Brief Summary of Act III

Mercutio and Benvolio discuss the likelihood of a fight-
In this scene from Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio and Benvolio discuss the likelihood of a fight due to the heated tempers in the hot weather. They are proven right when Tybalt and his companions arrive.

Tybalt confronts Romeo-
The confrontation between Tybalt and Romeo is heated, with Mercutio escalating the situation. Tragically, Mercutio is fatally stabbed by Tybalt while attempting to stop a fight, and curses both houses before dying.

Romeo seeks vengeance-
The death of his friend sends Romeo into a rage. He seeks vengeance and ends up killing Tybalt in the process. Benvolio explains to the Prince that Tybalt started the fight, and Romeo tried to stop it but ended up killing Tybalt.

Romeo is banished-
The Prince orders Romeo’s exile for killing Tybalt. Juliet longs for Romeo’s return, wishing to be with him. However, the news of Romeo’s banishment leaves her torn between her loyalty to her husband and her cousin.

Juliet contemplates suicide-
Juliet’s emotional state worsens when she learns of Romeo’s banishment. She becomes distressed and contemplates suicide, feeling like everyone she loves has died.

Romeo hides-
Friar Lawrence advises Romeo to accept banishment. Romeo hides, but is eventually found by the Nurse. The Nurse tells Friar Lawrence about Juliet’s emotional state after Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment.

Romeo considers banishment worse than death-
Romeo considers his banishment as bad as death because of his separation from Juliet. The situation seems hopeless as both Romeo and Juliet are separated and unable to be together.
Friar Lawrence Tries to Comfort Romeo
Friar Lawrence tries to calm down Romeo, who threatens to kill himself, and reminds him of his blessings and Juliet’s survival. Romeo receives a ring from the Nurse and plans to go to Mantua.

The Plan for Juliet to Marry Paris
Capulet decides to convince Juliet to marry Paris on Thursday. Romeo and Juliet discuss whether it is day or night as Romeo must leave. They hear the lark, indicating morning, and Romeo departs.

Romeo and Juliet’s Reunion and Separation
Romeo and Juliet part after their wedding night, planning to hear from each other often; Juliet’s mother enters, unaware of the marriage. Juliet weeps for Romeo’s banishment.

Capulet’s Anger and Juliet’s Refusal
Lady Capulet plans vengeance for Tybalt’s death, suggesting poisoning Romeo. She also reveals Juliet’s impending marriage to Paris, which Juliet rejects. Capulet demands Juliet marry Paris, but she refuses. He becomes angry and threatens to disown her if she does not comply.

Juliet’s Struggle and Advice from the Nurse
Capulet is angry that Juliet refuses to marry the man he’s chosen. Lady Capulet refuses to delay the wedding. Juliet pleads for mercy. Juliet’s nurse advises her to marry Paris, causing Juliet to feel distressed and consider seeking comfort from the Friar, or even death.

Detailed Notes on Act 3

Mercutio and Benvolio’s conversation before meeting the Capulets

•Benvolio suggests they should retire due to the hot weather and the possibility of a brawl with the Capulets.

•Mercutio mocks Benvolio for being quick to pick a fight over minor issues.

•Benvolio questions Mercutio on what causes him to be moody and start quarrels.

•Mercutio responds by saying that Benvolio is just as quick to quarrel over insignificant things.

•Tybalt and his companions arrive, Benvolio suggests they leave, but Mercutio is indifferent.

•Tybalt approaches and asks to speak with them.

Mercutio and Tybalt’s Duel

•Tybalt challenges Mercutio to a duel because he is angry that Mercutio is friends with Romeo.

•Mercutio and Tybalt exchange insults and Mercutio tells Tybalt he won’t move for anyone.

•Romeo enters and Tybalt insults him, calling him a villain.

•Romeo tries to explain that he has done nothing wrong, but Tybalt insists on fighting.

•Mercutio draws his sword and challenges Tybalt to a fight, calling him a ratcatcher.

•The duel begins and Romeo tries to intervene, but accidentally causes Mercutio to be fatally wounded.

•Mercutio curses both the Capulets and Montagues before dying.

•Romeo then fights and kills Tybalt in revenge for Mercutio’s death.

Scene Summary from Romeo and Juliet

•Romeo attempts to stop the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio.

•Mercutio is stabbed by Tybalt and dies, cursing both their families.

•Mercutio asks for a surgeon but eventually succumbs to his wound.

