FRIAR LAWRENCE: “Romeo, come forth; come forth, thou fearful man.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence calls Romeo out from hiding, addressing him as “fearful man.” Romeo’s fears are more than just physical dangers; they represent his emotional state as well. His life has been a constant tumult of passion, violence, and tragedy.
- Analysis: The word “fearful” highlights that Romeo is trapped not just in his external circumstances but in his own mind—his fears drive his decisions and his perception of the world. Romeo’s impulsive nature often leads him to act without fully considering the consequences.
- Language Device: The use of alliteration (“fearful man”) emphasizes Romeo’s emotional state, creating a sense of tension right from the start.
“Affliction is enamored of thy parts, And thou art wedded to calamity.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence laments that Romeo is so used to hardship and misfortune that it’s as if he’s in a relationship with it. “Affliction” here is personified as a lover, constantly “enamored” with Romeo.
- Analysis: This passage suggests that Romeo’s life is marked by continual suffering. He seems to attract misfortune as if it’s a constant companion. This sets up the theme of fate versus free will, with Romeo seeming to be unable to escape the cycle of tragedy.
- Language Device: Personification (“Affliction is enamored”) gives human qualities to abstract concepts like sorrow and calamity, making them feel more inevitable and constant in Romeo’s life.
Enter Romeo.
ROMEO: “Father, what news? What is the Prince’s doom? What sorrow craves acquaintance at my hand That I yet know not?”
- Explanation: Romeo urgently seeks answers, showing his anxiety and fear of the unknown. He asks about the prince’s “doom” (punishment) and whether it will bring him further sorrow.
- Analysis: The repetition of “what” in this passage emphasizes Romeo’s desperate need for information. He is so emotionally overwhelmed that he cannot focus on a single question but throws out multiple ones, demonstrating his confusion and fear.
- Language Device: The repetition of “what” is a rhetorical device that intensifies Romeo’s distress. It also reflects how he is thinking in a fragmented way, unable to focus clearly on one thing.
FRIAR LAWRENCE: “Too familiar Is my dear son with such sour company. I bring thee tidings of the Prince’s doom.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence speaks about Romeo’s familiarity with “sour company”—trouble, misfortune, and sorrow—which seems to always follow him. The Friar’s use of “dear son” implies both affection and a sense of responsibility.
- Analysis: By using the phrase “sour company,” Friar Lawrence is pointing out Romeo’s tendency to attract or be surrounded by negative outcomes. It reflects how deeply Romeo is entangled in tragedy, whether caused by his own actions or external circumstances.
- Language Device: “Sour company” is a metaphor that personifies misfortune as something that can accompany and influence one’s life, suggesting it’s a regular, unwelcome guest in Romeo’s existence.
ROMEO: “What less than doomsday is the Prince’s doom?”
- Explanation: Romeo, thinking the worst, assumes that the prince’s judgment will be something as severe as doomsday, the end of the world. He is unable to fathom a punishment less dire than death.
- Analysis: Romeo’s reaction here reflects his all-or-nothing mindset. He is overwhelmed by emotions and fails to see the nuance in the situation. This also foreshadows how he will later react to the banishment, making it seem far worse than it is.
- Language Device: Hyperbole (“doomsday”) amplifies Romeo’s extreme emotional state. It suggests that he views the prince’s decision as life-or-death, without considering that there could be mercy or understanding in the punishment.
FRIAR LAWRENCE: “A gentler judgment vanished from his lips: Not body’s death, but body’s banishment.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence reassures Romeo that the prince’s judgment was not as severe as he might have feared. The punishment is not death, but banishment, which is a less drastic outcome.
- Analysis: This moment marks the beginning of Friar Lawrence’s attempt to guide Romeo to see the mercy in the situation. However, Romeo’s emotional state clouds his ability to recognize the mercy, and instead, he only fixates on the perceived horror of exile.
- Language Device: The phrase “gentler judgment” contrasts with Romeo’s perception of the punishment. It also serves as an attempt by Friar Lawrence to move Romeo from despair toward rationality.
ROMEO: “Ha, banishment? Be merciful, say ‘death,’ For exile hath more terror in his look, Much more than death. Do not say ‘banishment.’”
- Explanation: Romeo rejects banishment as a form of punishment, arguing that exile is far worse than death because it means living without Juliet and being removed from the only world he knows.
- Analysis: This is a key moment in Romeo’s development. He prioritizes his love for Juliet above everything else, making it difficult for him to see any value in a life without her, even if it means saving his own life.
- Language Device: Repetition of “banishment” emphasizes Romeo’s intense emotional reaction to the idea of being exiled. He is trapped in his narrow view that life without Verona and Juliet is meaningless.
