ROMEO
If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep,
Explanation: Romeo begins by saying that he trusts the pleasant dreams he’s had, referring to sleep as a “truth” that seems to offer insight into his future. He’s feeling hopeful, as dreams can sometimes offer clues to the future.
Language Technique: Personification – Sleep is given the ability to “flatter” and provide “truth.”
My dreams presage some joyful news at hand.
Explanation: He believes that his dreams are predicting something good is about to happen, which adds to his sense of optimism.
Language Technique: Foreshadowing – The dreams hint at future events, though the joy he expects will be ironic in the context of the tragedy.
My bosom’s lord sits lightly in his throne,
Explanation: Romeo refers to his heart as the “bosom’s lord,” meaning his emotions (specifically love) are in control, and love is currently making him feel light-hearted and carefree.
Language Technique: Metaphor – The heart is personified as a ruler or king.
And all this day an unaccustomed spirit
Explanation: He feels unusually lifted and happy, as though an unfamiliar, uplifting spirit is affecting him. He feels more energetic and positive than normal.
Language Technique: Imagery – The phrase “unaccustomed spirit” creates a sense of something supernatural or extraordinary influencing Romeo.
Lifts me above the ground with cheerful thoughts.
Explanation: His cheerful mood seems to lift him physically and emotionally, making him feel light and almost detached from the earth.
Language Technique: Metaphor – He’s lifted above the ground, symbolizing how love is elevating his spirit.
I dreamt my lady came and found me dead
Explanation: Romeo shares a strange dream where Juliet finds him dead. This could foreshadow the tragic events to come, but it is a dream he interprets as hopeful initially.
Language Technique: Foreshadowing – The dream is ominous, suggesting his own death, yet he interprets it with hope.
(Strange dream that gives a dead man leave to think!)
Explanation: Romeo reflects on how odd it is for a dead person (in his dream) to be thinking, as death should be final and without thought.
Language Technique: Irony – Romeo is contemplating his death, unaware of how his fate is about to unfold in real life.
And breathed such life with kisses in my lips
Explanation: In the dream, Juliet kisses him, and with her kiss, he comes back to life. This symbolizes the power of love and resurrection.
Language Technique: Imagery – The imagery of life being breathed into him through a kiss highlights love’s transformative power.
That I revived and was an emperor.
Explanation: After being kissed by Juliet, Romeo revives and feels powerful, as if he has become an emperor. The dream suggests that love can make him feel invincible.
Language Technique: Metaphor – Romeo is metaphorically crowned an emperor, symbolizing how love elevates him above his normal self.
Ah me, how sweet is love itself possessed
Explanation: He reflects on how wonderful it feels to have love, especially when he possesses it in a complete and fulfilling way.
Language Technique: Irony – While he speaks of love’s sweetness, he’s unaware of the tragedy awaiting him.
When but love’s shadows are so rich in joy!
Explanation: Romeo finds joy even in the mere idea or “shadow” of love, before its full reality is even experienced. This line emphasizes the sweetness of love’s mere potential.
Language Technique: Metaphor – Love’s “shadows” are used to describe the idealized, unrealized part of love.
Enter Romeo’s man Balthasar, in riding boots.
ROMEO:
News from Verona!—How now, Balthasar?
Explanation: Romeo eagerly asks Balthasar for news from Verona, indicating that he’s expecting good news about Juliet, possibly from the Friar.
Language Technique: Direct Address – Romeo is addressing Balthasar, highlighting his urgency to hear news.
Dost thou not bring me letters from the Friar?
Explanation: He asks if Balthasar has brought him any letters from Friar Laurence, whom Romeo has been in contact with, likely expecting news regarding Juliet’s situation.
Language Technique: Rhetorical Question – Romeo expects Balthasar to have brought the news.
How doth my lady? Is my father well?
Explanation: Romeo asks about the well-being of Juliet and his father. His primary concern is Juliet, but he also inquires about his father’s health.
