An Analysis of
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ACT V SCENE I
An Analysis of Chapter 21
Tone
Desperate, Tragic, Foreboding
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart-pounding - (5) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Explosive - (5) | A little - (2) | Fast-paced - (5) |
Basically...
Romeo, in Mantua, wakes with hopeful dreams about Juliet but soon receives news from Balthasar that she is 'dead.' Overwhelmed with grief, Romeo resolves to join Juliet in death and seeks out an impoverished apothecary from whom he purchases illegal poison. Romeo departs for Verona, determined to die beside Juliet.
In more detail...
The scene opens on a street in Mantua where Romeo, lifted by joyful dreams of love and reunion, is met by his servant Balthasar. Romeo eagerly inquires about letters and Juliet, only to learn the devastating news that Juliet has died and lies in the Capulet tomb. His hope turns to desperate resolve. Romeo immediately decides to return to Verona and die beside Juliet. Recalling a destitute apothecary willing to break the law for money, Romeo offers gold in exchange for a lethal poison. The apothecary, driven by poverty rather than malice, sells him the poison, and Romeo, reflecting on the corrupting power of gold versus the poison in his hand, leaves to end his life beside Juliet.
Characters
- Romeo
- About - Romeo's jubilant mood is shattered when he learns from Balthasar of Juliet's supposed death. Deciding to join her in death, he bribes an impoverished apothecary to sell him poison and leaves for Verona, determined to die beside Juliet.
- Personality Traits - Impulsive, deeply emotional, passionate, loyal to Juliet, fatalistic, resourceful.
- Physical Characteristics - A young, nobleman of Verona, often described as handsome and youthful.
- Character Connections
- Juliet - Wife and beloved; his grief at her death drives his actions.
- Balthasar - His loyal servant, the bearer of tragic news.
- Apothecary - An impoverished pharmacist whom Romeo bribes for deadly poison.
- Balthasar
- About - Romeo's dedicated servant who brings word from Verona of Juliet's 'death.' He tries to caution Romeo but is firmly instructed to prepare for their return to Verona.
- Personality Traits - Loyal, practical, concerned for Romeo's welfare, dutiful.
- Physical Characteristics - A young man, likely modestly dressed, as a servant.
- Character Connections
- Romeo - Servant and friend; delivers news and follows orders.
- Juliet - Indirect connection; brings news of her fate to Romeo.
- Apothecary
- About - A destitute pharmacist living in Mantua who, against his own conscience and the law, sells Romeo a potent poison in exchange for money due to his poverty.
- Personality Traits - Desperate, impoverished, reluctant, law-abiding but driven by need.
- Physical Characteristics - Emaciated, gaunt, dressed in tattered clothing; visibly impoverished.
- Character Connections
- Romeo - Sells poison to Romeo out of desperation.