Act 3- Romeo and Juliet

At the beginning of this act, Mercutio and Benvolio are out walking in a public place. Why is Benvolio anxious to get off the street?

He doesn't want to start or get in a fight with the Capulets. He can tell Mercutio is getting wound up and will engage in fighting.

How does Mercutio respond to this suggestion? What does he say about Benvolio's propensity to fight?

Mercutio gets upset with Benvolio. He says Benvolio gets into fights over silly things and mocks the idea that Benvolio is a peacemaker.

How do Mercutio and Tybalt both indicate that they are willing and ready to fight?

Tybalt tells Mercutio that he knows he associates with Romeo. They have a "play" on words about musicians, and Mercutio draws his sword.

What does Romeo tell Tybalt by way of an excuse not to fight? How does Mercutio respond?

Romeo says he can't tell Tybalt why, but he has every reason to love him and his name. (theme-> secrets) Mercutio can't believe Romeo walked away and he and Tybalt begin to fight.

How does Mercutio get mortally wounded? How do Romeo, Tybalt, and Mercutio respond to this fatal wound?

Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo's arm. Mercutio curses the Capulets and Montegues. He knows he will die, and continues to joke. Tybalt does not mean to kill him, but he runs away.

How does the prince react to these events? Why doesn't he order Romeo's death?

The Prince asks Benvolio to tell him what happened. The Prince reminds him Tybalt killed too, Mercutio is related to the prince. He decides he will banish Romeo and if he comes into Verona, he will be executed.

Describe three images that Juliet uses to describe her impatience and longing for the arrival of Romeo and the wedding night.

Getting new clothes and wanting to wear them, she has bought a mansion of love, she has been sold but not enjoyed

What misunderstanding occurs between Juliet and the nurse when the nurse returns with the news of Tybalt's death?

She says "he's dead" and Juliet thinks Romeo is dead instead of Tybalt

Describe the conflicting feelings that Juliet has over the news. What causes this conflict?

Juliet is stunned, because her love (Romeo) killed her cousin (Tybalt). She begins to doubt her love and judgement with Romeo, saying outside he is beautiful but on the inside he is evil and filthy.

At what point does it become clear to Juliet where her loyalties should lie? How does she defend Romeo? How does the nurse finally confront Juliet?

The nurse says "shame come to Romeo", and Juliet becomes defensive of Roeo. Her loyalties lie with her husband, Romeo, and everyone else comes after. The nurse says she will bring Romeo to Juliet.

Why isn't Romeo relieved to discover that the prince has only banished him instead of ordering his death? How does he react to the friar's attempt to comfort him?

He must live his world, Verona, and cannot be with his family and Juliet. The rest of the city may see her, but he cannot be with her. He is still upset and believes being banished is worse than death. He's worked up.

When Romeo threatens suicide, what two reasons does the Friar give that he should not consider such an act? What three reasons does he give Romeo that he should be happy?

If you kill yourself you will break your vow and your love and it would kill Juliet.

Juliet is alive, you could've been killed by Tybalt but you killed him, and the Prince decided to banish you instead of kill you.

Why do you think Capulet is now willing to rush the marriage between Juliet and Paris? Why is he certain Juliet will be willing?

Capulet doesn't want to loose Paris, and so he decides Juliet will want to marry Paris. Juliet has been an obedient child, so Capulet believes Juliet will be willing to marry Paris.

Describe the tender argument that Romeo and Juliet have over whether or not it is dawn. Why doesn't the lark's voice sound sweet to Juliet any longer?

They hear a bird and discuss whether is a lark or a nightingale. The lark would mean it's morning and Romeo would have to leave.

What premonition does Juliet have just as Romeo leaves? How does he reassure her?

Juliet thinks they shall never be together again. She says looking down at him makes him look like he's in a tomb and pale. Romeo says being sad makes him pale.

Why is Lady Capulet a little impatient with Juliet's grief? What is the irony behind her assumption about the cause of her grief? Why does she assume Juliet will be happy with the news she brings?

Lady Capulet makes the assumption that Juliet is crying over Tybalt. She is harsh and tells Juliet to stop crying and that she is selfish and has lost her mind. Lady Capulet assumes Juliet will be happy because she is obedient and Paris is noble and a good fit for marriage.

What arguments does Juliet use to try and convince her mother that she cannot marry Paris?

Juliet says they have made a nasty decision and that the wedding is too soon after Tybalt's death.

What images of the sea and a boat does Capulet use to describe Juliet's tears and grief?

Juliet's tears and grief are like the winds and waves tossing a ship in the sea.

What harsh words does Capulet use to in response to Juliet's announcement that she cannot marry Paris? Why is he so angry at her refusal?

He is angry because Juliet is acting out of character which is frightening. He also has worked to find a great husband for Juliet, and Juliet doesn't want it.

In line 177, Capulet states, "...it makes me mad." The rest of speech describes how ungrateful he thinks Juliet is. Interpret the reason for his anger as stated in this speech. (lines 177-197)

His masculine pride: he told Paris Juliet will say yes and he doesn't want to tell Paris she has said no and he listened to her.

What advice does the nurse give Juliet at the end of this scene? How does Juliet respond? Why do you think she responds this way after her adamant refusal earlier to marry Paris?

The nurse says even though you're married to Romeo- he's as good as dead- so she could marry Paris. Juliet realizes she is alone and tells the nurse she is going to confession, but she is really going to seek help from the friar. She responds this way because she needs help.