Act III, Scene 5: Summary and Analysis
Act III, Scene 5
The next morning, Romeo and Juliet are awake in her room. As dawn approaches, Romeo must prepare to leave for Mantua, but Juliet begs him to stay, playfully suggesting that the bird they hear chirping is a nightingale rather than a lark (nightingales sing at night, while larks sing in the morning). Reluctant to leave, Romeo tells her that he will stay if she wants, but Juliet immediately changes tack, telling him that it is getting lighter outside and that he must leave. The Nurse enters and warns Juliet that her mother is approaching the bedroom. Romeo and Juliet share one last kiss before he sneaks out the window. Looking down from her window, Juliet remarks that Romeo appears pale, as if dead. Romeo says that Juliet looks pale as well but decides that it is only sorrow that makes them appear so.
After Romeo leaves, Lady Capulet enters Juliet’s room. Juliet tells her mother that she feels unwell, and Lady Capulet wonders how Juliet can still be so upset over Tybalt’s death. Lady Capulet reasons that Juliet’s grief is probably due to the fact that Romeo, Tybalt’s murderer, walks free. Juliet tells her mother that she wishes no one could avenge Tybalt’s death but her. Interpreting this as an expression of Juliet’s desire to kill Romeo, Lady Capulet tells Juliet that she plans to send a man to Mantua to poison Romeo. Juliet requests that she be allowed to mix the poison herself if her mother wishes to carry out this plan. Lady Capulet then changes the subject, informing Juliet that her father has arranged for her to marry Paris on Thursday morning. Shocked, Juliet claims that she cannot marry Paris, telling her mother that she does not know Paris well enough to be his bride. Lord Capulet and the Nurse then enter the room.
Lord Capulet asks whether his wife has told Juliet their decision, and Lady Capulet explains that Juliet will not agree to the marriage. Juliet’s defiance enrages Lord Capulet, who threatens to drag her to the church himself. Juliet attempts to persuade her father to simply delay the wedding, but Lord Capulet will not hear of it. He declares that if Juliet refuses to marry Paris, he will disown her and not care whether she lives or dies. Juliet begs her mother to intercede, but Lady Capulet refuses to help her. When she is alone with the Nurse after her parents have left, Juliet says that she cannot marry another man while her husband lives. The Nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris—who she now claims is a better man than Romeo—and tells Juliet that Romeo cannot come back for her anyways. Juliet does not argue with the Nurse, but asks her to inform Lady Capulet that she has gone to Friar Laurence to confess. After the Nurse leaves, Juliet verbally abuses her for giving out such wicked advice, vowing never to confide in the Nurse again. As she leaves to go seek help from the Friar, Juliet reasons that she can always take her own life if all else fails.
Analysis
As Romeo leaves Juliet the morning after they consummate their marriage, she says farewell to him from above, echoing the balcony scene from act II. Now, however, the youthful optimism and excitement of the lovers is tempered by their increasingly perilous situation. Gazing down on her beloved, Juliet remarks that he looks as pale as death—“Methinks I see thee now, thou art so low / As one dead in the bottom of a tomb”—and Romeo remarks that she looks the same. The somber tone of this final goodbye (this is the last moment that Romeo and Juliet will see each other alive) sharply contrasts with the playful and romantic farewell they exchanged the night they first met, reflecting the play’s transition from romance to tragedy. Romeo and Juliet say goodbye, and the audience senses fate closing in as, unbeknownst to the young lovers, their pale appearances foreshadow their impending demise.
Lady Capulet and Juliet’s conversation illustrates the extent to which Juliet has rapidly matured since the beginning of the play. Juliet verbally toys with her mother, seeming to condemn Romeo while secretly expressing how much she cares about him. For example, Juliet tells her mother that if a man is sent to poison Romeo, then she wants to be the one who mixes the poison. When her mother broaches the subject of Juliet’s marriage to Paris, Juliet responds that she would rather marry Romeo than Paris. To Lady Capulet, this sounds like a declaration of how much Juliet does not want to marry Paris—she would rather marry Romeo, her worst enemy—but the audience understands that Juliet is actually expressing her literal preference for Romeo.
Juliet’s outright refusal to marry Paris, a direct contrast to her obedient promise to consider him in act I, demonstrates a great degree of bravery. Lord Capulet’s conversation with Paris in act III, scene 4 indicates that despite his earlier claim that Juliet’s wishes were of the utmost importance, her interest in the match was always inconsequential: “I think she will be ruled / In all respects by me. Nay, more, I doubt it not.” In the following scene, Lord Capulet’s utter rage when he learns of Juliet’s reluctance to marry Paris confirms that he never intended to allow Juliet to make her own decisions about her marriage.
