Mood in act 4, scene 2 has changed dramatically compared to the last two scenes. Explain this change. What words contribute to the change?

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In the previous scenes, Juliet went against her father's wishes of marrying Paris.  What he does not know is that she is already married to Romeo.  So when he told her to marry Paris and she refused (at this point Romeo is banished and the two of them are emotionally a mess trying to figure out how to be together) her father was furious.  She is a child.  She is to do what he says and when he says to do it.  In this scene (Act IV, sc 2) she has already decided to take the potion, so she pretends to do as her father wishes.  When she asks for his forgiveness, he is ecstatic.  In fact, he decides because it's all so wonderful that his plan is working out, that they will have the wedding a day earlier (Wednesday).

"JULIET

Where I have learn'd me to repent the sin
Of disobedient opposition
To you and your behests, and am enjoin'd
By holy Laurence to fall prostrate here,
And beg your pardon: pardon, I beseech you!
Henceforward I am ever ruled by you.

CAPULET

Send for the county; go tell him of this:
I'll have this knot knit up to-morrow morning."

 

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial Team