•Romeo seeks revenge and kills Tybalt.

•Benvolio informs Romeo of Mercutio’s death.

•Romeo realizes the gravity of the situation and laments his effeminate behavior due to his love for Juliet.

•Tybalt returns and Romeo vows to join Mercutio in death.

•The scene ends with the possibility of more bloodshed between the families.

Analysis of Text from Romeo and Juliet, Act 3 Scene 1.

•Tybalt accuses Romeo of being a villain for attending Capulet’s feast. (110-118)

•Romeo refuses to be provoked into a fight when challenged by Tybalt. (119-120)

•Mercutio and Tybalt fight, resulting in Tybalt’s death. (121-125)

•Romeo is distraught over the death of Tybalt and laments being a pawn of fate. (126-130)

•Benvolio urges Romeo to flee, and the Prince arrives on the scene. (130-140)

•Benvolio explains the events leading to the fight and how Romeo tried to prevent it. (140-160)

•Lady Capulet begs for revenge against Romeo for killing Tybalt. (1626-1658)

Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 2

•Romeo kills Tybalt and is exiled by the Prince.

•Juliet longs for Romeo and calls on the night to bring him to her.

•She imagines Romeo as a celestial body after death.

•Juliet awaits the return of Romeo, who is hiding in Friar Lawrence’s cell.

•The Nurse brings Romeo to Juliet for their final farewell.

•Juliet takes a potion to feign her death and be with Romeo, but Romeo believes her to be dead and dies beside her.

Romeo and Juliet – Act 3, Scene 2 Notes

•The speaker expresses a desire for night to be loved and for the sun to not be worshipped.

•The speaker talks about owning a love but not yet enjoying it.

•The nurse enters with cords and news about Romeo.

•Juliet asks for news and the nurse mentions Romeo’s death.

•Juliet questions whether Romeo has slain himself and demands a clear answer.

•The nurse describes Romeo’s wounds and Juliet mourns Tybalt’s death.

•Juliet asserts that her heart is broken and wishes to die with Romeo.

•The nurse laments Tybalt’s death and Juliet questions the storm that seems to be attacking her.

Romeo and Juliet

•Juliet questions if Romeo killed Tybalt and the Nurse confirms it, causing Juliet to curse him as a “serpent heart.”

•The Nurse expresses her bitterness towards men and laments Tybalt’s death, while Juliet defends Romeo’s honor.

•Juliet grieves over Romeo’s banishment, considering it worse than Tybalt’s death.

•She finds comfort in the fact that Romeo is alive, but still feels immense sadness at his absence.

•The word “banished” repeatedly haunts Juliet’s memory and she compares it to being murdered a thousand times over.

Romeo and Juliet – Tybalt’s Death

•The sadness of Tybalt’s death could have been enough, but instead, more grief piled on.

•Juliet did not mention her parents when she cried out about Tybalt’s death. This oversight seems odd, given their modern lamentation customs.

•The news of Romeo’s banishment is even worse than Tybalt’s death, as it affects so many people.

•Juliet is alarmed by the impact of Romeo’s banishment, recognizing that his absence is equivalent to the loss of everyone she loves.

•The Nurse offers to find Romeo and bring him back to Juliet.

•Friar Lawrence informs Romeo of his banishment, and the young man is devastated.

•Romeo would rather be sentenced to death than to be banished, which seems like a worse fate.

•Romeo believes that Verona is the world, and being banished is equivalent to being cast into purgatory, torture, or even hell.

Romeo’s Exile as Death in Romeo and Juliet

•Friar Lawrence argues that Romeo’s exile is a mercy compared to death, as the prince has spared his life.

•Romeo disagrees, claiming that he would rather die than be banished and live without Juliet.

•Romeo believes that even flies are more privileged than he is, as they can touch Juliet but he cannot.

•Romeo accuses the friar of being unfeeling to use the word “banished” instead of acknowledging the pain of separation.

•The friar offers Romeo comfort and philosophy but Romeo rejects it, believing it cannot alleviate his suffering.

•Romeo and the friar continue to argue about the true nature of his punishment.

Friar Lawrence’s Speech to Romeo

•Friar Lawrence questions Romeo’s emotional state and warns against his self-destructive behavior.

•He accuses Romeo of acting like a woman and a beast and expresses disappointment in his conduct.

•The friar reminds Romeo of his love for Juliet and warns against suicide.

•He tells Romeo to focus on his shape, love, and wit instead of on his birth and fate.

