Act III, Scene 3: Summary and Analysis
Friar Laurence enters his cell and calls out to Romeo, who is hiding inside. When Romeo appears and asks what his punishment will be, Friar Laurence explains that he has been banished for killing Tybalt. Declaring that there is no world for him outside of Verona, Romeo deems his banishment a fate worse than death. The Friar rebukes Romeo for his foolishness and urges him to be grateful that the Prince has decided to spare his life. Refusing to listen, Romeo bemoans the fact that he won’t be able to touch or see his beloved Juliet.
Romeo becomes increasingly despondent and falls to the ground, but his theatrics are interrupted by the arrival of the Nurse, whom Romeo immediately peppers with questions about Juliet. When the Nurse describes Juliet’s emotional torment, Romeo assumes that his new wife must hate him and draws his dagger, threatening to stab himself. Frustrated, Friar Laurence orders Romeo to stop behaving in such an irrational and unmanly manner and says that Romeo is being ungrateful for his many blessings. Friar Laurence reminds Romeo that he is lucky—lucky that Juliet is still alive, lucky that the man who wanted to kill him is dead, and lucky that he is only banished. Quickly coming up with a plan, the Friar tells Romeo to go to Juliet’s room as originally planned but to leave for Mantua before daybreak. While Romeo stays in Mantua, they will spread word of his and Juliet’s marriage and petition the Prince to lift Romeo’s banishment. The Nurse gives Juliet’s ring to Romeo, brightening his mood, and he sets off to meet Juliet after bidding the Friar farewell.
Analysis
Romeo’s reaction to his banishment further highlights the disparity between his and Juliet’s respective emotional maturity. Though Juliet is devastated by the banishment, she quickly pulls herself together and sends the Nurse to deliver a token of affection to Romeo. Romeo, however, refuses to listen to the Friar’s wise words and dramatically threatens to kill himself when he thinks Juliet may be angry with him. The Friar forcefully rebukes Romeo for this behavior and, in doing so, calls attention to an important element of Romeo’s personality. The Friar declares that Romeo’s wild emotions have made him lose focus on what is important: the love Romeo has vowed to treasure.
Thy dear love sworn but hollow perjury,
Killing that love which thou hast vowed to cherish;
Thy wit, that ornament to shape and love,
Misshapen in the conduct of them both,
Romeo is a highly sensitive and emotional person, and while his dramatic response to banishment is certainly in character, it is notable that Friar Laurence must counsel him to put his duty to his significant other first—a conclusion Juliet reaches all on her own.
The idea of suicide reoccurs throughout act III as both Romeo and Juliet contemplate ways to escape their undesirable situation. Cursing his name, Romeo says, “In what vile part of this anatomy / Doth my name lodge? Tell me, that I may sack / The hateful mansion.” Unlike his proclamation in act II that he would simply cast off his name if it offended Juliet, Romeo now seems to believe that he can only erase his name by killing himself. This change reflects Romeo’s realization that he cannot escape the obligations and implications of his name—especially in light of what has happened with Tybalt and Mercutio.
Unlike Romeo, who dramatically threatens to kill himself, Juliet appears to evaluate the idea of suicide quite dispassionately, framing it as a practical way to remain faithful to her husband and a course she will only pursue if the Friar cannot present any preferable alternative. That both protagonists independently contemplate suicide not only foreshadows their eventual deaths but also speaks their increasing desperation as the odds continue to stack up against their love. It is easy to think of all the ways their deaths could have been avoided; however, their mutual despair in these scenes can help the audience understand why Romeo and Juliet make the (sometimes irrational) choices they do.
Expert Q&A
What is Friar Lawrence's plan for Romeo's future in Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
In act 3, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence outlines a plan that Romeo will live in Mantua while the Friar prepares for his eventual return to Verona.
What figures of speech are used in Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
Act 3, Scene 3 of "Romeo and Juliet" employs numerous figures of speech including personification, hyperbole, metaphors, puns, and similes. Personification is used when Romeo attributes human qualities to concepts like exile and death. Hyperbole is evident in Romeo's exaggerated descriptions of banishment. Metaphors are used in comparisons such as Romeo equating banishment to beheading. Puns are present in the play on words, like "doom" and "fly". Similes are used when Romeo compares his name to a bullet and Friar Lawrence likens Romeo's suicidal thoughts to misuse of gunpowder.
How does Romeo react to his banishment in Act 3, Scene 3 of "Romeo and Juliet"? Why does he believe Friar Laurence can't understand his feelings?