FRIAR LAWRENCE: “Here from Verona art thou banishèd. Be patient, for the world is broad and wide.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence tries to comfort Romeo by telling him that the world is large and full of possibilities beyond Verona. He urges Romeo to be patient and to think beyond his immediate grief.
- Analysis: This advice is practical but clashes with Romeo’s immediate emotional reaction. Friar Lawrence is trying to give Romeo perspective, offering a wider view of life that Romeo cannot yet appreciate.
- Language Device: The words “broad and wide” are a metaphor for the opportunities outside of Verona, aiming to give Romeo hope for the future despite his emotional turmoil.
ROMEO: “There is no world without Verona walls But purgatory, torture, hell itself. Hence ‘banishèd’ is ‘banished from the world,’ And world’s exile is death. Then ‘banishèd’ Is death mistermed. Calling death ‘banishèd,’ Thou cutt’st my head off with a golden ax And smilest upon the stroke that murders me.”
- Explanation: Romeo argues that there is no life worth living without Verona, claiming that exile means separation from the only world that matters to him. He imagines a hellish existence without Juliet and his family.
- Analysis: Romeo’s thinking here is completely consumed by his emotions. He is so blinded by grief that he cannot see the potential for new beginnings outside Verona. This passage is rich in figurative language, expressing just how severe his despair is.
- Language Device: Imagery (“cutting my head off with a golden ax”) creates a violent, painful picture of Romeo’s perception of exile. The golden ax adds an ironic twist, suggesting that the punishment is gilded or seemingly merciful but still feels deadly to Romeo.
FRIAR LAWRENCE: “O deadly sin, O rude unthankfulness! Thy fault our law calls death, but the kind prince, Taking thy part, hath rushed aside the law And turned that black word ‘death’ to ‘banishment.’ This is dear mercy, and thou seest it not.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence scolds Romeo for his ingratitude, pointing out that Romeo should be grateful for the mercy he’s been shown. The prince had the authority to sentence him to death but instead chose to banish him.
- Analysis: Friar Lawrence is exasperated with Romeo’s inability to see the mercy in the prince’s decision. Romeo’s emotional outbursts are preventing him from appreciating the prince’s kindness, and the Friar is trying to bring him to a rational understanding.
- Language Device: The phrase “dear mercy” contrasts with Romeo’s view of banishment as torture. By calling the prince’s decision “dear,” Friar Lawrence emphasizes how valuable mercy is, even if Romeo cannot see it at the moment.
ROMEO
’Tis torture and not mercy. Heaven is here Where Juliet lives, and every cat and dog And little mouse, every unworthy thing, Live here in heaven and may look on her, But Romeo may not.
- Explanation: Romeo speaks out of intense despair, claiming that his exile isn’t mercy but a form of torture. He believes that heaven itself is where Juliet lives, but even the most insignificant creatures—cats, dogs, and mice—can enjoy her presence, while he, Romeo, cannot.
- Analysis: This conveys Romeo’s overwhelming sorrow and feeling of exclusion. His emotional turmoil leads him to see the world through a lens of bitterness and hopelessness. He cannot fathom living without Juliet.
- Language Device: Repetition (“every… every…”) emphasizes how every living being, no matter how small or insignificant, can be close to Juliet, while he is banned from her. Hyperbole (“every unworthy thing”) amplifies his sense of injustice and isolation.
More validity, More honorable state, more courtship lives In carrion flies than Romeo.
- Explanation: Romeo compares himself to carrion flies—flies that feast on dead bodies—and claims that even these unworthy creatures have a higher status than he does. They are allowed to touch Juliet, whereas he is forbidden.
- Analysis: This reflects Romeo’s self-loathing and the depth of his despair. He believes that his punishment is so severe that even the most disgusting creatures are in a better position than him.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“in carrion flies”) is used to emphasize how low Romeo feels. He likens himself to the flies that eat decaying bodies, showing that he feels worthless and repulsive.
They may seize On the white wonder of dear Juliet’s hand And steal immortal blessing from her lips, Who even in pure and vestal modesty Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin; But Romeo may not; he is banishèd.
- Explanation: Romeo imagines that the flies can touch Juliet’s pure hand and kiss her lips, receiving “immortal blessings” (her love) even though she remains innocent. He contrasts this with his inability to even be near her due to his banishment.
- Analysis: This passage shows how Romeo is consumed by jealousy and bitterness. He cannot stand the thought of anyone else being near Juliet, even if they’re as lowly as flies. His emotional blindness prevents him from seeing the mercy in the situation.
