeo’s superficial emotions, Rosaline does not return her love to Romeo. Romeo, a young teenager who is currently experiencing his first crush, does not recognize his paradoxical love. He is confused about his ‘love’ with Rosaline, “This love feel I, that feel no love in this. (1.1.187)” Shakespeare uses oxymorons to illustrate Romeo’s disturbed emotions; “loving hate, heavy lightness, ... (1.1.181)” Romeo is sensitive and thus feels sweet with his love, but also sad that he cannot get his love. In contrast to paradoxical love resulting from superficial infatuation, Romeo and Juliet’s romantic love was rash and passionate, but certain. In Act 3, Romeo was punished to be exiled from Verona. During discussion with Friar, Romeo exclaims, “Heaven is here where Juliet lives... every unworthy thing live here in heaven, but Romeo may not.(3.3.31-35)” Romeo’s lament for such punishment shows his love is very powerful and fiery toward Juliet. Undoubtedly such rash love is questioned to be ‘not truly in...hearts but in...eyes. (2.3.72)” When love is reciprocal, however, romantic love is certain and trustworthy. Nurse, having heard Romeo’s banishment for murder of Tybalt, curses Romeo. Juliet, however, resolutely criticizes Nurse for such rude words, “Blistered be thy tongue for such a wish! He was not born to shame. (3.2.99-100)” Juliet’s determined mind shows the readers how certain their romantic love, despite its passion and rash-ness. Shakespeare uses Romeo and Juliet to define ideal of romantic love: rash, passionate, reciprocal, and even more powerful than death. Familial love is literally congenial, affectionate love. Friar Lawrence and Romeo or Nurse and Juliet clearly exhibit filial love. Familial love involves not only friendly greetings and conversations, but also profound arguments and confessions which youth demand to hear a solution from the elder's advice. At the beginning of Act 1 Scene 3, when Nurse calls forth Juliet for Lady Capulet, she exclaims, “Now, by my maidenhead at twelve year old, I bade her come.--What, lamb! What, ladybird! God forbid. Where’s this girl? What, Juliet! (1.3.2-4)” As soon as Nurse appears on the stage, her first line assures the readers how friendly Juliet and Nurse are. In Act 3 Scene 3, Romeo, grief-stricken by his penalty, ‘banishment’, receives impulse to commit suicide. Friar, as Romeo’s fatherly figure, scolds Romeo, “I thought thy disposition better tempered (3.3.125)” and later consoles Romeo with optimistic advice, “Thy Juliet is alive...There art thou happy. (3.3.145-147)” Different from romantic love and paradoxical love, familial love is harsher and people do not take everything for granted. Love gives people happiness, sorrow, even confidence to risk his life. Again, love is hard to define, for its diversity. A person in love, however, will do anything for love, and //Romeo and Juliet// well proves love’s definition. (481 Word Count - without quotes) (582 Word Count - with quotes)

Act One
1.1 - Amy Word Count w/o Quotes: 273 Act One Scene One of Romeo and Juliet opens with two Capulet servants discussing their hatred of the Montagues, emphasizing the widespread hate between the two families. Shakespeare uses a euphemism and sexual innuendos to add humor. A Montague servant arrives and they insult him to provoke a fight, but Benvolio attempts to “keep the peace” (1.1.69). However, when the “fiery” Tybalt joins the fight, the conflict escalates, causing a ruckus in the streets of Verona (1.1.111). The different characters add energy, comedy, and violence to the scene, as the Montagues and the Capulets are keen to battle, including Montague and Lord Capulet, who are both old and frail already, being held back only by their wives.

Soon, the prince arrives and ends the fighting. From his words, one understands that he is an authoritative ruler, as only he can restore order to the streets of Verona. Using the royal ‘we’ and transitive verbs to command respect, the prince delivers his ultimatum: the two families must stop fighting “on pain of death” (1.1.105). This foreshadows Romeo and Juliet’s deaths, as they die because of the enmity between the two families.

Afterwards, Montague and Lady Montague are worried about Romeo’s secretive behavior and confer with Benvolio. They describe Romeo as “to himself” and closed off (1.1.151). Romeo is youthful and unworldly, like “a bud bit by an envious worm” before it has blossomed to maturity (1.1.154). Benvolio learns that Romeo's sorrow is due to his unrequited love of Rosaline, who has sworn herself to a life of chastity. Romeo describes his love using many oxymorons, such as “brawling love” and “loving hate” (1.1.181). These oxymorons convey the confusion and irrationality that love can evoke, as well as Romeo's internal conflict. After hearing of Romeo's heartache, Benvolio advises him to move on.

