Notes on 'Romeo and Juliet'

Synopsis

• Star-crossed Lovers: Romeo (a Montague) and Juliet (a Capulet) fall in love despite their families' feud.
• Secret Marriage: They marry secretly, hoping to reconcile their families.
• Conflict: Romeo kills Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, and is banished.
• Desperate Measures: Juliet is forced to marry Paris, fakes her death to escape it.
• Tragic End: Romeo, not knowing the plan, kills himself. Juliet awakens, sees Romeo dead, and kills herself.
• Resolution: Their deaths end the family feud.

Prologue

• Two noble families in Verona, the Montagues and Capulets, have an ancient feud.
• Romeo and Juliet's love leads to their tragic deaths, ultimately ending the families' strife.

Act 1

Scene 1

• Street Fight: Servants of the Capulets and Montagues fight. Benvolio tries to stop them.
• Prince's Warning: Prince Escalus warns that further disturbances will result in the death penalty.
• Romeo's Melancholy: Romeo is lovesick over Rosaline.

Scene 2

• Paris's Suit: Paris seeks Juliet's hand in marriage; Capulet invites him to their feast.
• Romeo and Rosaline: Benvolio encourages Romeo to attend the Capulet feast to forget Rosaline.

Scene 3

• Lady Capulet and Juliet: Lady Capulet discusses marriage with Juliet, praising Paris.

Scene 4

• Masquerade Plans: Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio plan to attend the Capulet feast.

Scene 5

• First Meeting: Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love at first sight.
• Conflict: Tybalt recognizes Romeo and is angered. Capulet restrains him.

Act 2

Scene 1

• Loving Vows: Romeo overhears Juliet expressing her love for him.
• Plan to Marry: They agree to marry, and Romeo seeks the help of Friar Laurence.

Scene 2

• Friar Laurence's Doubts: Friar agrees to marry them, hoping to end the feud.

Scene 3

• Tybalt's Challenge: Tybalt sends a challenge to Romeo.
• Nurse's Message: Nurse arranges the marriage details with Romeo.

Scene 4

• Marriage Arranged: Juliet receives news of the wedding plans from the Nurse.

Scene 5

• Secret Wedding: Romeo and Juliet are married by Friar Laurence.

Act 3

Scene 1

• Street Fight: Tybalt kills Mercutio; Romeo avenges him by killing Tybalt.
• Romeo's Exile: The Prince banishes Romeo from Verona.

Scene 2

• Juliet's Despair: Juliet is devastated by the news of Tybalt's death and Romeo's exile.

Scene 3

• Romeo's Anguish: Friar Laurence advises Romeo to visit Juliet before leaving for Mantua.

Scene 4

• Impending Marriage: Capulet arranges Juliet's marriage to Paris.

Scene 5

• Morning After: Romeo and Juliet part after their wedding night.
• Juliet's Refusal: Juliet refuses to marry Paris, angering her father.

Act 4

Scene 1

• Friar's Plan: Friar Laurence devises a plan for Juliet to avoid marriage to Paris by faking her death.

Scene 2

• Wedding Preparations: The Capulet household prepares for the wedding.

Scene 3

• Juliet's Doubts: Alone, Juliet drinks the potion given by Friar Laurence.

Scene 4

• Wedding Day: The Capulet household prepares for the wedding, unaware of Juliet's plan.

Scene 5

• Juliet Found 'Dead': Juliet is found in a death-like state, causing grief.

Act 5

Scene 1

• Romeo's Despair: In Mantua, Romeo learns of Juliet's 'death' and buys poison.

Scene 2

• Failed Delivery: Friar Laurence learns the message to Romeo failed to deliver.

Scene 3

• Tomb Tragedy: Paris confronts Romeo at Juliet's tomb and is killed.
• Romeo's Death: Romeo takes poison, dies beside Juliet.
• Juliet's Death: Juliet awakens, sees Romeo dead, kills herself with his dagger.
• Resolution: The deaths of Romeo and Juliet reconcile their feuding families.