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STUDYWORLD STUDYNOTES

Romeo and Juliet

Analysis of Act Four

In the scene with Friar Lawrence, Juliet did not expect to find Paris there and manages to hide her despair from him showing an unusual strength of character. She is polite towards him but formal using "you" while she is talking with him, whereas he uses the familiar "thou" with her.

After Paris leaves, the mood changes and Juliet is able to express her true feelings and bemoan her fate.. The Friar offers his solution of giving her the appearance of death so that she may regain life and love. His intentions are good but unfortunately they will result in the ultimate death of both of the lovers.

Scene 2 shows dramatic contrast between the Capulet household making arrangements for Juliet's marriage to Paris while Juliet, in her bedroom, readies herself for her "death".

When Friar Lawrence arrives he plays his role well and shows no signs of knowing what has really happened to Juliet.