1.2 - Casey word count (not including quotes): 248 In Act One Scene Two, obsequious Paris wants to marry Juliet, but Capulet thinks Juliet is too young: “Let two more summers wither in their pride/Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride” (1.2.10-11). This metaphor says that Juliet is not ready to marry, like fruit that isn’t ready to be eaten. Capulet also says, “Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she” (1.2.14), showing that he treasures Juliet, his last living child. Capulet here is a loving and liberal parent. This makes his later change into a forceful figure more dramatic and shows that he is a dynamic character. Capulet speaks in rhyming verse, which is very formal and authoritative. Perhaps Romeo is fated to fall in love with women whom he cannot have. He melodramatically compares Rosaline not loving him to being physically tortured in the metaphor/hyperbole: “Shut up in prison, kept without my food,/Whipped and tormented” (1.2.58-59). Romeo’s misery is comically overdone; maybe he exaggerates to get attention. Capulet’s Servingman says Romeo can come to the party if he is not a Montague. This is dramatic irony because Romeo is a Montague, which the audience knows but the servant does not. The servant’s lines are written informally in prose to indicate lower status but also to add humor. Benvolio wants Romeo to forget Rosaline and uses a cruel metaphor to say that Rosaline is ugly like a crow: “Compare her face with some that I shall show,/And I will make thee think thy swan a crow” (1.3.93-94). Crows are black, and that color in Western literature is a symbol of darkness and ugliness. Romeo responds by saying that the sun has never shined on someone as beautiful as Rosaline. The idea that women’s beauty is from the sun and the stars and is incandescent is portrayed in this play.

1.3 - Tracey In act 1 scene 3, the characters of Lady Capulet, the Nurse, and Juliet are introduced. The scene opens with Lady Capulet asking the Nurse to summon Juliet, giving the impression of being an unwelcoming lady. This is reinforced when Juliet arrives, acting in a stiff manner. Conversely, the Nurse is a humorous character, providing comic relief to ease tension. The Nurse’s interactions with Juliet reveals that they have a closer relationship than Juliet has with her mother.

The subject of marriage is discussed with Lady Capulet being a strong proponent of marriage saying, “Well, think of marriage now./Younger than you/Here in Verona, ladies of esteem,/Are made already mothers.” (1.3.75). Lady Capulet states that girls younger than Juliet are already married with kids, giving the implication that Juliet should too. On Paris, both Lady Capulet and the Nurse agree that, “he’s a man of wax,” (1.3.82), or very handsome. However, Lady Capulet further states, “Read o’er the volume of young Paris’ face,/And find delight writ there with beauty’s pen.” (1.3.87). This reveals Lady Capulet’s character as a superficial one when she states that Paris must be a good person because of his attractive appearance. Juliet admits that she will consider the marriage, though no more than that.

One of the main characters introduced is Juliet Capulet. The scene shows her maturing, yet still retaining many childish tendencies. This is shown predominantly in her compliant manner towards her mother, such as when she is summoned and when Paris is strongly suggested as a husband. The impression is strengthened in her relationship with the Nurse, being a mother figure for Juliet, and Juliet the child. It can be inferred that Juliet lived a very sheltered life under the dominance of these two. However, her own voice and perspective are made clear by the end when she states that she will consider Paris but no more. 275 words w/o quotes 1.4 1.5 - Regan The scene begins with frantic serving men making last minute preparations for the Capulet party. Seemingly irrelevant to the story, this gives the audience a comic relief as well as contrast between the last scenes. As the party commences, Capulet welcomes the disguised Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio to his party. Bantering about his “good old dancing days”, he admires beautiful women and converses with his old cousin about the days where they would wear a mask and whisper in a woman’s ear. Capulet’s character is introduced as quite the “player” as he dances and charms all the young women that he compares with “earth-treading stars” in scene 2. In all the commotion and dancing, Romeo sees Juliet across the room and is struck by her beauty. “O! She doth teach the torches to burn bright!”(1.5.51) When Tybalt recognizes his voice as Romeo Montague, he immediately goes to Capulet and proposes to fight him. Tybalt is dejectedly told to ‘endure’ Romeo. Enraged, he can’t stand the fact that Romeo is “scorning at their solemnity” (1.5.71). He pleads with his uncle, who then lashed out at Tybalt “You’ll make a mutiny among my guests! He shall be endured!” (1.5.90) Meanwhile, Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time and fall in love! Romeo uses religious language and imagery to show that his love for Juliet is pure and true. In contrast to the visual, superficial remarks he made about his prior love, Rosaline, the language he uses to describe Juliet lends his infatuation authenticity. “This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand.” (1.5.105) Romeo quite literally “worships” Juliet and describes her in a more poetic way than Rosaline. He argues that he had “never seen true beauty until this night” (1.5.60). They share their first kiss, soon realizing that they are from the two feuding families. Juliet expresses“[Romeo is] the only son of my great enemy” (1.5.150). “My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown and known too late!” (1.5.153) Juliet admits her love is real, but is directed to the only son of her parent’s great enemy. Word Count: 268 (not including quotes - you said 10% over was okay?) Quotes: 98 words Relevant themes: Love Character Development: Capulet, Tybalt, Romeo, Juliet -Regan

