Overview
This lecture covers the tragic ending of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," focusing on the final moments of the main characters and the play's themes of love, death, and fate.
Romeo’s Final Moments
- Romeo says goodbye to Juliet, referring to his lips as sealing death with a kiss.
- He describes death as a "dateless bargain," meaning an eternal agreement.
- Romeo consumes poison, calling the apothecary "true" for providing the means to reunite with Juliet in death.
- He dies beside Juliet.
Juliet’s Reaction and Death
- Juliet awakens and finds Romeo dead with a poison cup in his hand.
- Realizing his death, Juliet refers to a "happy dagger" and uses it to end her life.
- Juliet dies, wishing to rest with Romeo.
Closing Reflections
- The aftermath brings a "glooming peace" to the morning, indicating somber resolution.
- The sun does not rise, symbolizing the depth of sorrow.
- The Prince announces that some will be pardoned and others punished for the tragedy.
- The play concludes by stating that there has been no greater story of woe than that of Juliet and her Romeo.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dateless Bargain — a deal that lasts forever, typically with death.
- Apothecary — a person who prepares and sells medicines or drugs, often referenced in historical contexts.
- Sheath — a cover for a blade, metaphorically used as Juliet's body for the dagger.
- Glooming Peace — a sorrowful or mournful sense of peace.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full text of Act V, Scene 3 of "Romeo and Juliet."
- Prepare notes on the themes of fate and consequence for discussion.
- Read about the different responses to the tragedy by remaining characters.