Language Technique: Polysyndeton – Using “and” repeatedly adds emphasis to Romeo’s concern for both Juliet and his father.
How doth my Juliet? That I ask again,
Explanation: Romeo repeats his question about Juliet, emphasizing how important it is for him to hear news about her.
Language Technique: Repetition – This reinforces Romeo’s intense concern for Juliet’s well-being.
For nothing can be ill if she be well.
Explanation: Romeo expresses his belief that as long as Juliet is well, nothing else can go wrong in his world. This shows how deeply he is connected to her happiness.
Language Technique: Hyperbole – Romeo exaggerates the idea that Juliet’s well-being makes everything in life perfect.
BALTHASAR:
Then she is well and nothing can be ill.
Explanation: Balthasar gives a reassuring answer, confirming that Juliet is fine. However, his message is deceptive, leading to a tragic misunderstanding.
Language Technique: Dramatic Irony – The audience knows that Juliet is not well, creating tension.
Her body sleeps in Capels’ monument,
Explanation: Balthasar reveals that Juliet is “sleeping” in the Capulet tomb, but he refers to it as sleep, which is a euphemism for death.
Language Technique: Euphemism – The use of “sleeps” instead of “is dead” softens the harsh reality.
And her immortal part with angels lives.
Explanation: Balthasar comforts Romeo by saying that Juliet’s soul is with the angels, which implies that she is in heaven.
Language Technique: Metaphor – Juliet’s soul is compared to something divine and eternal, elevating her death to a spiritual level.
This dialogue marks a turning point in the play, where Romeo believes Juliet is dead, setting in motion his tragic decision to end his life.
ROMEO:
I saw her laid low in her kindred’s vault
Explanation: Romeo is recounting what he saw: Juliet’s body lying in the tomb of her family, the Capulets. He mentions it with a sense of sadness and loss.
Language Technique: Imagery – The phrase “laid low” creates a vivid picture of Juliet’s body in the tomb.
And presently took post to tell it you.
Explanation: Romeo explains that after witnessing Juliet’s “death,” he immediately set off to bring the news to the Friar or the relevant person.
Language Technique: Adverbial Phrase – “Presently” emphasizes the urgency of Romeo’s actions.
O, pardon me for bringing these ill news,
Explanation: Romeo is apologizing for the bad news Balthasar has just delivered, but his words carry a sense of resignation and tragedy.
Language Technique: Politeness – Romeo acknowledges the difficulty of the situation and his role in delivering the bad news.
Since you did leave it for my office, sir.
Explanation: Romeo is reminding Balthasar that it was his responsibility to bring news about Juliet. He slightly absolves himself of guilt, as it was his duty.
Language Technique: Tone of Responsibility – Romeo speaks formally, acknowledging Balthasar’s duty to deliver the news.
ROMEO:
Is it e’en so?—Then I deny you, stars!
Explanation: Romeo reacts with disbelief, denying fate (“stars”) for causing his misery. This is a key moment of defiance against the forces of fate that have been guiding his life.
Language Technique: Metaphor – “Deny you, stars” represents defying destiny and fate.
Thou knowest my lodging. Get me ink and paper,
Explanation: Romeo quickly shifts into action, asking Balthasar to get him writing materials. He’s determined to act on his grief immediately.
Language Technique: Command – Romeo’s urgency is evident as he demands Balthasar get ink and paper.
And hire post-horses. I will hence tonight.
Explanation: Romeo wants to immediately leave and return to Verona. He plans to travel through the night, showcasing his haste to be with Juliet.
Language Technique: Action – The urgency in his request for horses emphasizes Romeo’s impulsive and desperate state.
BALTHASAR:
I do beseech you, sir, have patience.
Explanation: Balthasar tries to calm Romeo down, asking him to wait before taking any drastic action. He notices Romeo’s physical state, which shows signs of emotional distress.
