Tag Archives: foreshadowing
Act II continued Scene 4 Tybalt, an accomplished swordsman, has challenged Romeo to a duel, a development that will end in tragedy. In the meanwhile, Mercutio keeps up his usual light-hearted banter, bandying names of famous lovers and continuing his light-hearted attempt to brighten Romeo’s mood. Having forgotten his love for Rosaline and engrossed in his new love, Romeo exchanges jests and puns with Mercutio. The garrulous Nurse continues to be annoying although, as Shakespeare doubtless intended, she adds comic…..
Act III continued Scene 2 The first twenty-five lines of Juliet’s speech that open this scene is another option for the girls’ memorization project. Shakespeare uses the Nurse’s obtuseness to create dramatic irony as Juliet struggles to deal with the meaning of her ambiguous wailing. Juliet’s brief happiness is shattered; her speech with all its oxymorons conveys her anguish and despair. When Juliet desperately decides to hang herself, the Nurse replies that she will tell Romeo to join his bride…..
The Prologue summarizes events in Act I. Scene 1 The next two Acts comprise complications for the lovers and the play’s turning point. The class should note that Romeo is hiding in the orchard outside Juliet’s house. Assuming Romeo still dotes on Rosaline, the irrepressible Mercutio mocks his friend’s passionate attitude to love. Giving up all hope of finding Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio leave the Capulets’ grounds. Scene 2 This is the celebrated balcony scene. Shakespeare gives Romeo a lengthy…..
Act I continued Scene 3 Observing Juliet and her mother interact in this scene, students realize that their relationship is formal and somewhat distant. The Nurse reacts in a more caring way than Lady Capulet to the proposal that Juliet should marry Count Paris. The Nurse lost her own daughter Susan and has cared for Juliet and been her companion from Juliet’s babyhood. Juliet appears to be closer to the Nurse than her mother. Most readers dislike the Nurse. She…..