- Language Device: Imagery (“white wonder of dear Juliet’s hand”) creates a vivid picture of Juliet’s purity and beauty, while juxtaposition (“flies” vs. “Romeo”) highlights Romeo’s perceived inferiority and sense of injustice.
Flies may do this, but I from this must fly. They are free men, but I am banishèd.
- Explanation: Romeo repeats his view that the flies are free to be with Juliet, but he, in contrast, is condemned to exile. The comparison further emphasizes his sense of entrapment.
- Analysis: Romeo’s fixation on the idea of freedom highlights how he sees himself as trapped in a cruel fate. The use of “fly” is both literal and metaphorical, representing his desire to escape and be with Juliet.
- Language Device: Antithesis (“free men” vs. “I am banishèd”) contrasts the freedom of the flies with Romeo’s imprisonment, making his isolation even more stark.
And sayest thou yet that exile is not death? Hadst thou no poison mixed, no sharp-ground knife, No sudden mean of death, though ne’er so mean, But “banishèd” to kill me? “Banishèd”?
- Explanation: Romeo asks the Friar whether banishment is not the same as death. He imagines that if there were no other means to kill him (like poison or a knife), then being “banished” would be just as deadly.
- Analysis: Romeo exaggerates the severity of his punishment, making it seem far worse than it actually is. He cannot accept the reality of exile and interprets it through the lens of his despair. His inability to see any hope beyond his love for Juliet leads him to view banishment as a form of death.
- Language Device: Rhetorical question (“sayest thou yet that exile is not death?”) highlights Romeo’s emotional frustration. The repetition of “banishèd” intensifies his feeling of being condemned to an unbearable fate.
O friar, the damnèd use that word in hell. Howling attends it. How hast thou the heart, Being a divine, a ghostly confessor, A sin absolver, and my friend professed, To mangle me with that word “banishèd”?
- Explanation: Romeo now associates the word “banishment” with damnation in hell. He is furious at Friar Lawrence for using this word, as it brings him such pain. Romeo feels betrayed because he sees the Friar as a friend who should be comforting him, not causing him further anguish.
- Analysis: Romeo’s emotional instability is evident here as he elevates his suffering to a spiritual level, comparing banishment to eternal damnation. This also shows his inability to think rationally or consider the possibility of moving on.
- Language Device: Allusion to hell, as well as the personification of “howling” attending the damned, reinforces the idea that Romeo feels as if he is being sent to a fate worse than death.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
Thou fond mad man, hear me a little speak.
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence calls Romeo “fond mad man,” expressing both concern and frustration with Romeo’s irrational thinking. He tries to get Romeo to listen.
- Analysis: The Friar’s calmness contrasts with Romeo’s emotional outburst. It highlights the difference in their perspectives: Romeo is driven by raw emotion, while Friar Lawrence is trying to offer wisdom and clarity.
- Language Device: The use of oxymoron in “fond mad man” conveys the contradiction in Romeo’s actions—he is both lovable (“fond”) and irrational (“mad”).
ROMEO
O, thou wilt speak again of banishment.
- Explanation: Romeo anticipates that the Friar will mention banishment again and is clearly unwilling to hear any more about it. He’s fixated on the idea that he’s been unjustly punished.
- Analysis: This line shows Romeo’s emotional exhaustion. He is unable to process the reality of his situation, which prevents him from moving forward or considering the advice of others.
- Language Device: Repetition of “banishment” underlines Romeo’s obsession with this single word and his inability to let it go.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
I’ll give thee armor to keep off that word, Adversity’s sweet milk, philosophy, To comfort thee, though thou art banishèd.
- Explanation: The Friar offers Romeo “armor” in the form of philosophy—wisdom and rational thinking—as a way to protect himself from the emotional pain of banishment.
- Analysis: This suggests that reason and perspective can serve as a shield against suffering. The Friar is trying to guide Romeo away from his emotional extremes.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“armor to keep off that word”) compares philosophy to armor, showing that rational thinking can protect Romeo from the emotional damage of his exile.
ROMEO
Yet “banishèd”? Hang up philosophy. Unless philosophy can make a Juliet, Displant a town, reverse a prince’s doom, It helps not, it prevails not. Talk no more.
- Explanation: Romeo rejects the Friar’s attempt to comfort him, claiming that no philosophy can bring Juliet to him, change the town, or reverse the prince’s judgment. He believes only Juliet can fix his world, and without her, everything else is useless.
- Analysis: Romeo’s intense emotional attachment to Juliet blinds him to the possibilities around him. He cannot see any value in anything except being with her, which makes him reject the Friar’s rational advice.