Act Two
2.1 - 2.2 - Elizabeth Word Count: 250 Romeo climbed over the wall of Juliet’s house. (from scene 1)but it is after dark and Juliet doesn’t see him. He hears Juliet reveal her feelings. In her speech she sets out two choices and describes her feelings. Romeo must give up his name and family or she will. Juliet portrays as a more practical and realistic character in this scene in comparison to Romeo. He interrupts her, and Juliet is taken by shock. She cannot see his face due to the darkness, but she recognizes his voice. She confirms that he is Romeo, the only son of the Montague’s son. She warns him the dangers of any kinsmen seeing him. His response is her rejection is worse than being killed.She asks him who gave him the direction to her house, however Romeo being his romantic self, he gives metaphorical answers such as a cupid gave him his counsel, while he gave the cupid his eyes. She is embarrassed, but delivers a speech telling Romeo that since he already knows about her feelings she will not play the lover’s game and will act realistic. "it is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden.” (2.2.125) This shows a contrast between Romeo and Juliet, she is aware their love and relationship is leveling too fast, while Romeo is clueless. In the next line she uses a metaphor reveals that she is worried their love is like lighting, comes fast and goes fast. Thus, she proposes marriage; she wants commitment and security from Romeo and he agrees, they will get married tomorrow. 2.3 (Summary) - John {Substitution assignment for Wiki Act II Discussion} In the early morning, Friar Lawrence, the priest, expatiates on the beneficence of the earth and the properties of plants as he fills his basket with various weeds, herbs, and flowers. He also comments that every creature has distinctive properties; virtue may turn into vice and vice versa. While Friar is giving his speech of the nature’s property, Romeo enters. Friar intuits Romeo has not slept the night before. Friar concerns if Romeo, felt sinned, was with Rosaline. Romeo assures he has completely forgot Rosaline and describes his new love for Juliet Capulet. Romeo says himself and Juliet were both ‘wounded’ with love with each other and replies that ‘Both our (Romeo and Juliet) remedies [lies] within thy (Friar’s) help(2.3.55).’ Friar Lawrence fears Romeo’s sudden shift from Rosaline to Juliet. Friar insists Romeo was loved with his eyes, not with his heart; he criticizes Romeo how much did Romeo cry for his love with Rosaline. Friar warns Romeo that a man can’t expect women to be faithful when the man is so unreliable. Romeo defends himself, while Juliet returns his love while Rosaline did not. Friar responds to Romeo that Rosaline may have recognized Romeo was acting like he was in love without knowing what love really means. Friar, nonetheless agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, anticipating that their marriage will end the fiery feud ravaging the Montagues and the Capulets. 2.4 (Summary) - John Later in the morning, just before nine, Mercutio and Benvolio wonder what happened to Romeo the previous night. Benvolio has heard from the Montague servant that Romeo was not at home yesterday. For that, Mercutio holds forth about Rosaline. Benvolio also relates that Tybalt has sent a letter of challenge to Romeo. Mercutio satirically answers that Romeo is already dead; ‘the very pin of his heart cleft with the blind bow-boy’s butt shaft (Cupid’s arrow) (2.4.16).’ Mercutio concerns if Romeo is man enough to defeat Tybalt. Benvolio questions Mercutio, “Who is Tybalt?” Then Mercutio extendedly describes Tybalt; he describes Tybalt as a master swordsman perfectly proper and composed in style. Following Mercutio’s praises on Tybalt, Mercutio straightaway mocks Tybalt that he is a narcissistic, artificial ‘fashion-monger (2.4.34).’ As soon as Romeo appears on the stage, Mercutio ridicules Romeo that Romeo has been weakened by love. As the way of mocking Romeo’s overwrought love for Rosaline, Mercutio compares Rosaline to all the most famous beauties of antiquity, finding Rosaline far superior. Then Mercutio accuses Romeo of abandoning his friends. Romeo does assert the charge, but claims his need was great, and so the offense is forgivable. From that time period, Romeo and Mercutio have intricate, witty, and wildly sexual verbal jousting using double entendres such as ‘pink flower’ and ‘goose.’  Nurse, along with her serving man, Peter, shows herself to Romeo and his friends. She asks if any of the three young men know Romeo, and Romeo identify himself. Mercutio teases Nurse, insinuating that she is an ugly prostitute, and thus infuriating her. Benvolio and Mercutio leave and Romeo follows the Nurse. Nurse, as Juliet’s affectionate motherly character, warns Romeo better not attempt to ‘deal double’ with Juliet. Romeo assures Nurse it will never happen to Juliet. He asks Nurse to tell Juliet to arrange a plan to attend confession at Friar Lawrence’s cell where Romeo and Juliet will be marries. Nurse agrees to deliver the message. Nurse suggests to set up a cloth ladder so that Romeo might ascend to Juliet’s room on their wedding night. 2.5 (Summary) - John Juliet awaits Nurse impatiently for Romeo’s message. She worries if Nurse was passionate and youthful, she would not be taking so much her time. At last Nurse returns. Juliet anxiously presses Nurse for news, but Nurse delays the news, for she is too tired, sore, and out of breath to tell Juliet the news. (Or, Nurse is purposely teasing Juliet by delaying the news) Nurse’s ambiguous behavior makes Juliet frantic. Nurse eventually tells Juliet that Romeo is eagerly waiting for Juliet in Lawrence’s cell to marry her. Nurse departs in the ally for Romeo’s servant, who is to bring a ladder for Romeo to climb up to Juliet’s chamber and to complete their wedding. 2.6 (Summary) - John  Romeo, while waiting for Juliet in the cell with Friar Lawrence, arrogantly comments he does not care what misfortune he will face, for it will pale in comparison to the delightful ecstasy he feels right now. Friar, as the wise elderly, warns Romeo to love moderately and not with too much intensity, that ‘violent delights have violet ends. (2.6.9)’ Juliet enters. Romeo metaphorically asks her of her love. Juliet, as more mature character than Romeo, answers one who describes their ‘worth’ so easily are vagabonds, her love is far too great to be described easily. The lovers exit with Friar Lawrence and are married.

