FRIAR JOHN

Holy Franciscan friar, brother, ho!

• Explanation: Friar John calls out in a loud and formal manner to get Friar Lawrence’s attention. He’s announcing his arrival, addressing Friar Lawrence with a friendly, religious title (“Holy Franciscan friar”), and the word “ho!” is an exclamation used to call attention.
• Language Technique: The exclamation “ho!” shows urgency and the need for attention, as well as emphasizing the formality of the situation. The repetition of religious titles (“Holy Franciscan friar”) stresses his identity and role as a friar, reinforcing the religious context.

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Enter Friar Lawrence.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence enters the scene. This simple stage direction indicates that he’s coming in to engage with Friar John.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

This same should be the voice of Friar John.—
Welcome from Mantua. What says Romeo?
Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence is recognizing Friar John’s voice before even seeing him. “This same should be the voice of Friar John” suggests that he knows it’s Friar John based on the voice. “Welcome from Mantua” is a warm greeting, acknowledging Friar John’s long journey from Mantua, where Romeo is hiding. Friar Lawrence is eagerly awaiting news from Romeo and asks, “What says Romeo?” which means “What news do you bring from Romeo?” He then asks for the letter, which is meant to contain Romeo’s thoughts or instructions.
• Language Technique: The phrase “his mind be writ” uses a poetic construction. The word “writ” means “written,” implying that Romeo’s feelings or thoughts are recorded. It’s a more formal, older way of speaking and adds a sense of gravitas or importance to the situation.

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FRIAR JOHN

Going to find a barefoot brother out,
One of our order, to associate me,
Here in this city visiting the sick,

• Explanation: Friar John explains the situation that led to him not delivering the letter to Romeo. He was on his way to find another friar (referred to as “a barefoot brother,” as friars typically go barefoot as a sign of humility). He intended to have this friar accompany him, as they were both part of the same religious order. Friar John was also in the city visiting the sick, which suggests that he was fulfilling his duties as a religious figure.
• Language Technique: The phrase “barefoot brother” symbolizes humility and piety, as friars were known for their simple and ascetic lifestyle. The phrase also indicates that this brother was a fellow friar, sharing in the same mission. “Visiting the sick” ties into the theme of compassion and duty.

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FRIAR JOHN

And finding him, the searchers of the town,
Suspecting that we both were in a house
Where the infectious pestilence did reign,

• Explanation: Friar John continues by explaining that while he was searching for the friar, they encountered a problem. “The searchers of the town” refers to the town’s health inspectors or authorities who were investigating for signs of plague. They became suspicious of Friar John and the other friar when they found them in a house where a plague was suspected to have spread (“infectious pestilence did reign”). The authorities, thinking they might be spreading the disease, quarantined them.
• Language Technique: The phrase “infectious pestilence” uses alliteration (repetition of the “p” sound) to emphasize the severity of the plague. “Did reign” personifies the disease, suggesting it is in control, as if it were a ruler, heightening the sense of danger and urgency in the situation.

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FRIAR JOHN

Sealed up the doors and would not let us forth,
So that my speed to Mantua there was stayed.

• Explanation: Friar John explains that, as a result of the authorities’ suspicions, they sealed the doors to the house, trapping him and his companion inside. They were not allowed to leave, which delayed Friar John’s journey to Mantua (where Romeo is). “My speed to Mantua there was stayed” means that the delivery of the letter was halted due to this unexpected quarantine.
• Language Technique: “Sealed up the doors” is an image that conveys a sense of confinement and restriction. The word “stayed” is used to show that his journey was stopped by external circumstances, emphasizing the obstacle that prevented him from fulfilling his mission.

FRIAR LAWRENCE

Who bare my letter, then, to Romeo?

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence is shocked and frustrated. He asks who took responsibility for delivering his letter to Romeo. This question shows his growing concern and confusion over why the letter hasn’t reached Romeo yet, which is crucial for the plan to work.
• Language Technique: The phrasing “who bare my letter” uses the old English word “bare,” meaning “carried,” which adds a formal, serious tone to the question, emphasizing the importance of the letter.

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FRIAR JOHN

I could not send it—here it is again—
Returning the letter.

• Explanation: Friar John responds by telling Friar Lawrence that he was unable to send the letter, and now he’s returning it. This highlights the failure to deliver the crucial message and sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy.
• Language Technique: The phrase “I could not send it” shows Friar John’s frustration and helplessness. The action of “returning the letter” visually represents the failure to complete the mission, heightening the sense of missed opportunity.

