"Benvolio and Mercutio are on the streets in the heat of the afternoon. The fiery Tybalt arrives looking for Romeo."
" "
"Romeo arrives, and refuses to be provoked by Tybalt. Mercutio is angered by his lack of spirit and draws his sword to fight Tybalt."
"In trying to stop the fight, Romeo impedes Mercutio, and Tybalt stabs him."
" "
"Although he jokes bravely, Mercutio is fatally wounded and soon dies. Romeo seeks revenge for his friend by calling on Tybalt to fight."
10
"*scene i (cont.)"
" "
"There is violent sword-play and Romeo kills Tybalt."
"Romeo runs away to escape the anticipated harsh penalty of the Prince."
" "
"When the Prince does appear, he listens to Benvolio's account of the incident."
"Although Lady Capulet disputes the facts, he believes Benvolio and banishes Romeo from Verona for his part in the incident, as well as fining both the families."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"*See Key Scenes notes for details."
7
"*scene ii"
" "
"Juliet waits impatiently for nightfall, when Romeo will come to her."
"The Nurse arrives with news of the fighting, and at first Juliet thinks that it is Romeo who has been killed."
" "
"Juliet is stunned by the news of Romeo's banishment, and thinks of killing herself."
"However, the Nurse reveals that Romeo is in hiding at Friar Lawrence's cell, and goes to arrange for him to come to Juliet after dark."
8
"*COMMENTARY (scene ii)"
" "
"There is a strong contrast between this scene and the previous one. From violence and bloodshed on a crowded stage, we pass to Juliet alone with her passions."
"Her deep love for her new husband is revealed firstly in her soliloquy, before she hears the Nurse's news, and again when she recovers from her initial shock to take Romeo's side against the Nurse."
" "
"Notice again imagery of light and dark in her speech e.g."
"*Whiter than new snow upon a raven's back."
"The scene is also rich in dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of the terrible news which the Nurse is about to bring."
9
"*scene iii"
" "
"Romeo finds out from Friar Lawrence that he has been banished. He despairs and throws himself weeping to the floor."
"The Nurse arrives, and together with the Friar, she manages to convince the desperate Romeo that things are not as bad as he thinks."
" "
"Friar Lawrence reveals a plan for Romeo to leave for Mantua, after spending his wedding night with Juliet."
"There he can be ready to return to Verona at a suitable time in the future."
" "
"The Nurse passes Juliet's ring to Romeo and he cheers up."
9
"*COMMENTARY (scene iii)"
" "
"This scene reveals much more about the character of Romeo."
"Again he is seen as passionate and impulsive. He attempts to kill himself, and despairs at news of his banishment."
" "
"In fact, his behaviour here shows his immaturity, and even Friar Lawrence scolds him for his childishness."
"However, a more admirable side of his nature is revealed, when he collects himself for Juliet's sake."
" "
"We also see again the shrewd and practical side of Friar Lawrence's character."
9
"*scene iv"
" "
"Late at night, Capulet and Paris discuss plans for Juliet's and Paris' wedding."
"Although it has not been discussed with Juliet, because of Tybalt's death, Capulet decides to hold the wedding in three days' time (on Thursday)"
" "
"Capulet is sure that Juliet will obey his wishes, and asks his wife to tell Juliet of their decision."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"The scene shows Capulet's lack of real concern for his daughter despite his earlier words in Act I, scene ii."
5
"*COMMENTARY scene iv (cont.)"
" "
"Again we have Dramatic Irony as the characters on stage are quite unaware that Juliet is already married, and in fact is consumating her marriage as they speak."
" "
"There is some tension created in this scene when Capulet twice tells his wife to go to Juliet in her chamber."
9
"*scene v"
" "
"Romeo and Juliet are saying goodbye to each other after spending the night together."
"They part reluctantly, and as Romeo climbs down, Juliet seems to see Romeo lying dead in a tomb."
" "
"Lady Capulet enters and thinks her daughter's tears are for Tybalt. She tells Juliet that she is to marry Paris."
"Juliet shocks her mother by refusing, and also refuses when her father enters."
" "
"Furious, Capulet threatens to disown her if she disobeys."
6
"*scene v (cont.)"
" "
"At odds with her parents, Juliet turns to the Nurse for comfort, but receives another shock."
"The Nurse advises her to forget Romeo and to marry Paris."
" "
"Juliet pretends to accept the advice, but already she has determined to kill herself if Friar Lawrence cannot help her."
7
"*COMMENTARY (scene v)"
" "
"Another scene of contrast - between the love of Romeo and Juliet, and the selfish cruelty of her parents."
" "
"Notice Juliet's premonition as Romeo leaves, which reminds the audience of the tragedy to come - she will never see him alive again."
" "
"Juliet's words to her mother are full of dramatic irony and double meaning, as she expresses her love while at the same time keeps it a secret."
