Analysis of Act Four - Summary

Question 1

Briefly summarise the key events of Act 4

Answer 1

Juliet and Friar Lawrence come up with a plan to prevent Juliet’s second marriage. She will take a potion that makes her look like she’s dead and Romeo will rescue her from her family’s tomb. Juliet makes amends with her father, then takes the potion. The Nurse finds Juliet ‘dead’ on wedding day, and the Capulet household is upset about her death.

Question 2

True or False? None of the Montagues appear in Act 4

Answer 2

True. Romeo has been banished and none of the other Montagues appear.

Question 3

Is Juliet more loyal to her husband or her family in this act?

Answer 3

Juliet is more loyal to Romeo than to her family in Act 4. She attempts to avoid marriage to Paris, even though her family want her to marry him.

Question 4

Do you think that Juliet’s secrecy in Act 4 is necessary?
Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 4

Juliet’s secrecy in this act is necessary. Juliet could have revealed the truth to her family and voided marrying Paris, but there would have been a scandal. Capulet might have disowned Juliet as he threatens to do when she refuses to marry Paris. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues is so strong that Juliet might have put Romeo in danger by revealing the truth.

Question 5

Think of some examples of opposites in Act 4. Why do you think Shakespeare chose to include these opposites?

Answer 5

Capulet uses lots of opposites after Juliet’s death, ordering the change from “wedding cheer to a sad burial feast” and solemn hymns to sullen dirges”. These opposites emphasise the change in mood, from jubilant and cheerful to mournful.