Act Three
3.1 - Jina Word count without quotes: 244 The scene starts with the conversation between Benvolio and Mercutio. Mercutio teases Benvolio who really wants to fight Capulets and this converstion raises suspense before Mercutio and Tybalt's deaths. However this scene is quite important to the whole play, because it is a fundamental turning point. In the scene, Tybalt kills Mercutio and Romeo revenges it by stabbing Tybalt. When Mercution is dying, he says, "A plague o' both your houses" and this foreshadows tragic ending of "Romeo and Juliet". Again this implies that "Romeo and Juliet" would not end with happy ending as Romeo kills Tybalt, the Capulets. Also this scene usd Romeo to build up the tragic ending because he is the one who makes Mercutio to die in two ways. The first reason is that Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt as he knows that now Tybalt is his family. Romeo says, "Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee/ Doth much excuse the appertaining rage/ To such a greeting. Villain am I none." (3.1 63~65) This quote is also where dramatic irony used because the audience knows why Romeo avoids to fight agaisnt Tybalt while the characters in the play don't understand. Also Romeo tries to stop the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt, but it actually makes Tybalt to stab Mercutio under Romeo's arm. You can see it in Mercutio's quote saying, "Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm" (3.1 106~108), and devil here represents Romeo.

There is another dramatic irony used in the scene where Lady Capulet demands Romeo's death. She says, "Romeo slew Tybalt; Romeo must not live." (3.1 190) The audience knows that Romeo is her family because he gets married with her daughter while she doesn't realise and demands his death.

3.2- Erik At the beginning 3.2 Juliet has a speech, she talks about how she wants phaeton (sun god) to drag the sun across the sky faster, so night would come. Night is when Juliet will meet with Romeo. In her speech there are lots of references to speed, which shows her impatience. “Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” (3.2.1) “O, I have bought the mansion of love But not possessed it”- Compares love to a mansion. Their wedding began and then fell apart within a day. Also the references to speed conveys how Juliet is anxious for her wedding night. "and learn me how to lose a winning match" this is saying that she will lose her virginity but gain love between her and Romeo. Also lines 24-27 foreshadow their death. Juliet is shocked at the sound of all of the tragedy that has occurred on this night. She says she wants to kill her self because she thinks Romeo is dead.. Juliet still appears to be accepting of Romeo and loves him even though he killed her relative. Juliet preferred that Tybalt died over Romeo, she shows little discomfort that her husband killed her cousin. Yet she is lonesome that her Romeo is gone from Verona. In lines 79-91 Juliet uses many oxymorons comparing all of them too Romeo. "Beautiful tyrant", "Dover-feathered raven". These oxymorons express Juliet's mixed feelings about Romeo and that she is really confused. Throughout Juliet's ranting the nurse shows great ambiguity which is similar too when the nurse had talked to Romeo, and was holding off from telling Juliet. The nurse likes the power and control of how she tells someone big news. throughout Juliet's conversation her feelings change quickly, from lines 105-138 Juliet stops rationalizing Romeo's actions and begins to pity his banishment and swears to die a virgin and commit suicide. word count- 310

3.3-Word Count:411 In Act 3, Scene 3, Romeo learns his punishment of Tybalt’s murder. His punishment is banishment from Verona, not death. Romeo then responds dramatically with tears that death is more preferable to him than to be banished away from Juliet. (lines 13-15)The Friar tries to convince Romeo that banishment is better, however, Romeo blames the Friar for not understand his emotions. The Nurse then enters and tells Romeo and the Friar about Juliet, her grief, confusion and her thoughts towards Romeo. Romeo then threatens suicide by drawing his dagger. Friar Lawrence is finally angered by Romeo’s femininity. He then gave a speech about the positives of being banished rather then executed. The Friar then gives permission to Romeo to spend the night with Juliet. Romeo and the Nurse understand the Friar’s advice and appreciate his wise words. Friar Lawrence at last promises Romeo a chance to return to Verona, Romeo thanks the Friar and parts to meet Juliet. A strong opposition of youth and age is shown in this scene. From the Friar’s speech, a strong sense of wisdom, experience and philosophy can be seen. He is a patient man of wise advice. The Friar considers the future and is not as emotional as Romeo, he has good control over his feelings. However, “Thou art wedded to calamity” 3.3.3 shows a youth aspect in the Friar, he is blaming fate of Romeo’s actions. Romeo is married to disaster. Romeo, on the other hand, is portrayed as a much more emotional character in comparison to Friar Lawrence. Romeo shows low self-esteem by being so angry with himself for his actions. He blames fate instead of taking in the responsibility for his own actions. Romeo can also be inferred as a feminine character because he shows himself being ruled by his emotions by reacting extremely dramatically. Some strong contrasts between Romeo and Friar Lawrence is maturity. Romeo is immature and shows inexperienced ability to control his emotions. The Friar contrasts him by giving wise advice and lecturing about his womanly characteristics. The reactions of Romeo and the Friar also conveys difference in youth and age. Romeo only considers the immediate future and only about his feelings. He blames all but himself and threatens to commit suicide. This is also foreshadowing the ending when he do indeed commit suicide. The Friar instead is calm and wise. He makes decisions and gives advice in the benefit of everyone, not only for himself. –Angela 3B English

Act 3 Scene 4 -Sarah This scene opens with Capulet talking to Paris about the marriage agreement. The most surprising thing is that Capulet has changed his decision completely. He went from wanting to wait till next year for is daughter to get married to it being this Thursday. I feel that the reason his mind was changed so quickly had to do with him seeing his daughter weep and cry. he thought it was over Tybalt’s death when really it was about Romeo having to leave her. Him being her dad and knowing what he knows is trying to make her happy by getting her married. Lady Capulet completely agrees and want to quickly go get Juliet prepared an tell her what she is going to do. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony in this scene by having Capulet and Lady Capulet think that Juliet will be fine marring Paris. They do not know that she is already married to Romeo though. Paris agrees and is happy with Juliet’s parents decision. he also wants to marry Juliet. Again with the dramatic irony Paris thinks that Juliet loves him, but she loves Romeo not him. Capulet realizes it is late and send Paris home. Paris is very excited about the wedding day. Capulet and Lady Capulet, and soon juliet will find out what her fate has in store for her.

