"In Mantua Romeo is in a good mood, until Balthasar, his servant arrives with news from Verona that Juliet is dead."
"Unaware of Friar Lawrence's scheme, Romeo despairs, and plans to end his life. He persuades an apothecary to sell him poison."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"Romeo's initial good humour is in contrast to what follows."
"His outburst"
"*Then I defy you, stars."
"reminds us of the theme of Fate."
"*See Themes"
8
"*scene ii"
" "
"Friar John explains to Friar Lawrence why he was unable to deliver the message to Romeo."
"Alarmed, Friar Lawrence decides to go to the vault alone to fetch Juliet out when she awakes."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
" A scene of explanation, which also fills in the time of Romeo's journey."
"Once again, Fate or Chance has taken a hand in the events of the plot."
9
"*scene iii"
" "
"Paris has come to the graveyard to lay flowers on Juliet's tomb. Romeo also arrives to enter the vault."
"Paris suspects him of further wrong-doing and challenges him."
" "
"Romeo tries to avoid fighting, but is forced to kill Paris. He takes his body into the vault."
"There he marvels at Juliet's beauty even in death, and taking the poison, quickly dies."
" "
"Friar Lawrence arrives at the tomb, and finds Romeo's body, just as Juliet is waking from her drugged sleep."
8
"*scene iii (cont.)"
" "
"Juliet refuses to leave with the Friar, who runs away in fear. Finding Romeo has left no poison, she stabs herself with his dagger."
" "
"The watch arrives too late, and finally all the main characters gather at the tomb, where the truth of the sad story is pieced together."
"Friar Lawrence is pardoned, but the Prince chastises the two families. Capulet and Montague both vow that they will end their feud forever. The Prince concludes:"