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FRIAR JOHN

Nor get a messenger to bring it thee,
So fearful were they of infection.

• Explanation: Friar John explains that he could not even find another messenger to deliver the letter because people were afraid of the plague. The town’s fear of the disease has disrupted their plans and further delayed the communication between Friar Lawrence and Romeo.
• Language Technique: The phrase “fearful were they of infection” uses the word “fearful” to emphasize the panic and widespread terror caused by the plague. The word choice shows the public’s anxiety and the helplessness of Friar John in fulfilling his duty.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

Unhappy fortune! By my brotherhood,
The letter was not nice but full of charge,
Of dear import, and the neglecting it
May do much danger.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence curses “unhappy fortune” as he realizes the serious consequences of not delivering the letter. He then emphasizes that the letter was extremely important (“full of charge” means full of responsibility or significance). The phrase “may do much danger” shows that the consequences of not delivering the letter could be dire and lead to harm.
• Language Technique: The exclamation “Unhappy fortune!” is a personification of fate, indicating the unpredictability and misfortune of the situation. The phrase “full of charge” uses formal language to emphasize the gravity of the letter, and “dear import” suggests the emotional weight and urgency of the message. The warning about “danger” foreshadows the tragic events that are likely to follow.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

Friar John, go hence.
Get me an iron crow and bring it straight
Unto my cell.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence orders Friar John to go immediately and bring him an “iron crow,” a kind of crowbar. This indicates that Friar Lawrence is planning to break into Juliet’s tomb to prevent a terrible outcome, showing that he’s trying to take action in a moment of crisis.
• Language Technique: The command “go hence” is a direct, urgent instruction, signaling the importance of immediate action. The “iron crow” is a vivid image of a tool used to pry open doors, symbolizing Friar Lawrence’s willingness to force his way through barriers in order to correct the mistake.

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FRIAR JOHN

Brother, I’ll go and bring it thee. He exits.

• Explanation: Friar John agrees to go and fetch the crowbar. He exits to carry out the task, which will hopefully help Friar Lawrence reach Juliet in time.
• Language Technique: The use of “Brother” here is a sign of camaraderie and respect. It also reinforces their shared religious identity, which contrasts with the urgency and distress of the situation.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

Now must I to the monument alone.
Within this three hours will fair Juliet wake.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence realizes that he must go to the tomb alone. He notes that Juliet will wake in three hours, meaning that time is running out. This heightens the tension and urgency in the scene.
• Language Technique: “Must I to the monument alone” conveys a sense of isolation and responsibility. The phrase “fair Juliet” is an example of an endearing, poetic term for Juliet, showing Friar Lawrence’s concern for her well-being. “Within this three hours” emphasizes the limited time available, increasing the suspense.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

She will beshrew me much that Romeo
Hath had no notice of these accidents.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence predicts that Juliet will blame him for Romeo not knowing about the situation (“beshrew” means to curse or blame). He anticipates that she will be angry because Romeo has been kept in the dark about the series of unfortunate events.
• Language Technique: The phrase “beshrew me much” is an old-fashioned way of expressing blame or anger. The use of “accidents” downplays the seriousness of the events, but in reality, they are tragic and preventable.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

But I will write again to Mantua,
And keep her at my cell till Romeo come.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence makes a decision to write again to Romeo in Mantua, informing him of what has happened. He also plans to keep Juliet in his cell until Romeo arrives to prevent her from being in danger alone.
• Language Technique: The word “will” shows Friar Lawrence’s determination and sense of agency. “Keep her at my cell” suggests a protective, albeit temporary, solution to prevent further complications.

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FRIAR LAWRENCE

Poor living corse, closed in a dead man’s tomb!

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence exclaims in sorrow over Juliet, whom he describes as a “poor living corse” (a living body that appears dead). This is a poetic way of describing Juliet’s situation, as she lies in the tomb, apparently lifeless. The contrast between “living” and “dead” underscores the tragic irony of her situation.
• Language Technique: The oxymoron “living corse” (living corpse) emphasizes the confusion and irony of Juliet’s state. It highlights how she is physically alive but trapped in a tomb, symbolizing her doomed fate. The phrase “closed in a dead man’s tomb” further heightens the sense of tragedy and impending doom.

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He exits.

• Explanation: Friar Lawrence exits, heading to the tomb to carry out his plan. This marks the end of the scene and sets the stage for the tragic conclusion that is about to unfold.
• Language Technique: The exit indicates that Friar Lawrence is now moving from dialogue to action. It also signals the transition from hope (his attempt to fix things) to the inevitable tragedy that will follow.