In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence attempts to dissuade Romeo from killing himself by arguing that if he goes ahead and commits suicide, then the love that he promised Juliet will have been nothing but a lie. What's more, he will be killing the love that he vowed to cherish.
Explain the quote "Art thou a man? Thy tears are womanish; thy wild acts denote the unreasonable fury of a beast."
The quote "Art thou a man? Thy tears are womanish; thy wild acts denote the unreasonable fury of a beast." is Friar Laurence's reprimand to Romeo in Act III, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet. Following Romeo's hasty actions resulting in Tybalt's death and his subsequent banishment, Romeo is distraught and considers suicide. Friar Laurence chastises him for his excessive emotional response, comparing his behavior to that of a woman or a beast, both considered irrational and emotional. Essentially, Friar Laurence is telling Romeo to accept the consequences of his actions and face his situation like a man.
Who says "Affliction is enamored of thy parts, wedded to calamity" in Romeo and Juliet, to whom, and what does it mean?
In Act III, Scene iii of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence says "Affliction is enamored of thy parts, wedded to calamity" to Romeo. This means that Romeo seems destined for misfortune and calamities. The metaphor suggests that suffering is in love with Romeo, highlighting the theme of fate and Romeo's unfortunate luck, especially after killing Tybalt and facing banishment.
What is an example of hyperbole in Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
An example of hyperbole in Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet occurs when Romeo learns of his banishment from Verona. He dramatically equates exile with "purgatory, torture, hell itself," and claims it is akin to death. Romeo further exaggerates by saying that banishment is like being beheaded with a golden axe. These statements highlight his intense emotions and desperation at being separated from Juliet, showcasing his passionate and impulsive nature.
What does the quote "Thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feel" from Romeo and Juliet mean?
The quote "Thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feel" means that one cannot truly understand or offer advice on something they haven't personally experienced. Romeo argues that unless someone has gone through exactly what he has—being young, in love, newly married, having a loved one murdered, and being banished—they cannot comprehend his feelings or situation.
What does the Nurse give to Romeo in Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
In Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, the Nurse gives Romeo a ring from Juliet. This occurs after the Friar informs Romeo about his banishment and devises a plan for Romeo to secretly visit Juliet. The ring symbolizes Juliet's love and brings comfort to Romeo as he prepares for their reunion.
In Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, who is Friar Laurence addressing and what is the topic of conversation?
In Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence is addressing Romeo. The topic of conversation is Romeo's banishment from Verona and his hysterical reaction to it. Friar Laurence chastises Romeo for his overreaction, questions his manhood, and encourages him to control his emotions and be grateful that both he and Juliet are alive.
What emotion and figurative language does Romeo express in his act 3, scene 3 monologue in Romeo and Juliet?
In act 3, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo expresses intense despair through figurative language. He uses hyperboles, comparing banishment to death. Alliteration and personification are present in phrases like "heaven is here" and "flies may do this." His monologue is filled with metaphors equating Verona to heaven and Juliet to an angel, emphasizing his emotional turmoil over their separation.
When does Romeo show ingratitude, apart from act 3, scene 3?
Romeo exhibits ingratitude in several instances throughout the play. In Act 1, Scene 1, he ignores his parents' concern and efforts to understand his sadness, showing no appreciation for their care. In Act 1, Scene 4, he dismisses his friends' attempts to cheer him up, failing to thank them. Additionally, in Act 2, Scene 6, he takes Friar Laurence's help for granted, ignoring the friar's advice and not expressing gratitude for marrying him to Juliet.
Why is Act 3, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet crucial to the play's action?
Act 3, Scene 3 is crucial as it foreshadows Romeo's suicide by highlighting his youthful impulsiveness and emotional volatility. Romeo's despair over his banishment from Verona, where Juliet resides, showcases his irrationality. Despite Friar Laurence's attempts to rationalize the situation, Romeo remains fixated on his separation from Juliet. This scene underscores his inability to foresee potential positive outcomes, a mindset that ultimately drives him to suicide upon mistakenly believing Juliet is dead.
Analysis of Juliet's and Romeo's emotional experiences in act 3, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet
In Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo experiences intense despair and self-pity over his banishment, feeling it is worse than death. Juliet, while not present in the scene, is also deeply distressed, as conveyed through the Nurse's reports. Their emotional turmoil highlights the tragic consequences of their forbidden love and the impulsive nature of their youthful passion.
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