•Lawrence reassures Romeo that Juliet is alive and encourages him to go to her.

•The friar advises Romeo to leave before the watch is set and promises to help unite him with Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scenes 3 and 4

•Nurse informs Romeo that Juliet will be expecting him.

•Nurse gives Romeo a ring from Juliet.

•Romeo is comforted by Nurse’s news.

•Friar Lawrence advises Romeo to leave Verona before dawn and stay disguised in Mantua.

•Friar promises to keep Romeo informed of any good news in Verona.

•Capulet tells Paris that his daughter may be interested in him.

•Capulet sets a wedding date for Thursday, but Paris suggests waiting longer.

•Capulet informs Lady Capulet of Paris’ intentions to court their daughter.

•Lady Capulet promises to tell Juliet about Paris’ love.

•Capulet insists that his daughter will marry Paris, and asks if he is ready for the wedding.

Romeo and Juliet Act 3, Scene 5

•Capulet decides to have the wedding on Thursday, telling Lady Capulet to prepare Juliet for the wedding. (Lines 1-8)

•Romeo and Juliet say goodbye after spending a night together. (Lines 15-35)

•Romeo believes it is the morning lark singing, but Juliet insists it is the nightingale. (Lines 57-65)

•Romeo admits he must leave, but Juliet begs him to stay. (Lines 66-94)

•Juliet references a superstition that the lark and toad once switched eyes, and wishes they would switch voices so they could stay together. (Lines 127-134)

Romeo and Juliet – Act 3, Scene 5

•The Nurse tells Juliet that her mother is coming to her chamber as the day has broken.

•Romeo says goodbye to Juliet as he descends.

•Juliet fears they may never meet again.

•Lady Capulet enters the scene and asks why Juliet is weeping for her dead cousin.

•Juliet says she weeps for her loss, and Lady Capulet tells her to stop mourning.

•Juliet feels the loss too deeply to stop weeping.

•Lady Capulet warns Juliet that she will feel the loss but not the friend she weeps for.

Juliet’s desire for revenge and rejection of marriage to Paris

•Juliet weeps not just for Tybalt’s death, but also because Romeo’s still alive.

•Lady Capulet calls Romeo the villain who killed Tybalt. Juliet says they’re many miles apart and she forgives him, but he still breaks her heart.

•Lady Capulet says they’ll have vengeance on Romeo, but Juliet wants to do it herself.

•Lady Capulet promises to send someone to Mantua to give Romeo a poison. Juliet asks if she can find someone to do it instead.

•Lady Capulet agrees and tells Juliet she’ll be married to Paris on Thursday. Juliet rejects the idea.

•Juliet wonders why she has to marry Paris before Romeo wooes her.

Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 5

•Juliet refuses to marry Paris and declares that she will only marry Romeo

•Lady Capulet informs Juliet’s father of her decision

•Capulet is angry and insults Juliet, threatening to drag her to the church if she does not comply

•Juliet tries to reason with her father, but he refuses to listen and orders her to marry Paris or never see him again

•The scene ends with Capulet forbidding Juliet to speak and leaving in anger.

Analysis of Act 3, Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet

•Capulet laments having only one child, Juliet, and curses her as a hilding.

•The Nurse defends Juliet, which angers Capulet and he tells her to be silent.

•Lady Capulet also berates Juliet for not wanting to marry Paris, a nobleman chosen by Capulet, and tells her to either marry or be disowned.

•Juliet pleads with her mother to delay the marriage, but Lady Capulet refuses to speak and leaves.

•Capulet informs Juliet that she either marries Paris, or she will be disowned and left to beg and starve.

•Juliet questions if anyone cares about her pain, begs her mother not to disown her, and asks for a delay or to be laid to rest in the same monument as her cousin Tybalt.

•Lady Capulet leaves without responding, and the scene ends with Juliet feeling abandoned.

Juliet’s Dilemma on Marriage

•Juliet’s father commands her to marry Paris.

•Juliet is shocked and seeks the nurse’s advice.

•The nurse’s advice is for Juliet to marry Paris as he is a better match than Romeo.

•Juliet is distressed and speaks of her dead first husband.

•The nurse assures Juliet that the second match is better and comforts her.

•Juliet plans to visit Friar Lawrence and hear his remedy.

•Juliet contemplates dying if all else fails.

•Juliet curses the nurse’s advice for praising Paris and dispraising Romeo.

•Juliet decides to separate from the nurse and seek Friar Lawrence.