Language Technique: Politeness – Balthasar speaks respectfully, hoping to reason with Romeo.
Your looks are pale and wild and do import
Explanation: He observes that Romeo looks unwell—his pale complexion and wild appearance indicate that something bad is about to happen.
Language Technique: Imagery – Balthasar describes Romeo’s appearance, highlighting his emotional turmoil.
Some misadventure.
Explanation: Balthasar believes that Romeo is on the verge of doing something reckless, hinting at a misfortune to come.
Language Technique: Foreshadowing – The word “misadventure” suggests trouble ahead, especially considering Romeo’s mood.
ROMEO:
Tush, thou art deceived.
Explanation: Romeo dismisses Balthasar’s concerns, telling him he’s mistaken. He refuses to listen to reason and is set on his course.
Language Technique: Dismissive Tone – Romeo rejects the advice, showing his stubbornness and determination.
Leave me, and do the thing I bid thee do.
Explanation: Romeo orders Balthasar to leave him and carry out his instructions, which highlights Romeo’s single-mindedness in his grief.
Language Technique: Command – Romeo is giving direct orders, reinforcing his control over the situation.
Hast thou no letters to me from the Friar?
Explanation: Romeo asks again about any letters from Friar Laurence, showing his expectation that the Friar would have sent something important.
Language Technique: Repetition – Romeo repeats his question about the Friar, emphasizing his hope for a solution.
BALTHASAR:
No, my good lord.
Explanation: Balthasar responds negatively, confirming that he has no letters from the Friar.
Language Technique: Concise Response – Balthasar’s short reply conveys the finality of the situation.
ROMEO:
No matter. Get thee gone,
Explanation: Romeo dismisses Balthasar’s response, showing that he’s no longer concerned with waiting for any official word from the Friar.
Language Technique: Indifference – Romeo’s tone here suggests he is beyond caring about formalities.
And hire those horses. I’ll be with thee straight.
Explanation: Romeo insists that Balthasar hire the horses so they can leave immediately. Romeo is determined to act on his emotions.
Language Technique: Urgency – The phrase “I’ll be with thee straight” shows Romeo’s impatience.
Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee tonight.
Explanation: Romeo plans to join Juliet in death that night, signifying his intention to die with her. This is a tragic resolution.
Language Technique: Foreshadowing – Romeo’s statement foreshadows the tragic end, where he will indeed lie beside Juliet in the tomb.
Let’s see for means. O mischief, thou art swift
Explanation: Romeo begins to think of how he can make his plan happen. The “means” refer to the resources (such as poison) he will need to carry out his plan. He also personifies mischief, calling it swift to enter the minds of desperate people.
Language Technique: Personification – Mischief is portrayed as a force that can move quickly into the thoughts of desperate men.
To enter in the thoughts of desperate men.
Explanation: Romeo acknowledges that desperation is driving him to think of drastic measures, such as suicide, which foreshadows his decision to take poison.
Language Technique: Metaphor – The phrase “thoughts of desperate men” links to the idea that tragedy leads people to irrational decisions.
I do remember an apothecary
Explanation: Romeo recalls an apothecary (a type of pharmacist) who might be able to provide him with poison. This sets up his plan for obtaining the means to end his life.
Language Technique: Memory – Romeo’s recollection sets the stage for his next actions.
(And hereabouts he dwells) which late I noted
Explanation: Romeo indicates that the apothecary lives nearby and that he had seen him recently, which gives him access to the poison he seeks.
Language Technique: Casual Mention – Romeo’s mention of the apothecary’s location is casual but important for the unfolding plot.
In tattered weeds, with overwhelming brows,
Explanation: Romeo describes the apothecary as being poor, dressed in ragged clothes, and looking worn down. This helps to create an image of the apothecary as someone desperate, like Romeo.
Language Technique: Imagery – The description of the apothecary’s appearance paints a vivid picture of his poverty.
