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The classic William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet.
| friar_lawrence_activity.doc |
| intro.doc |
| romeo_and_juliet.psd |
In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare many decisions were made that affected the plot and outcome of the conflicts presented in the story. These decisions were made by different characters and had varying results. I believe that the decision that was most important was Juliet’s decision to drink a sleeping potion.
Romeo and Juliet is a classical love story. When Romeo and Juliet fall in love they realize that the love is forbidden. They chose to get married anyway. The parents are not aware of the marriage and Juliet’s father is forcing her to marry a man named Paris- someone she doesn’t love. To find a way out of the marriage, she visits Friar Lawrence, the person who married her and Romeo. She describes her feelings about the marriage to him. “O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris, from off the battlements of any tower” means that she would rather die than marry Paris. Seeing how upset and desperate Juliet is, Friar Lawrence gives her a sleeping potion that will put her into a coma for a short time so the marriage could be delayed. “Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here’s drink. I drink to thee.” This shows that Juliet is willing to go through it to be with Romeo.
Juliet’s decision to take the potion resulted in many conflicts. When everyone assumed she was dead, the marriage was canceled. Friar Lawrence sent word to Romeo so he would not think the worst. However the city was on quarantine due to disease and that message could not get through. Romeo then realized Juliet was dead and went to see her in the tomb. When he got there he was filled with grief and killed himself. Juliet then woke up and seeing Romeo dead she also killed herself. Because of her decision, they both ended up dead.
The Setting of Verona
Verona is located in northern Italy. Florence is Verona’s cousin city. Unlike Florence, Verona has many of its ancient architectural marvels preserved. Juliet’s balcony is present in the city and can be visited. The city also has an old market place with a statue that reminds the public of its age.
Verona also has many interesting churches including the San Zeno Maggiore that has beautiful doors. Verona also has many restaurants that serve classic Italian wine and where you can see the famous people of Italy.
