Moment 7: Romeo's banishment

Question 1

“Ha, banishment? Be merciful, say ‘death’;” (Romeo, 3.3)

Answer 1

Romeo’s dramatic rejection of banishment reveals his immaturity and impulsive nature—he equates exile with death, unable to imagine life without Juliet. He is ungrateful.

Question 2

“O deadly sin! O rude unthankfulness!” (Friar Laurence, 3.3)

Answer 2

Shakespeare uses the Friar as a voice of reason, contrasting Romeo’s emotional excess with rationality. His words remind the audience that Romeo was lucky to escape execution, reinforcing the theme of justice and mercy.

Question 3

“There is no world without Verona walls, / But purgatory, torture, hell itself.”

Answer 3

Romeo expresses his belief that life without Juliet is a form of eternal suffering. The religious imagery suggests that, to him, separation from Juliet is a punishment similar to divine punishment. Shakespeare presents love as consuming and absolute—Romeo sees Juliet as his entire existence, highlighting the dangers of his obsessive devotion. Hyperbolic language.

In Shakespeare’s time, exile was considered a harsh punishment, as people were deeply tied to their communities.

Question 4

“Thy tears are womanish, thy wild acts denote / The unreasonable fury of a beast.” (Friar Laurence, 3.3)

Answer 4

The Friar rebukes Romeo for his emotional outburst, associating his excessive weeping with femininity. This gendered criticism reflects the Elizabethan belief that men should be rational and composed, rather than ruled by emotion. This exposes the conflicting expectations placed on men.

Friar Laurence’s rebuke reflects rigid gender norms.

Question 5

“Thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feel.” (Romeo, 3.3)

Answer 5

His assertion that the Friar “dost not feel” highlights his emotional isolation. Shakespeare emphasizes Romeo’s self-absorption, reinforces the theme of youth vs. experience, showing how Romeo’s lack of perspective leads to rash decisions.