- Language Device: Hyperbole (“unless philosophy can make a Juliet”) exaggerates Romeo’s emotional dependence on Juliet, suggesting that only she can bring him peace.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
O, then I see that madmen have no ears.
- Explanation: The Friar comments that madmen, such as Romeo in this moment, are beyond reason—they are unable to hear or understand logic.
- Analysis: The Friar recognizes that Romeo’s emotional state has overtaken his ability to think clearly. He feels that Romeo is being unreasonable and refuses to listen to any advice that doesn’t fit his immediate desires.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“madmen have no ears”) represents how Romeo’s emotions are preventing him from hearing reason.
ROMEO
How should they when that wise men have no eyes?
- Explanation: Romeo retorts that wise men also can’t see the truth when they are blind to the depth of his suffering. He’s suggesting that the Friar, in his wisdom, is unable to understand the emotional pain Romeo is going through.
- Analysis: This line reveals Romeo’s stubbornness and emotional blindness. He is unable to see that his pain may be clouding his judgment, and he lashes out at the Friar’s perspective.
- Language Device: Irony is used here, as Romeo, the “madman,” accuses wise men of being blind, despite the fact that he himself is blinded by emotion.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
Let me dispute with thee of thy estate.
- Explanation: The Friar wants to reason with Romeo and explain the situation to him, hoping to make him understand his current position.
- Analysis: This is an attempt by the Friar to engage Romeo in a rational discussion about his fate and to calm him down.
- Language Device: Formal language (“dispute with thee”) contrasts with Romeo’s emotional outbursts, highlighting the difference in their approaches to the situation.
ROMEO
Thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feel.
- Explanation: Romeo responds by saying that the Friar cannot understand his situation because he has not experienced what Romeo feels—intense love and loss.
- Analysis: Romeo believes that only those who have felt his pain can truly understand it, which shows his emotional immaturity and inability to listen to reason.
- Language Device: Apostrophe (“thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feel”) emphasizes the emotional divide between Romeo and the Friar.
Wert thou as young as I, Juliet thy love, An hour but married, Tybalt murderèd, Doting like me, and like me banishèd, Then mightst thou speak, then mightst thou tear thy hair And fall upon the ground as I do now, Romeo throws himself down.
- Explanation: Romeo imagines that if the Friar were in his position—young, in love, recently married, and exiled—he would be just as distraught. Romeo’s actions, like tearing his hair and throwing himself on the ground, show his overwhelming grief.
- Analysis: Romeo is so consumed by his emotions that he cannot see any way out of his despair. He believes that only through experiencing his pain can one truly understand it.
- Language Device: Imagery (tearing hair, falling to the ground) powerfully conveys Romeo’s sorrow and emotional breakdown. Anaphora (repetition of “then mightst thou”) emphasizes the idea of the Friar needing to walk in his shoes to understand.
NURSE, within
“Let me come in, and you shall know my errand. I come from Lady Juliet.”
- Explanation: The Nurse asks to enter and announces that she has an important message from Juliet.
- Analysis: This sets the scene for a moment of communication between Romeo and the Nurse, which will shift Romeo’s focus from his own despair to his wife’s condition.
- Language Device: Direct speech is used to establish the Nurse’s urgency and the importance of the message.
FRIAR LAWRENCE, admitting the Nurse
“Welcome, then.”
- Explanation: The Friar welcomes the Nurse into the room, signaling that she has something important to discuss.
- Analysis: His short, simple line shows politeness but also sets up a quick transition into the real emotional conflict.
NURSE
“O holy friar, O, tell me, holy friar, Where’s my lady’s lord? Where’s Romeo?”
- Explanation: The Nurse is frantic, calling out to the Friar to know where Romeo is. She’s seeking information about him for Juliet’s sake.
- Analysis: The Nurse’s repetition of “holy friar” emphasizes her desperation and respect for the Friar. She is worried and eager to find Romeo for Juliet’s sake.
- Language Device: Repetition (“O holy friar”) conveys urgency and emotional distress.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
“There on the ground, with his own tears made drunk.”
- Explanation: The Friar tells the Nurse that Romeo is on the ground, overwhelmed with grief, crying so much that his tears have soaked him.
- Analysis: The Friar’s response highlights Romeo’s emotional state—he is drowning in his sorrow, unable to control his grief.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“made drunk with tears”) symbolizes how consumed Romeo is by his sorrow.
NURSE
“O, he is even in my mistress’ case, Just in her case. O woeful sympathy! Piteous predicament! Even so lies she, Blubb’ring and weeping, weeping and blubb’ring.”
