Romeo and Juliet Act Four Summary

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Act Four of Romeo and Juliet, focusing on character motivations, plot points, and important themes.

Friar Laurence

A priest who devises a plan to help Juliet escape her marriage to Paris.

Potion

A drug that Juliet takes to simulate death, enabling her to avoid marrying Paris.

Coma

A deathlike state that Juliet enters after drinking the potion.

Capulet

Juliet's father, who arranges her marriage to Paris.

Tybalt's death

The event that causes Juliet to mourn deeply, prompting Capulet to hasten her marriage.

Paris

The nobleman seeking to marry Juliet, unaware of her secret love for Romeo.

Polite Deceit

Juliet's careful wording to avoid revealing her true feelings,

Bier

A stand to place a coffin on, referenced in preparation for Juliet's 'funeral'.

Rosemary

An herb associated with remembrance, suggested by Friar Laurence to honor Juliet.

Inundation

A flood of feelings, specifically Juliet's overwhelming sorrow.

Eulogy

A speech in praise of someone, particularly at a funeral, as seen in the reactions to Juliet's 'death'.

Despair

A state of hopelessness, which Juliet feels when confronting her impending marriage to Paris.

Irons of grief

The heavy emotions felt by Julia's family upon discovering her lifeless form.

Death’s embrace

The metaphor referring to how death takes away Juliet's life.

Masque

A lavish event, such as the wedding that becomes a funeral.

Alack the day

An expression of sorrow used by characters in the play, particularly when they grieve.

Dispensation

The act of distributing something, seen in the preparations for the wedding.

Prostrate

To lie flat in submission, which Juliet does to appease her father.

Valiant

Possessing courage, as Juliet shows bravery in considering the Friar’s plan.

Comic Relief

Humorous scenes involving characters like Peter and musicians that follow tragic events.