Act IV, Scene 5: Summary
The Nurse finds Juliet lying fully clothed on her bed. After unsuccessfully trying to wake her, the Nurse realizes that Juliet is dead and desperately calls out for help. Lady Capulet, Lord Capulet and Paris are distraught by Juliet’s unexpected passing and begin berating death itself for having stolen her so soon. Friar Laurence appears and reminds them that Juliet is in a far better place. He tells the greiving parties that while it is natural to cry, they should really be happy for her. Lord Capulet says out that all the preparations made for the wedding must now be used instead for a funeral, and the Friar urges all of them to prepare for a funeral procession to the Capulet tomb. After the family leaves the room, the musicians begin to pack up, realizing that they are no longer needed. Peter enters and asks them to play him a happy song to ease his grief. The musicians refuse, saying that it is not the proper time for such music. Peter gets angry and exchanges insults with the musicians before stalking away. The musicians decide to stick around in the hopes that they can have some of the lunch that will be served.
Expert Q&A
In act 4, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, what is the dramatic irony in the Capulets' remarks?
Dramatic irony appears as the Capulets think their daughter is dead, when the audience knows that Juliet is alive and the potion she took only makes her seem dead.
Why is Capulet's personification of death in Act 4, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet appropriate?
Capulet's personification of death in Act 4, Scene 5 is appropriate because it emphasizes his powerlessness and grief. By calling death his "son-in-law" and "heir," Capulet reflects the untimely and unexpected nature of Juliet's death, as she was young and about to marry Paris. This personification also highlights his deep sense of loss and inability to express his sorrow.
In Romeo and Juliet, act 4, scene 5, what imagery does Shakespeare use to describe Juliet's feigned death?
In act 4, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses imagery to describe Juliet’s feigned death through descriptions of her cold, stiff body and pale appearance. The Nurse notes she is still dressed, and Lord Capulet likens her to an "untimely frost" on the "sweetest flower," emphasizing her youth and beauty. Other images include death as sleep and death as a marriage, reflecting the characters' emotional turmoil.
Why does Shakespeare return to common folk/puns/joking at the end of Romeo and Juliet, act 4, scene 5?
Shakespeare returns to common folk, puns, and joking at the end of Romeo and Juliet, act 4, scene 5, to provide comic relief and allow the audience to process the play's intense emotions. This interlude with Peter and the musicians offers a break between Juliet's false death and Romeo hearing the news, ensuring the audience remains engaged and responsive to the subsequent tragic events.
In Act 4, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, how does Lord Capulet personify death to express regret for his daughter's demise?
In Act 4, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, Lord Capulet personifies death by calling it his "son-in-law" and "heir," expressing regret and sorrow over Juliet's demise. He laments that death has "married" and "deflowered" Juliet, demonstrating his deep grief and emotional turmoil. His words reveal how much he loved his daughter and regret the harshness of their last encounter.
How does Lady Capulet's reaction to Juliet's "death" in Act IV, scene v of Romeo and Juliet reveal her feelings for her daughter?
Lady Capulet's reaction to Juliet's "death" in Act IV, scene v of Romeo and Juliet reveals her deep love and maternal feelings for her daughter, despite their previous conflicts. Upon finding Juliet seemingly lifeless, Lady Capulet is in shock and despair, exclaiming that Juliet is her "only life" and expressing a willingness to die with her. Her lamentations, echoing those of the Nurse, underscore the sincerity of her grief and affection.
What are the ego-centered flaws of the Capulets as revealed in their reaction to Juliet's "death" in Act 4, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet?
In Romeo and Juliet, the Capulets' reaction to Juliet's "death" in act 4, scene 5 shows that both parents have an inflated ego. They are more focused on what they have personally lost, which contrasts with the pure and genuine love exhibited by Romeo and Juliet.
What does each character - Capulet, his wife, the Nurse, and Paris - lose differently in Juliet's "death" in Romeo and Juliet, act 4, scene 5?
In Act 4, Scene 5, each character experiences a unique loss due to Juliet's "death." The Nurse, who discovers Juliet, feels deep maternal sorrow, having raised her after losing her own daughter. Lady Capulet mourns her only child's death as if part of herself has died. Lord Capulet declares his joy buried with Juliet, feeling his soul is dead. Paris loses his bride-to-be, as his wedding day turns into a funeral, with Death named as Juliet's true husband.
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