- Explanation: The Nurse compares Romeo’s state to Juliet’s, showing that they are both in deep emotional distress. She reflects on the tragic similarity of their situations.
- Analysis: The Nurse’s words show her deep sympathy for both Romeo and Juliet. She is overwhelmed by the shared sadness and suffering.
- Language Device: Repetition (“weeping and blubbering”) emphasizes the unrelenting sorrow of both characters.
“Stand up, stand up. Stand an you be a man. For Juliet’s sake, for her sake, rise and stand.”
- Explanation: The Nurse urges Romeo to get up, telling him to act like a man for Juliet’s sake. She appeals to his sense of responsibility to her.
- Analysis: The Nurse is trying to shake Romeo out of his despair by reminding him of his role as Juliet’s husband, implying that his behavior is not worthy of him.
- Language Device: Imperative (“Stand up, stand up”) is used to command Romeo to rise from his sorrow and take action.
ROMEO
“Nurse.”
- Explanation: Romeo calls out to the Nurse, indicating that he is beginning to focus on what she has to say.
- Analysis: The simplicity of the line shows that Romeo is still deeply lost in his thoughts but now somewhat receptive to hearing more from the Nurse.
NURSE
“Ah sir, ah sir, death’s the end of all.”
- Explanation: The Nurse expresses her sorrow, suggesting that death is the only thing that will end their suffering.
- Analysis: The Nurse is highlighting the hopelessness of the situation, showing her emotional exhaustion and her acceptance of the tragic fate.
- Language Device: Rhetorical statement (“death’s the end of all”) implies that nothing more can be done to alleviate their suffering.
ROMEO, rising up
“Spakest thou of Juliet? How is it with her? Doth not she think me an old murderer, Now I have stained the childhood of our joy With blood removed but little from her own?”
- Explanation: Romeo is desperate to know about Juliet. He is consumed by guilt, thinking that she may now see him as a murderer because of Tybalt’s death, which has tainted their love.
- Analysis: Romeo’s guilt is overwhelming. He sees his love for Juliet as “stained” by Tybalt’s death, reflecting how deeply he internalizes his actions and their consequences.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“stained the childhood of our joy”) illustrates how Romeo feels he has corrupted the pure joy of their love with violence.
“Where is she? And how doth she? And what says My concealed lady to our canceled love?”
- Explanation: Romeo asks where Juliet is, how she is doing, and what she thinks about their love being interrupted by the tragedy.
- Analysis: Romeo’s questions show his anxiety about Juliet’s feelings and the status of their relationship.
- Language Device: Rhetorical questions show his emotional state—his desperate need for reassurance and his concern for Juliet.
NURSE
“O, she says nothing, sir, but weeps and weeps, And now falls on her bed, and then starts up, And ‘Tybalt’ calls, and then on Romeo cries, And then down falls again.”
- Explanation: The Nurse tells Romeo that Juliet is in deep grief. She cries over Tybalt’s death, and then calls for Romeo, before collapsing again.
- Analysis: Juliet’s grief is profound and unrelenting. The Nurse’s description highlights Juliet’s emotional instability, caught between grief for Tybalt and longing for Romeo.
- Language Device: Repetition (“weeps and weeps”) emphasizes the intensity of Juliet’s sorrow.
ROMEO
“As if that name, Shot from the deadly level of a gun, Did murder her, as that name’s cursèd hand Murdered her kinsman.”
- Explanation: Romeo imagines that the mention of Tybalt’s name wounds Juliet as if it were a gunshot, linking Tybalt’s death to their current grief.
- Analysis: Romeo’s thoughts illustrate his self-loathing and his connection of Tybalt’s death to the breakdown of his relationship with Juliet.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“Shot from the deadly level of a gun”) creates a vivid image of the destructive power of Tybalt’s name and death.
“O, tell me, friar, tell me, In what vile part of this anatomy Doth my name lodge? Tell me, that I may sack The hateful mansion.”
- Explanation: Romeo asks the Friar where in his body his name (and the guilt it carries) resides, so that he can destroy it. He wants to rid himself of the pain caused by his actions.
- Analysis: Romeo is consumed with hatred for his name and its association with the tragedy. This shows how disconnected he has become from rational thought, driven purely by emotion.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“the hateful mansion”) likens his body to a house, suggesting that his name is a poison within him that needs to be eradicated.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
“Hold thy desperate hand! Art thou a man? Thy form cries out thou art. Thy tears are womanish; thy wild acts denote The unreasonable fury of a beast.”
- Explanation: The Friar commands Romeo to stop his reckless behavior and questions whether he is truly a man. He criticizes Romeo’s emotional outbursts, calling them weak and irrational.