3.5 - Junee Word Count (excluding quotes): 250 Act 3 Scene 5 begins after Romeo and Juliet have shared their wedding night. When daylight breaks, the lovers discuss whether it is the nightingale or the lark that sings. The lark signals the coming of the day, a time when they cannot be together due the scrutinizing eyes of the citizens of Verona, whereas the night is a secluded time where they can enjoy each other’s company. Contrary to conventional ideas of the connotations of light and dark, the lovers associate the light with their sorrows. “More light and light, more dark and dark our woes.” (3.5.36)

After Romeo’s departure to Mantua, Lady Capulet informs Juliet of her betrothal to Paris. Upon hearing the news Juliet’s weeping escalates which leads Lady Capulet to believe that Juliet is mourning the death of Tybalt. Lady Capulet being unaware of Juliet’s love for Romeo is an example of dramatic irony within the play. Upon hearing Juliet beg for the delay of the marriage, Capulet falls into a frenzied rage and says, “Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch!” (3.5.166) His prideful reaction is a product of the patriarchal Elizabethan society. Capulet’s sudden transformation from a liberal to a strict father emphasizes Shakespeare’s ideas about duality, and his idea that there is a very thin line between two oppositions.

Tensions rise due to the intense foreshadowing of death. Juliet’s departing words have a strong sense of foreboding when she says, “Methinks I see thee, now thou are so low/ As one dead in the bottom of a tomb.” (3.5.55-6) During this scene the repercussions of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship are displayed in the deteriorating relationship between Juliet, her father, and the Nurse. After realizing that she has no support from home, Juliet displays her independence by venturing to the Friar’s cell to seek condolence. As she departs for the Friar’s cell, she gives a final foreboding line about her ultimate option of committing suicide. “If all else fail, myself have the power to die.” (3.5.225)

Act 4 Scene One- Oliver Act 4 Scene One starts off the falling action of the play. The Friar and Paris are conversing in the beginning of the play. After the initial start of the play, the Friar tries to persuade Paris into marrying Juliet at a later time. Paris tells the Friar that he will remain with his decision. Juliet enters the scene, realizing the situation she is in, tries to be “neutral” toward the idea of marrying Paris. “What must be shall be” (4.1.21). Juliet speaks in an equivocal manner toward Paris, or he will be hurt and possibly tell Juliet’s father. So, she results in going a path of not lying, but also not telling the truth. Another part of the scene that shows Juliet’s neutrality is when Paris asks Juliet to make a confession of love. Juliet, being deceptive, says that she loves the Friar, but never says she loves nor dislikes Paris. One should also notice that Paris has already “claimed” Juliet; “Thy face is mine, and thou has slandered it” (4.1.36). Paris leaves the scene soon after. Once he is gone, Juliet immediately starts grieving again. She takes the situation to the extreme when she threatens to commit suicide. “And with this knife I’ll help it presently” (4.1.55). This part also foreshadows the end somewhat. The Friar devises a plan out of desperation. He tells Juliet that she will need “strength of will” in order to complete it. He also uses the word “desperate” twice. Juliet then gives a whole speech on what she would rather do than marry Paris. (4.1.78-4.1.90) The Friar then tells Juliet the whole plan.

(Word Count: 270)

Act 4 Scene 2 – Allyn Xu In this short scene, we see how Juliet has matured and has become independent as well as some insight on Capulet’s character. The scene starts when Capulet is planning Juliet’s wedding. Juliet enters and she and Capulet have a conversation where Juliet expresses her forgiveness of being so rash. In the scene, Capulet does not seem angry with Juliet; he greets Juliet with, “How now, my headstrong,”(4.2.15) and uses light and gentle words like, “gadding.”(4.2.16) He is showing that he is trying to gain forgiveness from Juliet. Comparing how Capulet acted towards Juliet in 3.5, calling her a “disobedient wretch!”(3.5.166), to how Capulet acted in 4.2 shows that he is quick to anger yet quick to settle down. Along with this, we see the effects of Juliet’s maturity. She deceives and lies to Capulet about wanting to “repent the sin of disobedient opposition”(4.2.19) knowing that angering Capulet wouldn’t be beneficial. We see that Juliet is considering about consequences of her actions and decides to play to Capulet’s good side. Another important aspect of this scene is how we find out the wedding has been moved up a day to Wednesday. This change is very important for plot structure and Capulet shows no reason for this change; he changed it purely for the plot. The change in date causes tension and speed of the play to increase as well as the chances of things to go wrong. It also shows Juliet’s bravery at having to take the potion one day earlier.