After Juliet’s father threatens to throw her out if she refuses to marry Paris, readers may wonder why Juliet does not simply leave and join Romeo in Mantua. Juliet’s position here is complicated by her age, gender, and social position. Juliet is only thirteen years old, and having been raised as a sheltered noblewoman, she has no practical way of getting to Mantua, especially without help. It is also important to remember that Juliet is the only daughter of a powerful noble family whose feud with the Montagues is at its height. If Juliet did somehow find a way to escape to be with Romeo, it is extremely unlikely that her family would accept the match in the wake of Tybalt’s death—remember that Juliet’s own mother is already thinking of ways to secretly have Romeo killed, even in exile.
As an inexperienced, young woman under the control of her father, Juliet is in an extremely difficult position. Her predicament is only made worse when the Nurse betrays her by suggesting that Juliet pretend the marriage to Romeo never happened and marry Paris instead. Separated from her husband and unable to confide in her closest friend, Juliet is left with little support and even fewer practical options—circumstances which help explain why she contemplates suicide in the first place. That she considers suicide as a viable solution to her problems highlights how little control Juliet, as a young woman, has over the course of her own life. Unable to shape her future, Juliet reasons that her only remaining power might be in her ability to decide whether she lives or dies.
Expert Q&A
What are some examples of irony in Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
Act 3 of "Romeo and Juliet" features situational, dramatic, and verbal irony. Situational irony is seen when Mercutio teases Benvolio about starting a fight, only to start a quarrel with Tybalt himself. Verbal irony occurs when Mercutio dismisses his fatal wound as a mere scratch. Dramatic irony is prominent when Juliet, unbeknownst to her mother, expresses her true feelings for Romeo while appearing to agree with her mother's desire to poison him. Furthermore, the audience's knowledge of Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage creates a gap between their understanding and the characters' perceptions, resulting in more irony.
What are some oxymorons used in act 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
In Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet uses several oxymorons to express her conflicted emotions about Romeo after he kills Tybalt. These include "serpent heart," "beautiful tyrant," "fiend angelical," "dove-feather'd raven," "despised substance of divinest show," "damned saint," and "honourable villain." These oxymorons highlight the contradictory nature of her feelings, portraying Romeo as both good and evil.
What does the quote "I would the fool were married to her grave" mean in act 3, scene 5?
In Act III, Scene V of Romeo and Juliet, Lady Capulet utters the quote "I would the fool were married to her grave" expressing her deep frustration and anger towards Juliet's refusal to marry Paris. She labels Juliet a "fool" for her defiance and wishes she were dead, symbolically married to her grave. This extreme reaction reflects the societal expectations of women during that time and the importance of marriage in preserving family honor. Unbeknownst to her parents, Juliet is already secretly married to Romeo.
Does Lady Capulet want Juliet to marry Paris in Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, or is she just following orders?
Lady Capulet genuinely wants Juliet to marry Paris, driven by her own motives rather than merely following orders. Unlike Lord Capulet, who initially hesitates due to Juliet's young age, Lady Capulet is eager for the marriage, likely due to the benefits of increased social standing and wealth that Paris, a Count, brings. Her persuasion in Act 1, Scene 3, highlights her belief in the advantages of this union, contrasting her husband's initial reluctance.
How do Lord Capulet's words and actions in act 3, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet parallel those of Romeo and Juliet, and what are their likely consequences?
Lord Capulet's words and actions in Romeo and Juliet are similar to those of the title characters in that they are driven by passion. Many of the characters in the play, especially Romeo and Juliet themselves, act out of powerful impulses of love, hate, anger, and grief. These passions help drive the plot toward its tragic end.
Which lines in Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet foreshadow the tragic ending?
In Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's words foreshadow the tragic ending. As she and Romeo part, she expresses a foreboding sense of doom, saying, "Oh God, I have an ill-divining soul! Methinks I see thee, now thou art below, As one dead in the bottom of a tomb." This ominous imagery predicts their impending deaths and the tragic conclusion of their love story.
Paraphrase Juliet's final speech in Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet.
In her final speech of Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet curses the Nurse for speaking ill of Romeo, whom she had previously praised. Juliet decides to sever ties with the Nurse, feeling betrayed. She resolves to seek help from Friar Laurence, and if no solution is found, she contemplates suicide as her last resort. This speech underscores Juliet's desperation and commitment to Romeo despite the overwhelming obstacles she faces.
In Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, does Lady Capulet plan to poison Romeo?
Yes, Lady Capulet does plan to poison Romeo. In Act 3, Scene 5, she tells Juliet that she will send someone to Mantua to give Romeo a poisoned drink, so he will soon be dead like Tybalt. Juliet, fearing her mother will discover the truth about her love for Romeo, agrees outwardly but does not mean it, using ambiguous language to conceal her true feelings.