- Analysis: The Friar is trying to snap Romeo out of his destructive state, challenging his masculinity and logic.
- Language Device: Contradiction (“Thy tears are womanish” vs. “Art thou a man?”) shows the Friar’s disapproval of Romeo’s lack of control and composure.
“Unseemly woman in a seeming man, And ill-beseeming beast in seeming both!”
- Explanation: The Friar chastises Romeo for acting like a woman in his emotional breakdown and like a beast due to his wild behavior.
- Analysis: The Friar uses gendered language to criticize Romeo’s behavior, indicating that his emotional state is unfit for a man in his position. It highlights the social expectations of masculinity.
- Language Device: Juxtaposition (“woman in a seeming man” and “beast in seeming both”) contrasts reason with emotional chaos.
“Thou hast amazed me. By my holy order, I thought thy disposition better tempered.”
- Explanation: The Friar is shocked by Romeo’s actions, thinking that Romeo was better than this, given his previous wisdom.
- Analysis: The Friar is disappointed in Romeo, emphasizing that he expected more self-control and rationality from him.
- Language Device: Allusion (“By my holy order”) references the Friar’s own position as a religious man, suggesting that Romeo’s behavior is unbecoming of someone in his role.
“Hast thou slain Tybalt? Wilt thou slay thyself, And slay thy lady that in thy life lives, By doing damnèd hate upon thyself?”
- Explanation: The Friar questions whether Romeo plans to kill himself, pointing out that if he does, he will destroy Juliet as well.
- Analysis: The Friar warns Romeo that his actions, driven by hatred, will lead to his own self-destruction and the destruction of his love for Juliet.
- Language Device: Rhetorical questions (“Wilt thou slay thyself?”) force Romeo to confront the gravity of his actions.
“Why railest thou on thy birth, the heaven, and earth, Since birth and heaven and earth all three do meet In thee at once, which thou at once wouldst lose?”
- Explanation: The Friar asks why Romeo is complaining about his birth and destiny when he has everything—life, heaven, and earth—in himself and yet wishes to throw it all away.
- Analysis: The Friar is challenging Romeo’s despair, reminding him of the value of life and what he stands to lose by succumbing to his emotional turmoil.
- Language Device: Rhetorical question emphasizes the absurdity of Romeo’s self-destructive thoughts.
“Fie, fie, thou shamest thy shape, thy love, thy wit, Which, like a usurer, abound’st in all And usest none in that true use indeed Which should bedeck thy shape, thy love, thy wit.”
- Explanation: The Friar scolds Romeo for wasting his talents and his love, comparing him to a miser (usurer) who has wealth but doesn’t use it properly.
- Analysis: The Friar points out that Romeo is wasting his potential—his looks, his love for Juliet, and his intelligence—by wallowing in despair.
- Language Device: Simile (“like a usurer”) compares Romeo’s wasted resources to a moneylender hoarding wealth.
“Thy noble shape is but a form of wax, Digressing from the valor of a man;”
- Explanation: The Friar describes Romeo’s appearance as a wax figure, suggesting that he looks like a man but lacks true strength and courage.
- Analysis: The Friar is implying that Romeo’s outward appearance does not reflect his inner qualities, and his despair is weakening him.
- Language Device: Metaphor (“form of wax”) compares Romeo’s character to something easily manipulated and weak.
“Thy dear love sworn but hollow perjury, Killing that love which thou hast vowed to cherish;”
- Explanation: The Friar criticizes Romeo for breaking his vow to love Juliet by considering suicide, which would destroy their love.
- Analysis: The Friar points out that Romeo’s actions contradict the love he swore to Juliet, further illustrating his emotional immaturity.
- Language Device: Oxymoron (“hollow perjury”) emphasizes the contradiction between Romeo’s words and actions.
“Thy wit, that ornament to shape and love, Misshapen in the conduct of them both, Like powder in a skilless soldier’s flask, Is set afire by thine own ignorance, And thou dismembered with thine own defense.”
- Explanation: The Friar says that Romeo’s intelligence and wisdom are being misused, like gunpowder in a soldier’s flask that is set off by mistake, causing self-destruction.
- Analysis: The Friar emphasizes that Romeo’s own lack of understanding is leading him to ruin, both emotionally and physically.
- Language Device: Simile (“like powder in a skilless soldier’s flask”) and Metaphor (“set afire by thine own ignorance”) describe how Romeo’s actions are self-destructive.
“What, rouse thee, man! Thy Juliet is alive, For whose dear sake thou wast but lately dead:”
- Explanation: The Friar finally shocks Romeo out of his despair by revealing that Juliet is still alive, urging him to take action.