Word Count: 238

Act 4 Scene 3 - Chiara In this scene, the audience/ reader learns a lot about Juliet. After the quickness and paste of the previous scene, Act 4.3 goes more slow and quiet. Juliet sends the Nurse and Lady Capulet away, creating dramatic irony in the audience by them knowing exactly why. When she is alone, she has a conflict within herself. She holds a speech to herself, expressing how she feels and what she thinks and reveals 4 fears plaguing her and hindering her to drink the poison: Her first fear is that the poison won’t work, and that she will have to marry Paris the next day. But with the fear she reassures herself, by planning on suicide as soon as she will wake up. Her second fear is that the Friar wants to poison her, because he will get in trouble for marrying her the first time, and marrying her again while she is already married. The reassurance to this fear already grew weaker, saying that he is a friar and wouldn’t do such thing. Juliet's third fear is that the poison will work, but she will wake up to soon in the vault and suffocate, from lack of air. Here, she doesn’t reassure herself anymore and her last reason shows that she built herself up from reasonable to unreasonable. The last fear, plaguing Juliet is that she will wake up beside the dead bodies of her ancestors and Ghosts will haunt her; she will go mad and kill herself. In the end she takes the drink with the words: ‘Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here’s drink. I drink to thee.’ (Act 4.3 L 59-60) The scene ends with Juliet falling onto her bed. This scene shows conflicts Juliet has to deal with, such as the fears of taking the poison but overcome these, and the fact that she does not want to lie to the Nurse but finds herself having no other choice. Juliet gets more mature in this scene, which is shown by her acting by herself and sending the Nurse away, and her being brave by drinking the poison and knowing exactly what she wants.  4.4 + 4.5 - Sherman

Act 4 Scene 4 is a quick and short scene, servants are running around and Capulet is cooking and giving orders. The purpose of this scene is to add suspense and tension by: performing it in a very fast pace; using dramatic irony (the audience knows that Juliet is ‘dead’ but nobody in the house knows yet); and using delay. In Act 4 Scene 5, Capulet sends the Nurse to wake Juliet. She then finds Juliet dead and begins to wail and call for help. Lady Capulet, Capulet and Paris then join the lamentation with the Nurse. The Friar enters and comforts them by reminding them that Juliet has gone to a better place and urges them to start preparing for her funeral. The musicians for the funeral does not know that Juliet is dead and joins everyone in the room while playing music; by doing this Shakespeare contrasts the happy music with the death scene. “Death lies on her like an untimely frost”(4.5.33). This quote is said by Capulet when grieving for Juliet’s death, he is saying that it is a tragedy that Juliet has died so young. In the play, it is like Juliet has been destined to marry to death, “My grave is like to be my wedding bed.”(1.5.149). She mentions this very early in the play, in Act 1 Scene 5 when she first met Romeo. Lady Capulet and Capulet is also shown as round characters in this scene, the grief they show towards Juliet’s death shows how much they love Juliet. When Capulet talks about how a wedding now has to be turned into a funeral, in lines 90 to 96, it connects to the life and death opposition. Dramatic irony is also used in this scene; the Friar is the only one on the stage that knows what is really happening. This scene ends with humour, musicians argue about what they are going to do now, Shakespeare does this because Elizabethan audience liked both humour and tragedy combined. (Word Count: 334, for both scenes)

Act Five
5.1 - Tina Act 5 Scene 1 takes place in Mantua, where Romeo is staying. For the last five scenes, the audience has not heard any news about Romeo since he was banished to Mantua. However, in the beginning of this scene, we get to hear about Romeo who is so optimistic about a dream from the previous night. According to him, “I dreamt my lady came and found me dead/ And breathed such life with kisses in my lips/ That I revived and was an emperor” (5.1.6-10). His description of happy dreams makes the audience expect positive results and therefore worsens the tragic ending. Just then, Balthasar enters to tell him about Juliet’s death. Romeo, who does not know about that fact yet, welcomes him and becomes excited to hear news from Verona. Balthasar does not delay or softens his bad news, but simply tells tell the death of Juliet. Romeo is so panicked after hearing the news that he says, “I defy you, stars” (5.1.25), expressing his will to escape from his fate. With characteristic impatience impetuousness, Romeo tell Balthasar to leave and immediately makes his plan. First, he goes to the poor Apothecary who has a vial of potion. Even though the Apothecary refuses to sell the potion to him, because it is illegal, Romeo persuades him by saying he could be rich with the money he earned by selling the potion. Finally, he buys the vial of potion and heads to Verona. Since Shakespeare has sent Romeo to Mantua to create suspense and to delay the delivery of news, things are happening in the way he intended so far. (word count : 270)

5.2 - Dawson

This is a delay scene and a plot device, which shows why the letter did not reach Romeo. This is a conversation between Friar John, charged of delivering the letter to Romeo, and Friar Lawrence. In this scene, Friar John conveys that there is a plague, so he did not get there, “Suspecting that we both were in a house where the infectious pestilence did reign, sealed up the doors and would not let us forth” (5.2.9-11) It is a kind of coincidence that a plague happens to break out when the important message needed delivering, going back to Shakespeare’s theme of fate controlling everything. This also refers back to the line by Mercutio cursing both houses, “A plague o’ both your houses!” (3.1.111). Mercutio curses a fictional plague on their house, and yet there happens to be a real plague that happens that manages to stop the important message from being delivered. Mercutio manages to meddle with plans even when he is already dead, and in an indirect way, caused the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. This scene shows that fate still controls everything, no matter how Romeo tries to defy fate, it will still happen. No matter how hard the Friar and Romeo tries to get their plan to work out, it is fated to end in tragedy, and all will conspire to stop them from achieving their plan. This scene adds suspense and frustration to the audience, because we know that Romeo is on his way, and since the letter has not been delivered, there is almost no chance of stopping the tragedy from occurring. A thin ray of hope is shown when Friar Lawrence chooses to fetch Juliet back when she wakes up and wait for Romeo, however we know that this will not work, and this will be shown in the next and final scene. (Word count 310)