ROMEO:
“An if a man did need a poison now,
Whose sale is present death in Mantua,
Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him.”
Explanation: Romeo is reflecting on his situation and sarcastically noting that if someone needed poison, there’s a man nearby who would sell it to him. He calls the apothecary a “wretch,” a person of low moral standing, which implies Romeo’s desperation and anger towards fate.
Language Technique: Irony – Romeo acknowledges that he is in need of poison, which directly leads to his search for the apothecary. His use of the term “wretch” highlights his bleak view of the situation.
O, this same thought did but forerun my need,
And this same needy man must sell it me.
Explanation: Romeo realizes that his earlier thoughts about needing poison have now led him to this specific man, the apothecary, who is the one who can provide it. This is almost a moment of fate for Romeo.
Language Technique: Foreshadowing – Romeo acknowledges that his need for poison was already anticipated by this thought, and the apothecary’s presence seems like an inevitable part of his tragic journey.
As I remember, this should be the house.
Explanation: Romeo confirms that he has arrived at the correct house, the apothecary’s shop, where he hopes to obtain the poison.
Language Technique: Narrative Continuity – Romeo’s comment keeps the scene moving forward logically, confirming that he’s reached the right location.
Being holiday, the beggar’s shop is shut.—
What ho, Apothecary!
Explanation: Romeo finds that the apothecary’s shop is closed because it’s a holiday, which is a minor complication in his desperate plan. He calls out to the apothecary, showing his impatience.
Language Technique: Irony – The shop being closed adds an element of delay in Romeo’s already frantic search for a way to die with Juliet.
Enter Apothecary.
APOTHECARY:
Who calls so loud?
Explanation: The apothecary responds, indicating that he is surprised by Romeo’s urgent summons. His response is subdued, hinting at the apothecary’s poverty and caution.
Language Technique: Question – The apothecary’s question is neutral but also highlights his surprise at the situation.
ROMEO:
Come hither, man. I see that thou art poor.
Explanation: Romeo invites the apothecary closer and immediately observes his poverty, recognizing that he is in a dire situation. This helps Romeo justify his offer of money in exchange for the poison.
Language Technique: Empathy – Romeo acknowledges the apothecary’s poverty, which becomes an essential part of their transaction.
He offers money.
Hold, there is forty ducats. Let me have
A dram of poison, such soon-speeding gear
As will disperse itself through all the veins,
That the life-weary taker may fall dead,
And that the trunk may be discharged of breath
As violently as hasty powder fired
Doth hurry from the fatal cannon’s womb.
Explanation: Romeo offers the apothecary 40 ducats in exchange for a lethal dose of poison. He describes the effect of the poison in graphic terms, likening its speed and violence to gunpowder exploding from a cannon.
Language Technique: Simile – Romeo uses the simile “as violently as hasty powder fired” to emphasize the power and swiftness of the poison’s effect.
Language Technique: Imagery – The description of the poison dispersing “through all the veins” paints a vivid picture of its deadly effect, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger.
APOTHECARY:
Such mortal drugs I have, but Mantua’s law
Is death to any he that utters them.
Explanation: The apothecary admits that he has the poison but warns Romeo that selling it is illegal in Mantua, and anyone caught doing so could face death. This introduces a moral conflict for the apothecary.
Language Technique: Conflict – The apothecary’s words highlight the legal and moral dilemma he faces, showing his internal struggle between his poverty and his adherence to the law.
ROMEO:
Art thou so bare and full of wretchedness,
And fearest to die? Famine is in thy cheeks,
Need and oppression starveth in thy eyes,
Contempt and beggary hangs upon thy back.
The world is not thy friend, nor the world’s law.
The world affords no law to make thee rich.
Then be not poor, but break it, and take this.
Explanation: Romeo mocks the apothecary for his fear of the law, pointing out how poor and oppressed he is. He argues that the world doesn’t care about him, and therefore, the apothecary should ignore the law and take his money.