- Analysis: This line serves as a wake-up call for Romeo, shifting his focus from his own suffering to the reality that Juliet still needs him.
- Language Device: Imperative (“What, rouse thee, man!”) emphasizes the urgency of the situation and commands Romeo to act.
“There art thou happy. Tybalt would kill thee, But thou slewest Tybalt: there art thou happy.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence tells Romeo that he is fortunate. Tybalt, who killed Mercutio, would have killed Romeo in return if Romeo hadn’t killed him first. So, Romeo is alive and has some reason to feel happy about that.
- Analysis: Friar Lawrence is trying to help Romeo see the positive side of things. Romeo’s action was in self-defense, and it saved his life, so there is happiness in this situation.
- Language Device: Juxtaposition – The contrasting ideas of “death” and “life” are placed side by side to highlight the positive side of Romeo’s actions.
“The law that threatened death becomes thy friend And turns it to exile: there art thou happy.”
- Explanation: The law initially threatened Romeo with the death penalty for killing Tybalt, but instead, he was sentenced to exile (banishment). This is a much lighter punishment.
- Analysis: Here, Friar Lawrence encourages Romeo to see exile as a blessing because it’s better than death.
- Language Device: Irony – It’s ironic that what seemed like a terrible fate (death) turned into something better (exile).
“A pack of blessings light upon thy back; Happiness courts thee in her best array;”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence continues, telling Romeo that he has many blessings now, and happiness is following him, offering him the best things life can offer.
- Analysis: Friar Lawrence is trying to lift Romeo’s spirits by focusing on the good things he has, like his life, Juliet, and the opportunity to eventually reconcile with his family.
- Language Device: Personification – Happiness is described as a person who is actively courting Romeo, emphasizing how closely happiness is connected to him at this moment.
“But, like a misbehaved and sullen wench, Thou pouts upon thy fortune and thy love.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence scolds Romeo for being ungrateful. He compares Romeo to a spoiled, sulky girl (a “wench”) who pouts when things don’t go exactly her way.
- Analysis: Friar Lawrence points out that Romeo is not appreciating the good things in his life (like his survival, the love he shares with Juliet, and his life in Mantua) because he is focused on the negative.
- Language Device: Simile – Romeo is compared to a “misbehaved and sullen wench,” which emphasizes his childish behavior and lack of appreciation.
“Take heed, take heed, for such die miserable.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that if he continues to sulk and be ungrateful, he will live a miserable life and may eventually die unhappy.
- Analysis: This line serves as a warning that focusing too much on sorrow and not accepting the present circumstances can lead to greater unhappiness.
- Language Device: Foreshadowing – The idea that “such die miserable” hints at the tragic end that Romeo and Juliet will eventually meet, due to their inability to accept their circumstances.
“Go, get thee to thy love, as was decreed. Ascend her chamber. Hence and comfort her.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence tells Romeo to go to Juliet’s chamber, as he is supposed to comfort her. It’s part of the plan for them to be together, even in these difficult circumstances.
- Analysis: This is a reminder to Romeo that despite everything, his love for Juliet is still the most important thing, and he must fulfill his duty to her.
- Language Device: Imperative verb – “Go” and “Ascend” are commands, showing the urgency and importance of Romeo’s next actions.
“But look thou stay not till the watch be set, For then thou canst not pass to Mantua,”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence warns Romeo not to stay too long at Juliet’s place, because once the watch (the city guards) are in place for the night, Romeo won’t be able to leave Verona and go to Mantua.
- Analysis: This line highlights the urgency of the situation, as Romeo needs to leave quickly before being caught by the watch.
- Language Device: Foreshadowing – The mention of the watch indicates the looming danger of being caught, adding tension to the scene.
“Where thou shalt live till we can find a time To blaze your marriage, reconcile your friends, Beg pardon of the Prince, and call thee back With twenty hundred thousand times more joy Than thou went’st forth in lamentation.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence says that Romeo will live in Mantua until they can find a time to reveal their secret marriage, make peace between the feuding families, ask the Prince for forgiveness, and bring Romeo back to Verona with much more joy than when he left in sorrow.
- Analysis: This is part of the plan Friar Lawrence hopes will reunite the lovers and resolve their issues. However, this also highlights the tragic nature of their situation — the idea of a joyful reunion is uncertain.
- Language Device: Hyperbole – The phrase “twenty hundred thousand times more joy” exaggerates the future happiness they hope to achieve, suggesting that Romeo’s return will be filled with immense joy, even though, in reality, this joy will never come.
