Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What news does Balthasar bring Romeo?

He brings the news of Juliet's death.

After hearing the news, where does Romeo plan to go?

To the Capulet tomb for mourning.

Why is Romeo feeling cheerful at the beginning of scene 1?

He had a dream that he was dead but Juliet kissed him and brought new life into his body.

What does the speed with which Romeo makes his decision tell you about his character?

He is a bold and decisive person. Signup and view all the answers

How is Friar John prevented from going to Mantua to deliver Friar Laurence's letter?

There was a plague in Mantua. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Paris go to the Capulet tomb?

To lay flowers beside Juliet's tomb and mourn her death. Signup and view all the answers

How do you think Paris feels about Juliet?

By this time, Paris is committed to marrying Juliet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Romeo's real reason for sending Balthasar away from the tomb?

To deliver a letter that he had for Montague. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Paris think Romeo has come to the tomb?

To spit upon Tybalt's grave. Signup and view all the answers

What does Friar Laurence find when he enters the tomb?

Romeo's dead body and Juliet waking from her potion. Signup and view all the answers

How does Juliet kill herself?

First, she tries kissing Romeo to get poison from his lips. But ultimately she uses a dagger to stab herself. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Lady Montague's death?

Extreme grief over Romeo's exile from Verona. Signup and view all the answers

Who tells the story of the events to the Prince?

Friar Laurence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Prince mean when he says, 'All are punished.'?

Everyone has lost someone in this feud between the two families. Signup and view all the answers

At the conclusion of the play, what happens between the Capulets and the Montagues?

They put their differences aside and end their hatred for each other. Signup and view all the answers

In this final act, how are Romeo's actions guided more by emotion than reason?

His love for Juliet and grief at the apparent loss of his lover led him to choose death rather than seek answers about why Juliet had died or if she even really was dead. Signup and view all the answers

By family, list the people who have died in the play.

Montagues: Juliet, Tybalt. Capulets: Romeo, Lady Capulet. Mercutio, a friend of Romeo. Paris, neither a Capulet nor Montague. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Balthasar and Romeo’s News

Balthasar informs Romeo of Juliet's death, leading to a tragic misunderstanding.
Romeo is not aware that this news is based on a failed communication from Friar Laurence.

Romeo's Immediate Reaction

Intent on mourning, Romeo plans to go to the Capulet tomb where Juliet is laid to rest.
Initially feels uplifted due to a dream that suggests Juliet would revive him.

Character Traits of Romeo

His quick decision-making reveals his bold, impulsive character.
Undisciplined emotions overpower reason, especially concerning his love for Juliet.

Role of Friar John

Friar John is unable to deliver a significant letter to Romeo due to a plague in Mantua, which complicates the communication further.

Paris’s Visit to the Tomb

Paris visits the tomb to mourn Juliet and to lay flowers, demonstrating his commitment despite the arranged nature of their marriage.
He suspects Romeo's arrival is hostile, linked to the family feud.

The Tragic Misunderstanding

Romeo sends Balthasar away under the pretense of delivering a letter, but actually wishes to be alone to commit suicide.
Paris interprets Romeo's presence at the tomb as a contemptuous act towards Tybalt’s grave.

Friar Laurence’s Discovery

Upon entering the tomb, Friar Laurence finds Romeo dead from poison and Juliet waking from her potion, leading to a devastating scene.

Juliet’s Death

Juliet first tries to kiss Romeo to obtain the poison; ultimately, she chooses to stab herself with a dagger, sealing their tragic fate.

Impact of Grief

Lady Montague dies from overwhelming grief related to Romeo's exile, highlighting the destructive impact of their feud.

The Consequences of Feud

The Prince, recognizing the shared losses, declares, "All are punished," emphasizing the widespread devastation caused by the feud.

Resolution Between Families

The Capulets and Montagues ultimately reconcile, choosing to end their longstanding hatred after the loss of their children.

Summary of Deaths

Major characters who die include:
- Montagues: Romeo, Lady Montague
- Capulets: Juliet, Lady Capulet
- Friends: Mercutio
- Others: Paris

Emotional vs. Rational Decisions

Romeo’s actions are motivated by grief and romantic love for Juliet, overshadowing rational thinking leading to tragic consequences.

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Description

Explore the key events and themes of Act 5 in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with these flashcards. Each card presents important questions and answers related to the characters' actions and emotions as the tragedy unfolds. Test your understanding and recall of this pivotal act in the play.