9th Romeo and Juliet Act 3

Romeo & Juliet Notes Act 3

Mercutio is stabbed by Tybolt and dies.

Before Mercutio dies, Romeo tries to keep the peace.

After Mercutio dies, Romeo fights Tybalt and kills him.

·        Why would Romeo be motivated to change suddenly?

Romeo cries “O, I am fortune’s fool!” and flees (3.1.131).

·        Refers specifically to Romeo’s unluckiness in being forced to kill his new wife’s cousin, thereby getting himself banished. It also recalls the sense of fate that hangs over the play.

Romeo and Mercutio respond to their fates differently

·        Romeo blames fate and fortune for the events

·        Romeo is more unrealistic and idealistic

·        Mercutio blames the Montagues and Capulets

·        Mercutio is more pragmatic and levelheaded

Conflict between love beauty and romance vs. honor, pride and status

Which one wins in this Act?

Juliet speaks of suicide when the nurse miscommunicates information about the fight and she thinks Romeo has died & Romeo threatens to stab himself with a sword because he thinks Juliet will not love him for murdering Tybolt - Good Examples of Foreshadowing!!

Romeo says his banishment is a penalty far worse than death.

·        What is his reasoning?

·        Do you agree?

Juliet shows her maturity by:

·        Making Romeo leave in the morning

·        Dominating conversation with Lady Capulet

·        Dismiss the counsel (advice) of her Nurse

·        Recognizes the limits of her powers in heeding to her father