“Go before, nurse. Commend me to thy lady, And bid her hasten all the house to bed, Which heavy sorrow makes them apt unto.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence sends the Nurse ahead to Juliet to tell her that Romeo is coming. He also asks her to make sure that the household is in bed, as they are tired from their grief over Tybalt’s death.
- Analysis: This shows the somber atmosphere in Juliet’s house, where everyone is exhausted and sorrowful. It also creates a sense of urgency in the plan for Romeo to meet Juliet.
- Language Device: Mood – The mention of “heavy sorrow” sets a melancholic tone and highlights the contrast between the grief in the house and the hope Romeo and Juliet hold for their love.
“Romeo is coming.”
- Explanation: The Nurse announces that Romeo is on his way to Juliet.
- Analysis: This line serves as a transition and builds anticipation for Romeo’s arrival in Juliet’s chamber.
- Language Device: Cliffhanger – This creates suspense, making the audience eager to see what happens when Romeo and Juliet meet.
“NURSE: O Lord, I could have stayed here all the night To hear good counsel. O, what learning is!— My lord, I’ll tell my lady you will come.”
- Explanation: The Nurse expresses admiration for Friar Lawrence’s wisdom and says that she would have stayed to hear more of his advice. She promises to tell Juliet that Romeo is coming.
- Analysis: The Nurse is not particularly deep, but she shows respect for the guidance Friar Lawrence provides. Her comment about “learning” is somewhat ironic, as she’s just receiving basic advice.
- Language Device: Irony – The Nurse praises the counsel, but she doesn’t fully understand its gravity. She doesn’t recognize the danger and tragedy that will unfold.
“ROMEO: Do so, and bid my sweet prepare to chide.”
- Explanation: Romeo asks the Nurse to tell Juliet that he is coming and that she should be ready to scold him for leaving her so quickly. Romeo feels guilty about leaving Juliet in such a hurry.
- Analysis: Romeo’s guilt is evident here. He worries that Juliet will be angry with him for leaving, even though it was necessary.
- Language Device: Characterization – This shows Romeo’s sensitive nature and his concern for Juliet’s feelings.
“Here, sir, a ring she bid me give you, sir.”
- Explanation: The Nurse gives Romeo a ring from Juliet, a symbol of her love.
- Analysis: The ring is a token of Juliet’s love, and this exchange shows the deep bond between the two lovers, even in the midst of their separation.
- Language Device: Symbolism – The ring symbolizes Juliet’s love and commitment to Romeo.
“Hie you, make haste, for it grows very late.”
- Explanation: The Nurse urges Romeo to hurry because it is getting late and he needs to leave before the watch sets.
- Analysis: This adds urgency to the situation and emphasizes the danger Romeo faces if he doesn’t leave soon.
“ROMEO: How well my comfort is revived by this!”
- Explanation: Romeo expresses that his spirits are lifted by receiving Juliet’s ring. It comforts him and gives him hope.
- Analysis: This shows that Romeo is reassured and feels renewed hope in the face of his difficult situation.
- Language Device: Motif of comfort – The idea of comfort recurs throughout the scene, emphasizing how small gestures (like receiving the ring) can bring relief.
“FRIAR LAWRENCE: Go hence, good night—and here stands all your state: Either be gone before the watch be set Or by the break of day disguised from hence. Sojourn in Mantua. I’ll find out your man, And he shall signify from time to time Every good hap to you that chances here.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence gives Romeo final instructions: leave before the watch is set or disguise himself if he must leave after. He will keep in touch with Romeo and let him know any good news.
- Analysis: Friar Lawrence is doing his best to protect Romeo and make sure he stays informed, but his plan is still fragile.
- Language Device: Foreshadowing – This advice is vital because it foreshadows Romeo’s future need to hide and the challenges he will face in Mantua.
“Give me thy hand. ’Tis late. Farewell. Good night.”
- Explanation: Friar Lawrence bids Romeo farewell, offering his hand in a gesture of support and solidarity.
- Analysis: Friar Lawrence’s farewell shows a mixture of support and caution. He wants Romeo to leave, but he knows the difficulties ahead.
- Language Device: Symbolism – The handshake can symbolize trust and guidance, but it also signals the separation of Romeo from his loved ones.
“ROMEO: But that a joy past joy calls out on me, It were a grief so brief to part with thee. Farewell.”
- Explanation: Romeo is reluctant to leave Friar Lawrence, saying that his joy at being with Juliet outweighs any grief he feels about parting with the Friar.
- Analysis: This shows Romeo’s deep love for Juliet, which makes even difficult decisions seem worth it.
- Language Device: Oxymoron – “A joy past joy” suggests that Romeo’s happiness is so intense that it transcends normal joy.
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