Hebah Haque
Mrs. Malaspino
Honors English 9
21 May 2015
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 3 Scene Analysis
This scene begins with Romeo stricken with grief as he wonders of the prince’s decree.
The Friar tells Romeo that he is lucky that he was only banished and not killed. Friar Laurence wants Romeo to see this as good news. However, Romeo is too focused on the “banished part.
Romeo claims that being banished is worse that being dead since he will have to live, but without
Juliet. Friar Laurence tries to tell Romeo that he is wrong but Romeo listens to none of it and falls to the ground in despair just as the Nurse knocks on the door. Then, the Nurse and Friar both try to console him after he threatens to kill himself after he learns that Juliet, too, is in despair.Friar Lawrence stops him and scolds him for being unmanly. He explains that Romeo has much to be grateful for: he and Juliet are both alive. The Friar sets forth a plan: Romeo will visit
Juliet that night, but make sure to leave her chamber, and Verona, before the morning. He will then reside in Mantua until news of their marriage can be spread. The Nurse hands Romeo the ring from Juliet, and this physical symbol of their love revives his spirits. The Nurse departs, and
Romeo bids Friar Lawrence farewell. He must prepare to visit Juliet and then flee to Mantua.
I think the key purpose of this dramatic scene is to provide a contrast to the comical one before it and also to further develop and show Romeo’s character. This scene parallels the previous scene where Juliet reacted to the news of Romeo's banishment with