Discussion Topic
Romeo and the Nurse's interactions in "Romeo and Juliet."
Summary:
The interactions between Romeo and the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet reveal both comedic and tragic elements. In Act 2, Scene 4, the Nurse serves as a messenger for Juliet, seeking assurance of Romeo's intentions. Despite some comedic miscommunication, Romeo confirms his sincere love. In Act 3, Scene 3, the Nurse gives Romeo a ring from Juliet, symbolizing her love and forgiveness following Tybalt's death and Romeo's banishment. This token reassures Romeo of Juliet's devotion, providing him comfort amidst despair.
How would you describe the interaction between Romeo and Nurse in Act 2 Scene 4?
In act 2 scene 4 the Nurse comes to see Romeo, bearing news from Juliet. By this time, the two leads have fallen head over heels in love with each other. But is it all just too good to be true? That's what's concerning Juliet at this particular moment. She's still more than a little insecure about the nature of Romeo's feelings for her; she needs to know that he isn't just messing her about or toying with her affections. So she dispatches the Nurse to talk to Romeo to find out for certain how he really feels about her.
She needn't worry, though. Romeo is more than happy to reassure Juliet of his sincerity. And it's not just talk, either; he's going to back up his words with actions. Romeo will climb over the walls at night, and rendezvous with Juliet in Friar Laurence 's cell, where...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
they are to be married.
The interview is brief and rather hurried, and as always the Nurse brings some comic relief to the proceedings. Yet at the same time she inadvertently foreshadows the eventual tragedy that will unfold. She confesses that she often teases Juliet by saying how much more handsome Paris is than Romeo. When she does so, Juliet turns ghostly white. This hints at Juliet's death. The Nurse also mentions that rosemary and Romeo both begin with the same letter. Rosemary is a herb that was traditionally regarded as a sign of immortality. It was also used as a token of love and of remembrance for the dead. Although the general tone of the interview is bright and cheery, we are now acutely aware of the tragic fate that will befall the star-crossed lovers.
What does the Nurse give to Romeo in Act 3, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet?
The nurse gave Romeo a ring from Juliet.
The Nurse had just informed Juliet about the tragic event which has resulted in Romeo's banishment. Romeo, Tybalt, Mercutio and others had been involved in a sword fight and Mercutio was killed by Tybalt who then fled with his gang. They returned later and the fight continued. In the process, Romeo killed Tybalt.
When Benvolio tells the Prince that Romeo was responsible for Tybalt's death, the Prince declares:
"And for that offence
Immediately we do exile him hence ...
... let Romeo hence in haste,
Else, when he's found, that hour is his last."
This meant that if Romeo were to be found, he would be executed. Juliet is overcome with grief on hearing about the death of her beloved cousin Tybalt but is utterly distraught to know that Romeo was responsible for his death. She had just gotten married to Romeo in Friar Laurence's cell and had planned to meet him later that evening to consummate their marriage. The Nurse had brought along ropes which Juliet should hang out of her window that night for Romeo to reach her chamber.
For Juliet, Romeo's banishment is greater that death:
"That 'banished,' that one word 'banished,'
Hath slain ten thousand Tybalts."
Juliet feels that her marriage would not be consummated since death had intervened:
"But I, a maid, die maiden-widowed.
Come, cords, come, nurse; I'll to my wedding-bed;
And death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!"
She feels that Romeo being banished is as good as him being dead. The Nurse, in an attempt to provide Juliet with some comfort, promises to go back to Romeo (she knows that he is hiding in Friar Laurence's cell) and ask him to come to Juliet. Juliet, in a fit of passion, cries out:
"O, find him! give this ring to my true knight, And bid him come to take his last farewell."
The ring is obviously a token of her love, forgiveness, and trust and would provide Romeo the assurance that he needs to risk his life and return to her.
When the Nurse later meets Romeo at Friar Laurence's cell, we have learned that Romeo had reached the point of wishing to kill himself, since he was overwrought and distressed about losing Juliet. The Nurse informs him that she would tell Juliet that he would return. She then gives him the ring.
This brings Romeo great comfort, for he declares:
"How well my comfort is revived by this!"
He then leaves to be with his love.