Romeo and Juliet act 4-5

Who tells Romeo that Juliet is dead? How does this messenger come to know this information?

Balthazar, Romeo's servant sees her body, and he goes to tell Romeo that Juliet is dead.

Why doesn't Romeo receive Friar Laurence's letter? Explain the circumstances that led to this situation.

Friar Lawrence's letter does not get to Romeo because Friar John claims was locked up due to plague. Really, Balthazar just gets to Romeo first.

What does he buy to carry out his plan? Explain how this character action reflects Romeo's tragic flaw.

He buys a poison that will kill anyone who drinks it. This action reflects Romeo's flaw, acting Rashly, without fully thinking things through.

Why is Paris in the churchyard? What are his true intentions? Does this reveal anything about Paris that we did not already know?

He wants to say goodbye to Juliet, because he is actually interested in her, not just as a business transaction.

How does Lord Capulet personify death?

Lord Capulet personifies death when he says, "Death is my Son-in-law, Death is my heir;My daughter he hath wedded." He personifies death by saying that death has married her daughter on her wedding day, not Paris, who was supposed to be his son-in-law.

What does Romeo decide to do after hearing about Juliet's death?

Romeo decides to try to find an apothecary that will sell him a potion that will kill him.

What is the result of Romeo and Paris's encounter in the graveyard? For how many deaths is Romeo now responsible? List their names.

Romeo kills Paris after he finds him near Juliet's body. Romeo is now responsible for two deaths, Tybalt and Paris, and if you include his own, three.

For what reason does Romeo say he is going into the Capulet vault? What is the significance of this reason in the context of the play?

Romeo says he is going into the Capulet vault to "die and lie with Juliet¨, as he writes in his letter to his father. This is significant because neither of the families know about Romeo and Juliet's love for each other.

What instructions does Romeo give Balthazar? How is this typical of Romeo's behavior?

Romeo tells Balthazar to not interrupt him for any reason, and to give his father a letter.

What does Friar Laurence decide to do? How does this reflect the poor authority represented in the play?

The friar decides to go to Juliet's tomb. This reflects the poor authority represented in the play because the friar has messed up the whole plan, and now, Romeo, is going to kill himself.

Analyze the dual meaning of Friar Laurence's speech in this scene. Explain what he is saying on the surface (what the Capulet's understand) and the hidden meaning (dramatic irony) that the audience understands.

The meaning that the Capulet's understand is that she will be happier in heaven, but they do not understand that her happiness can only come from being with Romeo, which is their plan.