Language Technique: Rhetorical Question – Romeo asks the apothecary whether his fear of death is so strong that he will turn down the money.
Language Technique: Pathos – Romeo appeals to the apothecary’s sense of poverty and suffering, using emotional language to convince him to sell the poison.
APOTHECARY:
My poverty, but not my will, consents.
Explanation: The apothecary expresses that although he is willing to sell the poison due to his dire poverty, he does not morally agree with it. This shows his internal conflict.
Language Technique: Conflict – The apothecary’s words reveal his unwillingness but his need, emphasizing his moral struggle.
ROMEO:
I pay thy poverty and not thy will.
Explanation: Romeo responds coldly, stating that he is not paying the apothecary for his willingness but simply to relieve his poverty. This highlights Romeo’s utilitarian view of the situation.
Language Technique: Pragmatism – Romeo acknowledges the apothecary’s moral dilemma but chooses to pay him regardless, focusing on his need for the poison.
APOTHECARY (giving him the poison):
Put this in any liquid thing you will
And drink it off, and if you had the strength
Of twenty men, it would dispatch you straight.
Explanation: The apothecary gives Romeo instructions on how to use the poison. He says that if Romeo drinks it, even with the strength of twenty men, it will kill him immediately.
Language Technique: Hyperbole – The apothecary exaggerates the poison’s effectiveness by saying it could kill someone with the strength of twenty men, emphasizing its potency and speed.
Language Technique: Foreshadowing – The apothecary’s words foreshadow Romeo’s imminent death, adding tension to the scene.
ROMEO (handing him the money):
There is thy gold, worse poison to men’s souls,
Doing more murder in this loathsome world
Than these poor compounds that thou mayst not sell.
Explanation: Romeo pays the apothecary and reflects on the moral nature of his own actions. He acknowledges that money and greed are a more corrupting and damaging poison to people’s souls than the actual poison the apothecary sells. This is a commentary on the destructive power of wealth and how it corrupts.
Language Technique: Metaphor – Romeo compares gold and money to poison, implying that greed and materialism are more harmful to human morality than the literal poison he just bought.
Language Technique: Juxtaposition – Romeo contrasts the physical poison with the metaphorical poison of greed, creating a stark moral comparison.
I sell thee poison; thou hast sold me none.
Explanation: Romeo acknowledges that while the apothecary has sold him the literal poison, he himself is selling a much more damaging form of poison—the influence of money. It’s an ironic statement reflecting the moral complexity of the transaction.
Language Technique: Irony – Romeo’s statement is ironic because he is buying poison, yet he remarks that he himself is selling something more destructive, revealing his complex view of the world and the situation.
Language Technique: Contrast – By stating that the apothecary hasn’t sold him any poison, Romeo implies that what he’s doing is more dangerous and damaging than the apothecary’s physical poison.
Farewell, buy food, and get thyself in flesh.
Explanation: Romeo bids the apothecary farewell, advising him to use the gold for food and to take care of himself. It’s a brief moment of kindness from Romeo, despite the dark events unfolding.
Language Technique: Irony – Romeo, who is preparing to end his own life, tells the apothecary to buy food and stay alive, creating an ironic contrast between their fates.
Apothecary exits.
ROMEO (aside):
Come, cordial and not poison, go with me
To Juliet’s grave, for there must I use thee.
Explanation: After the apothecary leaves, Romeo speaks to the poison, calling it a “cordial” (a medicinal drink) instead of poison, suggesting that it will be the means to reunite him with Juliet. He plans to use it in Juliet’s grave to end his life there.
Language Technique: Personification – Romeo refers to the poison as if it were a helpful companion (“come, cordial”), softening the tone of the act he is about to commit.
Language Technique: Symbolism – The poison symbolizes both death and Romeo’s intense desire to be with Juliet, reflecting his belief that death is the only way to escape his pain.
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