Characters
Romeo - Elizabeth Word Count: 497 words Benvolio - Iris



Juliet - Dawson Capulet & Lady Capulet – Allyn Xu Capulet and Lady Capulet is Juliet’s father and mother respectively and they are the head of the Capulet family? Though Juliet is related in blood to them, they do not have the closest relationship with their daughter. The Nurse acts much like a motherly figure to Juliet. We first see Capulet in 1.2 talking to Paris about Juliet’s marriage and we find out that Capulet is both liberal and caring. He proves this by stating the overused quote, “My will to her consent is but a part.”(1.2.17) He says that he cares about Juliet’s own personal choice. He shows care for his daughter when he is considerate on declining a marriage due to Juliet being too young and not being “ripe to be a bride.”(1.2.11) We can tell that Capulet feels Juliet is important to him when he tells us, “Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she;”(1.2.14) Juliet is Capulet’s only daughter. Capulet is later revealed to be prideful and believes he controls the house. As soon as Juliet objects strongly to Capulet’s decision of marrying Juliet to Paris, he becomes suddenly enraged. He forces Juliet to marry Paris at Thursday or else Juliet should, “never after look me in the face.”(3.5.168) He calls Juliet a, “green-sickness carrion,”(3.5.161) and a, “disobedient wretch,”(3.5.166) which is quiet contradicting to our first impression of him caring for Juliet. In 4.2, he has quickly returned to a gentle father and tries to gain forgiveness. This is shown by his light and gentle tone when he talks to Juliet; using words like, “gadding”(4.2.17). This change in personality shows that he gets angered fast but also calms down fast. Capulet is both a static but round character. He does not have a major change in characteristics but contains many emotions toward Juliet. In contrast to Capulet, Lady Capulet is a very static and flat character. We don’t see much of her through the play. We first see her in 1.3 when she breaks news that Juliet might marry Paris. During this conversation, Lady Capulet reveals almost no emotions, even responding to the Nurse’s joke with, “Enough of this. I pray thee, hold they peace.”(1.3.54), and also does not come in physical contact with Juliet, like how Juliet does with the Nurse. We get the impression that though Lady Capulet is the real mother, she is not very close with Juliet. The Nurse is more of a mother to Juliet than Lady Capulet is. She shows that she is obedient towards Capulet and considers him as the authority of the house. “Talk not to me, for I’ll not speak a word.”(3.5.214) This shows that she does not have much control compared to Capulet. Though Lady Capulet seems cold toward Juliet, we find that she cares about her in 4.5. Juliet fakes her death and Lady Capulet is shocked. “But one, poor one, one poor and loving child.”(4.5.52) Lady Capulet mourns greatly for Juliet’s death. Although Lady Capulet expresses some feelings, they are not that significant and do not change making Lady Capulet more of a minor character in the play.

(Word Count: 452) The Nurse - Tracey word count:516/ word count without quotes: 417 Tybalt doesn’t have many lines but he is an important character for characterization and for plot of the play. Firstly Tybalt serves as a foil to Romeo. Tybalt is aggressive while Romeo is romantic and their languages support the idea. In the very beginning of the play, Tybalt threatens Benvolio and says, “What, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds? Turn thee, Benvolio; look upon thy death.” (1.1 67-68) In this quote, we can see Tybalt usually uses such violent language. Oppositely Romeo uses romantic and poetic languages, which explains his personality is romantic. When he finds out Juliet dancing with the knight in the party he says, “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! /It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night/As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear/ Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.” Romeo compares the beauty of Juliet with a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear, which is really poetic and creative. Therefore Tybalt serves as a foil to Romeo.
 * Tybalt - Jina**

