Analysis of Act Five - Summary

Question 1

Briefly summarise the key events of Act 5.

Answer 1

Balthasar tells Romeo that Juliet is dead. Romeo buys poison and travels to her tomb. Friar Lawrence finds out that his letter didn’t reach Romeo and also goes to Juliet’s tomb. At the tomb, Romeo kills Paris, then drinks the poison, thinking Juliet is dead. Juliet wakes up, sees Romeo is dead and stabs herself. Their families find them and end the feud.

Question 2

Give one example of language connected to the theme of fate from Act 5.

Answer 2

Friar Lawrence exclaims “Unhappy fortune!” when he hears the fate of his letter.

Question 3

Who does not die in Act 5?
A. Lady Montague
B. Romeo
C. Tybalt

Answer 3

C. Tybalt died in Act 3, Scene 1 — Romeo was banished for killing him.

Question 4

‘Friar Lawrence is ultimately to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths in Act 5.’
Do you agree with this? Explain your answer.

Answer 4

• You could have said that
  Friar Lawrence is to
  blame for Romeo and
  Juliet’s deaths — his plan
  was very dangerous, and
  if Juliet hadn’t agreed to it
  then neither Romeo nor
  Juliet would have died.
• You might also have said that Friar Lawrence is not to blame. His plan would still have worked if Romeo was less impulsive — if Romeo hadn’t acted so quickly, Juliet might have been awake when he got to the tomb.

Question 5

What effect does the Prince have on the play in Act 5?

Answer 5

The Prince brings order to the play by gathering evidence of what has happened at the tomb. His verdict sums up the play and brings it to a neat conclusion.