What line from acts 1-3 of Romeo and Juliet demonstrates personification?
In Romeo and Juliet, there are examples of personification throughout the play. For example, in act 2, scene 2, Romeo personifies the moon, in act 2, scene 3, Friar Laurence personifies the morning and the night, and in act 3, scene 3, Romeo personifies exile and death.
What names does Lord Capulet call Juliet in act 3, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet?
In act 3, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, Lord Capulet calls Juliet a "mistress minion," a "green sickness carrion," and a "tallow face." These terms reflect his anger and disappointment, implying she is a spoiled, unhealthy, and unattractive burden, ungrateful for the advantageous match with Paris.
What is the effect of Juliet's aside in Act 3, Scene 5, lines 84-86 of Romeo and Juliet?
"Villain and he be many miles asunder.
God pardon him! I do, with all my heart;
And yet no man like he doth grieve my heart." (84-86)
Juliet's aside in Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet reveals her emotional turmoil and internal conflict. It shows her steadfast decision to trust and forgive Romeo despite his killing Tybalt, indicating her maturity and understanding of love's hardships. Additionally, it highlights her grief over Romeo's banishment and the pain caused by his actions.
What is the interpretation of lines 97-107 in Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet? What does Juliet's mother understand from it?
In Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet uses clever wordplay to conceal her true feelings about Romeo from her mother. While pretending to mourn Tybalt, she implies she will not be satisfied until she sees Romeo dead, but she actually means she won't be content until she sees him alive. Her mother, Lady Capulet, misunderstands, believing Juliet wishes for Romeo's death. This scene highlights Shakespeare's skillful use of irony and foreshadowing.
What is Capulet's meaning and Juliet's comparison in his metaphor in Act 3, Scene 5 of "Romeo and Juliet"?
"When the sun sets, the air doth drizzle dew; But for the sunset of my brother's son it rains down right."
In Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, Capulet's metaphor contrasts natural dew at sunset with the heavy rain of tears following Tybalt's death. While the initial lines are general observations, he later compares Juliet's tears to a storm, suggesting her intense grief. He likens her to a fountain, a ship, the ocean, and the wind, emphasizing the need for calm after the emotional turmoil.
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in act 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
In Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony primarily when Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt because he secretly loves him as family, due to his marriage to Juliet. The audience knows about the marriage, but Tybalt does not, creating tension as Romeo's actions appear inexplicable. Another instance occurs when Juliet mistakenly believes Romeo is dead, enhancing the emotional impact. Dramatic irony here heightens the audience's anticipation and engagement with the unfolding tragedy.
What will Juliet do in act 3, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet if her marriage isn't delayed?
In Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet, devastated by her secret marriage to Romeo, Tybalt's death, and Romeo's banishment, faces her parents' insistence that she marry Paris. She pleads with her parents to delay the marriage, warning that if they do not, they might as well prepare her grave beside Tybalt. This desperate plea foreshadows her eventual tragic fate, as she suggests that death would become her bridegroom.
What is Romeo and Juliet's disagreement in Act 3, Scene 5, and how is it resolved?
In Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, their disagreement centers on whether it is night or day, with Juliet claiming it is night to delay Romeo's departure and Romeo insisting it is morning to avoid being killed. They switch positions out of love and concern for each other's safety, but Romeo ultimately leaves when the nurse warns them of Lady Capulet's approach.
What oxymorons are in Romeo and Juliet, act 3, scene 5?
In Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, oxymorons appear in dialogues filled with contrasting emotions. Juliet and Romeo use "More light and light, more dark and dark our woes" to express their growing sorrow as morning approaches. Juliet also refers to time with "Is she not down so late, or up so early?" highlighting contradictions in her mother’s visit. During an argument, Juliet uses "thankful even for hate that is meant love," illustrating her conflicted feelings.
Explain the use of imagery in Juliet's "Yon light... Thou need'st not to be gone" passage in Act 3, Scene 5.
In Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet uses imagery to delay Romeo's departure at dawn, likening the morning light to a "meteor" rather than daylight, symbolizing their fleeting love. This imagery highlights the intensity and denial in their relationship, as they try to convince each other to ignore reality. The metaphor of a meteor also foreshadows the brief, intense nature of their love, paralleling the unstoppable sunrise with Juliet's impending marriage to Paris.
What are some examples of figurative language in Romeo and Juliet, act 3, scenes 3–5?
In Act 3, Scenes 3-5 of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses various figurative language techniques. Romeo employs hyperbole when lamenting his banishment, claiming "There is no world outside Verona walls." Alliteration appears in the repetition of "s" sounds in "Stand up, stand up. Stand, and you be a man / For Juliet’s sake." Personification is used with "jocund day / Stands tiptoe," and Juliet uses a simile in comparing Romeo to "one dead in the bottom of a tomb."
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