Tybalt’s death is a turning point of the play so he plays a quite important role. In act three, Romeo stabs Tybalt and Tybalt’s death is the main factor makes the play tragedy. Romeo foreshadows the tragic ending by saying, “This day’s black fate on more days doth depend. /This but begins the woe others must end.” (3.1 124-125) after he stabs Tybalt. As Romeo is Capulets’ enemy, it implies that the play would not end with a happy ending. It makes Romeo to be banished from Verona and he has to be apart from Juliet. Added to that, Juliet’s parents misunderstand that Juliet is in great sorrow because of Tybalt’s death and this leads Capulet to force Juliet’s marriage with Paris. Here is the quote where Capulet misunderstand the reason why Juliet is in sorrow and says to Paris, “Things have fallen out, sir, so unluckily/That we have had no time to move our daughter. Look you, she loved her kinsman Tybalt dearly, /And so did I.”(3.4 1-4) Tybalt causes all these things to happen as Romeo kills him. In other words, his death is a turning point, which makes the whole play tragedy.   For the last, Tybalt represents the conflict because he is Juliet’s cousin and Romeo’s enemy at the same time. Tybalt is in the center between Romeo and Juliet, so his death is important. Because of his violent characteristic, he kills Mercutio, Romeo’s friend and Romeo revenges it by killing Tybalt. Juliet is so depressed about Romeo, and the one who kills Tybalt is actually her husband. It is not just a simple murder but it is murder of his wife’s family and also his family at the same time. Therefore Tybalt is the character, which makes the conflict with two characters: Romeo and Juliet. As a whole, Tybalt is an important character for the tragic ending of __Romeo and Juliet__  as he is in the center of enemy and his family. His violent characteristic also affects the plot as he kills Mercutio. Tybalt is an important character to the whole play. Escalus, Prince of Verona - Oliver Prince Escalus is the man of authority in the play Romeo and Juliet. His name, Escalus, literally means “scales” and can be symbolized as justice. Throughout this play, the Prince of “Scales” is constantly trying to balance and keep the peace of Verona. Also, whenever the Prince makes an appearance, it is right after a major fight or conflict between the two houses of Capulet and Montague. To emphasize his authority Shakespeare limited his appearances in this play to only 3 times. The first time we notice the Prince’s character is following the street-brawl of Tybalt, Mercutio, Benvolio, and some servants in Act One Scene One. From our first encounter of the Prince of “Scales” we immediately view him as a strong ruler of the city. The minute he walks in, everyone stops fighting. “Rebellious subjects, enemies of peace” (1.1.83) is the first words he speaks. Immediately we feel that he is the mediator of the two feuding families. In his speech that ensues, he uses imperative verbs and the royal “we.” The royal “we” is often used by gods or authoritative and powerful people, like the Prince. “To know our farther pleasure in this case” (1.1.103) is an example of this. In his speech we also notice that there is a just cause for the Prince’s anger. “Three civil brawls bred of an airy word By thee, old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets” (1.1.91-1.1.93). The Prince also shows that he is a strict ruler by saying “Your lives shall pay the forfeit of peace” (1.1.99). This shows that the Prince will not settle for any more disturbances. A few days after the first incident of fighting, another breaks out in Act Three Scene Two. The Prince arrives at the scene too late to stop the brawl. This time blood has been shed; Mercutio and Tybalt are both dead. Lady Capulet, crazed with hatred and sorrow, wants the Prince to follow up with capital punishment, which he promised earlier. The Prince, not wanting to rush things, decides to analyze the situation. The audience discovers that Mercutio, not belonging to either house, is actually a kinsman of the Prince’s. “My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding” (3.2.199). The Prince takes into consideration that Tybalt, a Capulet, started the brawl against Mercutio and decides to not sentence Romeo to death, but rather lifetime banishment from Verona. The final incident when we see the Prince of “Scales” is in Act Five Scene Three. Following the tragic deaths of Paris, Romeo, and Juliet the Prince enters in order to uncover the truth about what happens. He questions Friar Lawrence, Paris’ Page, and Balthasar. After knowing the facts of what has occurred, he decides that no punishment is necessary. He believes that with the death of so many; the two houses have learned their lesson. “Go hence to have more talk of these sad things” (5.3.318). The Prince does not change in the play. He remains as the authority of the city of Verona, and can be considered as a flat character. (Word Count: 514 (with quotes)) Without quotes Word Count: 456

Mercutio - Michael The Friar - Casey

Oppositions
Love and Hate - Amy Light and Dark - Junee Dreams and Reality - Tina

Youth and Age - Sarah

Fast and Slow - Sherman The fast and slow opposition is mainly connected to the changes in tempo throughout the play. At occasions, time seems to have stopped and at occasions, time seems to be moving swiftly. However, the fast and slow opposition can also be related to the emotional change of different characters. In Act 2 because of the romantic scenes, the plot is moving very slowly; it contrasts with the speed of the plot in Act 3. As soon as the play gets to Act 3 Scene 1 the plot starts to move much faster, more events are happening in a smaller period of time. Although Act 3 is a fast scene as a whole, at parts when the play is about the two lovers it still slows down. “Come, night. Come, Romeo. Come, thou day in / night,” (3.2.17-18). In Act 3 Scene 2, time is going by very slowly for Juliet when she waits for Romeo to come; she then starts to get very impatient. In Act 4, although it is the falling action of the play, the tension increases and the overall pace of the plot does not slow down. However again, the pace of scenes in Act 4 varies. When Capulet is preparing for the wedding and when Juliet dies, the pace is very fast; when Juliet drinks her potion the pace is very slow. The characters in __Romeo and Juliet__ have a lot of both quick and slow emotional changes. In Act 2 when Romeo expresses his love for Juliet, Romeo’s love for Juliet is fast but Juliet’s response if completely different. She says “It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden.” (2.2.125). The Friar later warns Romeo that quick love is dangerous, he says that you should take things slowly. “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast” (2.4.101). In Act 5 Scene 2, Romeo’s also makes impulsive decisions on committing suicide. “Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee tonight.” (5.1.17). Here we can see the youth and old contrast, where elders are wise and take things slowly. At the beginning of Act 3, we can see that fiery characters like Mercutio and Tybalt have quick tempers whereas Romeo and Benvolio have slow ones; they try to keep the peace. “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries / That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw.” (3.1.67-68). This vary in speed helps to develop the plot by adding tension and suspense; delay is used a lot in __Romeo and Juliet__ to create tension. The quick and slow emotional changes help develop the characters throughout the play. (Word Count: 435)