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STUDYWORLD STUDYNOTES

Romeo and Juliet

Act Three, Scene One

That afternoon Benvolio and Mercutio run into Tybalt and some of his men. Though Benvolio, remembering the Prince's edict, declines to duel, Mercutio and Tybalt begin a joust of insults, with Mercutio's wit outdoing the other's words. Just then, the newly-married Romeo appears, and Tybalt demands that the "villain" fight. Romeo protests, "I never injured thee, but love thee better than thou canst devise." Mercutio, however, aches for a skirmish, and he and the equally hot-tempered Tybalt draw their sabers. Romeo steps between the two, but Tybalt thrusts forward and stabs Mercutio, then bolts away. As the dying Mercutio is carried off, Romeo, torn with anger and mixed loyalties, confronts and kills Tybalt. Benvolio then implores his cousin to hide in order to avoid revenge or arrest.

The Prince and a group of citizens come upon the bloody scene and call for an explanation from Benvolio. Silencing arguments as to where the blame should fall, the Prince declares, "I will be deaf to pleading and excuses. When Romeo is found he shall be put to death."

Act Three, Scene Two

Juliet impatiently awaits the arrival of her husband, when her nurse comes with the news: "Tybalt is gone, and ... Romeo that killed him, he is banished." Distraught, Juliet sends the nurse off once again: "O, find him! give this ring to my true knight."

Act Three, Scene Three

Romeo, hidden in the Friar's cell, has just been informed of a change of heart by the Prince - rather than death, Romeo should only be exiled from Verona. Then the nurse comes with news from Juliet: "She weeps and weeps." The Friar advises Romeo to wait until nightfall and then go to his true love. He also tells him to go to Mantua and stay there until it is safe to return to Verona. Romeo agrees.

Act Three, Scene Four

Capulet is discussing with Paris Tybalt's death and explaining to him that the news has shocked the whole house and that no one has thought of anything else.

Just as Paris is about to leave, Capulet suddenly announces that he has decided not to wait for Juliet to make up her mind about Paris. He sets the date for the forthcoming marriage and says that Juliet will follow his wishes.

Act Three, Scene Five

Shortly after Romeo leaves, Lady Capulet enters Juliet's chamber, believing the girl had stayed secreted in mourning for Tybalt. She speaks of the murder and the vengeance it demands. "But now," she announces at last, "I'll tell thee joyful tidings, girl"; and she apprises her daughter that she would soon be married to Paris. When Juliet balks at any such wedding, her father flares up in anger: "I tell thee what - get thee to church ... or never after look me in the face."