In Act 1, Scene 4, Romeo has misgivings about attending the Capulets' ball and ends upforeshadowinghis own "untimely death": I fear too early, for my mind misgives Find out whats on, read our latest stories, and learn how you can get involved. Later, after Mercutio's death in Act 3, Scene 1, Romeo will claim in a fit of self-hatredthat Juliet's "beauty hath made me effeminate / And in my temper softened valors steel" by driving him to forfeit his duelwith Tybalt. Another significant moment of foreboding in the play occurs when Romeo simultaneously invokes and defies death in the midst of his conversation with Friar Lawrence. These qualities put him at odds with his kinsmen, Benvolio and Mercutio, who are more bold and rash (particularly Mercutio, who ends up stepping in for Romeo in a duel with Tybalt). When Paris is proposing the idea of marrying Juliet to Capulet, Capulet agrees they should be married, but is unsure if it should be now . A market street in Mantua: In the Prologue it states that a pair of lovers will die in order to end a family feud(DBQ: Romeo and Juliet: Whos to Blame? Doc A). When Friar starts executing his plan on Juliets death everything seems to go smoothly until Friars letter that was supposed to go to Romeo, explaining the plan, does not reach Romeo. Nonetheless, she is determinedto pursue her own desires, even if that means dying for love. In Act 2, Scene 2, you'll find the one of the most important and longest lasting soliloquies of the play. Previous Post As you like it by William Shakespeare. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Complete your free account to request a guide. How is this an example of foreshadowing?, What does Romeo mean by "dull earth" in Scene 1, line 2?, What does Romeo compare Juliet to in his first speech in Sc. In act 2, scene 2 Romeo secretly goes to Juliet's house and declares his love. Juliet is secretly outraged at the Nurses advice and decides to seek Friar Lawrences help. These sudden visions of death are figments of Romeo and Juliet's imaginations, but they also add complexity to the young lovers' characterizations, demonstrating that they are not justheadstrong and impulsive, butclearly understand the danger they face in defying their families. Foreshadowing is one of the main dramatic techniques inRomeo and Juliet. In lines 113-120, Romeo expresses that he fears the party is a stepping stone to what will be his untimely death. Indeed, at the end of Act 5, Juliet will find Romeo dead in a tomb: her own tomb, where she is faking her own death with a sleeping potion. At the end of Romeo and Juliets wedding night together, why does Juliet first deny that it is day and then change her mind? Romeo does not deny the charge, but claims his need was great, and so the offense is forgivable. Ah me, how sweet is love itself possessed Their families are enmeshed in a feud, but the moment they meetwhen Romeo and his friends attend a party at Juliets house in disguisethe two fall in love and quickly decide that they want to be married.A friar secretly marries them, hoping to end the feud. "Violent delights" is an oxymoronic phrase that emphasizes the danger inherent in Romeo and Juliet's relationship and serves as a warning to the soon-to-be-married couple. Not only that, Juliet explains as if that she was actually present in the dream and asks Romeo if it was just herself getting the dreams or if it was also Romeo who also got that dream, Either my eyesight fails or thou lookest the pale (III,v, 57). When Juliet refuses, her father becomes enraged and vows to put her out on the streets. Friar John enters, bringing with him the letter that he was to have delivered to Romeo. -Graham S. The nurse knows that, technically, Paris would be a better match for Julietbut at the same time, she cant help getting swept up in the excitement of making all these secret, romantic plans on Juliets behalf. Read more about the characters point of view. Moreover, by joking that Romeo has "died" for love, Mercutio is unwittingly prefiguringRomeo's death, which will indeed result from his love for a woman. The Chorus also clarifies one of thefundamental situational ironies ofRomeo and Juliet. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet Background. He also seems wise and selfless. In the play Romeo indiscriminately mentions his dream he had last night. In lines 113-120, Romeo expresses that he fears the party is a stepping stone to what will be his untimely death. Interestingly enough, Romeo and Juliet's love actually, However, Mercutio doesn't realize that Romeo is now inlove with Juliet, not Rosaline, and that the love he is experiencing for Juliet is genuine. In the Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, foreshadowing is created through certain poignant dialogues and events that provide clues about the tragic events that occur later. It's Romeo's famous balcony scene. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Mercutio is happy that Romeo is over Rosaline. (Ironically, and tragically, Romeo will regain his youthful exuberance and faith in life's possibilities by falling in love with Juliet during the "night's revels."). This strong foreshadowing emphasizes that the lovers' fate is inevitable and that their sense of freedom is an illusion. Dive deep into the worlds largest Shakespeare collection and access primary sources from the early modern period. for a group? Explanation and AnalysisThe Chorus's Opening : Explanation and AnalysisRomeo's Moment of Doubt: Explanation and AnalysisLove Like Lightning: Explanation and AnalysisMercutio's Joke: Explanation and AnalysisFriar Laurence's Warning: Explanation and AnalysisJuliet and the Night: Explanation and AnalysisJuliet's Vision: Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. The Nurse agrees to deliver the message. Ace your assignments with our guide to Romeo and Juliet! The Friar agrees to marry them, expressing the hope that the marriage may end the feud between their families. The scene closes with an exchange of wordplay between Capulets servant Peter and Pariss musicians. Romeo and Juliet Act III, Nov. 15, 2015. One such tragic prediction made by the chorus is that the double suicide of Romeo and Juliet would eventually bring an end to their families feud. on 50-99 accounts. Mercutio responds that Romeo is already dead, struck by Cupids arrow; he wonders aloud whether Romeo is man enough to defeat Tybalt. He is gentler and more wary than his male compatriots, and this makes him somewhat of amisfit in Verona's patriarchal society, in which masculinity is associated with brashness and hubris. 2017-03-21 16:16:30. Fate made another appearance when Friar helps Juliet on faking her own death. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall,Now seeming sweet, convert to bittrest gall.. Mercutio blames Romeo's absence on his love for the "pale, hard-hearted wench," Rosaline. Now, the morning after the Capulet feast, Mercutio and Benvolio search for Romeo. They could already see that they were not meant to be when faced with the barriers that prevented their public marriage. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? He correctly predicts that the "night's revels" will result in his own death, which his depressed state of mind leadshim to viewas the expiration of the term of hisown "despisd life." A young boy from the Montague family falls in love with the beautiful Juliet of the Capulet family. Romeo predicts that going to the Capulets ball will have some consequence that will end in untimely death (1.4.). Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Romeo and Juliet: Act 2, Scene 4 Enter BENVOLIO and MERCUTIO. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, Another example of foreshadowing in act 2 is the conversation between Romeo and Juliet in the balcony scene. Another harrowing instance of foreshadowing in the play occurs during the scene where Juliet bids farewell to Romeo after their first night together as a married couple. Whose misadventured piteous overthrows The Nurse remembers that Juliets childhood was full of unlucky omens: there was an earthquake the day Juliet was weaned, and when she learned to walk she broke her brow (1.3.). Nor aught so good but straind from that fair use It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, Paris visits Juliets tomb and, when Romeo arrives, challenges him. 3-4). With this nights revels, and expire the term Free trial is available to new customers only. Rather, heislove with the idea of loving someone. In the last scene, Juliet tried to battle the social world through the power of her private love; here Mercutio tries to assert the social language of male bravado and banter over the private introspection of love. Juliet waits impatiently for the Nurse to return. When Romeo refuses to fight, Romeos friend Mercutio accepts the challenge and is killed. Why does Friar Lawrence decide to marry Romeo and Juliet? Benvolio Is there a villain in the play, and, if so, who is it? Also the word death markd death connors and emphasis how there lives are destined to die, furthermore the many consequences and regrets to their decisions. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. The fight between the servants causes a public . May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet. In Act 2, Scene 4 of ''Romeo and Juliet,'' Romeo and Nurse begin the plans for Romeo and Juliet's wedding. This is an example of dramatic irony, since the audience is aware of Romeo's new obsession,having observed his interactions with Juliet in the previous scenes. Her fears prove to be true beyond the shadow of a doubt as she and Romeo are estranged soon afterward. The escalating conflict between Montagues and Capulets foreshadows that Mercutio and Tybalt will die fighting. Although stated hypothetically, this assertion of Romeo later proves to be true as he eventually opts for death in order to ensure his everlasting union with his beloved Juliet. Juliet says that she has not even dreamed of marrying, but that she will consider Paris as a possible husband if her parents wish her to. How does Romeo convince the reluctant Apothecary to sell him poison? When they're at the Montague dinner, Benvolio is desperately trying to cajole Romeo out of his overwhelming sadness around Rosaline, who hasn't. After his initial confrontation with Romeo at the Capulet ball, Tybalt foreshadows that his seemingly harmless encounter with Romeo will inadvertently magnify into violent animosity. This emphasises the significance of their love, and that they loved eachother so much that it lead to the death. Designed by GonThemes. Wisely and slow. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Romeo says Come, death, and welcome. Romeo responds that death is preferable to banishment from Juliet. He expresses the hope that the marriage of Romeo and Juliet might end the feud ravaging the Montagues and Capulets. Purchasing Finally Juliet learns that if she wants to marry Romeo, she need only go to Friar Lawrences cell that afternoon. Next Post The Tempest Study Guide. But while the friar appears to embody all these good qualities that are often associated with religion, he is also an unknowing servant of fate: all of his plans go awry and create the misunderstandings that lead to the final tragedy. Which, as they kiss, consume. When Juliet discovers Romeo at her balcony, what does she fear? As he leaves her house, she has a vision of him dead in a tomb, unwittingly foreshadowing the closing scene of the play: O God, I have an ill-divining soul! to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. So smile the heavens upon this holy actThat after-hours with sorrow chide us not.. Romeo tells him of his love for Juliet and asks the Friar to marry them later that day. Julietis defiant, but not totally naive:she seems to fundamentally understand that her rebellious actions may have grave consequences. This foreshadows his tragically unsuccessful duel with Romeo in Act 3, Scene 1. To Romeo, a true romantic, even "love's shadows," meaning his dreams about love,are "rich in joy"; "possessed" love, which he experiences when he is with Juliet, is transcendent. By analyzing the prologues, Romeos foreshadow in Act I and Juliet and Friars understanding of foolish behavior will bolster the authors portrayal that their deaths was beyond their power. Feeling incredibly ill-at-ease, Juliet has an inkling that something horrific will happen to Romeo and that it might be the last time she is seeing him alive. 2, lines 2-3? Please wait while we process your payment. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Mercutio teases the nurse & upsets her. Interestingly, both Juliet and Mercutio think they know the real Romeo. The friar cannot believe that Romeos love could turn so quickly from one person to another. Romeo and Juliet is rich with foreshadowing. Romeo defeats Mercutio in a battle of wits. When Tybalt sees Romeo at the Capulet ball, he swears revenge (1.5.). Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet Background. It also has the effect of making Romeo and Juliets love seem more precious. From the beginning play, Romeo is shown to have a special relationship with fate, which is illustrated by the several visions he as of his unfortunate death. One of many moments of foreshadowing in the play is in act 1, scene 4, when Romeo's friends are wanting him to go to the Capulet's ball. In the Prologue to the play, just before Act 1, the Chorus foreshadows Romeo and Juliet's eventual deaths, and describes an ironic end to the plot to come: Two households, both alike in dignity Continue to start your free trial. Because the audience can see that the lovers will not have long together, we are more moved by the happy moments they do have. Juliet doesn't know this yet, though. In the play Romeo and Juliet there is a character named Friar who uses a lot of different types of figurative language to entice the reader. (2.3.1722). Friar Lawrence is the wiliest and most scheming character in Romeo and Juliet: he secretly marries the two lovers, spirits Romeo to Mantua, and stages Juliet's death. 2. Who do Mercutio and Benvolio think Romeo is with? As he leaves her home and she watches him from the balcony above, she has a sudden image of him "so low, / As one dead in the bottom of a tomb." Is there a villain in the play, and, if so, who is it? Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 4. Romeo sends him to hire horses for their immediate return to Verona. Therefore, Tybalt's drawing of his sword and declaration of his hatred for the Montagues i n Act 1, Scene 1, would serve as an example of foreshadowing. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. Their deaths lead Montague and Capulet to declare that the families hostility is at an end. When Tybalt enters, the deaths of both men start to seem inevitable. The servant cannot read the list and asks for help from Romeo and Benvolio. For example, Romeo announces, I fear too early, for my mind misgives some consequence yet hanging in the stars (act 1, scene 4, lines 113-118), meaning he feels something is destined to happen. answer. When but loves shadows are so rich in joy! Her impatience grows when the Nurse, having returned, is slow to deliver Romeos message. This passionate admission of Romeo, later on, proves to be true during the tomb scene when after mistakenly perceiving Juliet as dead, Romeo opts for self-destruction and succumbs to an untimely death. As a way of mocking what he believes is Romeos overwrought love for Rosaline, Mercutio takes the part of Romeo and compares Rosaline to all the most famous beauties of antiquity, finding Rosaline far superior. Want 100 or more? Dramatic Irony. The question of Rosaline continues on into the next scene when Mercutio begins to ridicule Romeos lovelorn ways by mockingly comparing Rosaline to all the beauties of antiquity (it is interesting to note that one of these beauties, Thisbe, is found in a myth that very closely resembles the plot of Romeo and Juliet). 30 seconds. Explore a summary of the scene, and learn about Tybalt's letter, as well as the teasing . Delay this marriage for a month, a week,Or, if you do not, make the bridal bedIn that dim monument where Tybalt lies.. While advising Romeo and Juliet about the significance of exercising moderation and keeping their passion in check, Friar Lawrence warns the young lovers that passionate, impulsive actions lead to violent and unfortunate ends. Methinks I see thee, now thou art so low, Romeo and Juliet are electric with anticipation. Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; However, Mercutio doesn't realize that Romeo is now inlove with Juliet, not Rosaline, and that the love he is experiencing for Juliet is genuine. Why does Friar Lawrences plan to help Romeo reunite with Juliet fail? 3 Not to his father's; I spoke with his man. Although Mercutio never learns about Romeo and Juliet's relationship, he suspects that Romeo may have had sex with another woman after the Capulets' ball. And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Teachers and parents! 2. tonight: last night. Julietdemurs when Romeo asks her to demonstrate her love for him, since she is playing the stereotypically coy role that young women of the era were expected to upholdwhile being courted. 2 Came he not home tonight? Enter Benvolio and Mercutio] Mercutio Where the devil should this Romeo be? Benvolio Not to his father's; I spoke with his man. Mercutio often jibes Romeo for his obsession with Rosaline, as in this moment from Act 2, Scene 4, which simultaneously functions as dramatic irony and foreshadowing: Alas, poor Romeo, he is already dead, stabbed with a white wenchs black eye, run through the ear with a love-song, the very pin of his heart cleft with the blind bow-boys butt shaft. He asks the Nurse to tell Juliet to find some way to attend confession at Friar Lawrences cell that afternoon; there they will be married. After facing her terror at the prospect of awaking in her familys burial vault, Juliet drinks the potion that Friar Lawrence has given her. The only time Juliet sees Romeo again is in the tomb after he has poisoned himself and is lying dead next to her. When Juliet returns from Friar Lawrence and pretends to have learned obedience, Capulet is so delighted that he moves the wedding up to the next day and goes off to tell Paris the new date. Ere one can say It lightens. My bosoms lord sits lightly in his throne, When the Prince, the Capulets, and Montague arrive, Friar Lawrence gives an account of the marriage of Romeo and Juliet. In Act 2, Scene 2, Juliet uses both simile and metaphor to characterize her fledgling relationship with Romeoa characterization that actually functions as an instance of foreshadowing, given the play's tragic conclusion: I have no joy of this contract tonight. Thus, Romeo's foreshadowinga pessimistic vision that is eventually proven correctelucidates a key aspect of his personality. Even if they contributed to it with some foolishness, it was ultimately a matter of pure fate. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. March 3, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 In response to his friends insistence, Romeo states that he feels as if the Capulet ball will somehow result in his untimely demise. The prologue of Romeo and Juliet calls the title characters star-crossed loversand the stars do seem to conspire against these young lovers.Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet. Situational Irony. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs When they find out that Rosaline, on whom Romeo dotes, is invited to the party, they decide to go too. Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 1. In the meantime, find us online and on the road. I fear too early, for my mind misgivesSome consequence yet hanging in the starsShall bitterly begin his fearful dateWith this nights revels, and expire the termOf a despisd life closed in my breastBy some vile forfeit of untimely death.. Discover Shakespeares stories and the world that shaped them. From Capulets garden Romeo overhears Juliet express her love for him. After expressing their mutual love, they exit with the Friar to be married. Romeo and his companions almost immediately encounter Juliets cousin Tybalt, who challenges Romeo. Sometimes it can end up there. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. This punning Romeo is what Mercutio believes to be the true Romeo, suddenly freed from the ludicrous melancholy of love: Why, is not this better than groaning for love? It contributes to Juliets failed plan, Romeos misunderstanding of the plan, Paris murder, and Lady Montagues agony and subsequent suicides. Another quote also used in the prologue . The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in. When Romeo kills Tybalt, Juliet doesn't tell her parents about secretly marrying Romeo, and when Juliet is so depressed, she tries to kill herself are all ways in which this theme is reflected. What is the Prince's decree, and what are the reasons he gives for . Subscribe now. During the famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet, Act II. Sweet, good night. / Now art thou sociable, now art thou Romeo (2.4.76-77). MERCUTIO Played for a pair of stainless maidenhoods. Foreshadowing can be achieved directly or indirectly, by making Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. A prologue reads: From forth the fatal loins of these two foes /A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life (1.1.5-6). Capulet welcomes the disguised Romeo and his friends. They completely demystify Shakespeare. A street fight breaks out between the Montagues and the Capulets, which is broken up by the ruler of Verona, Prince Escalus. Mercutio disdains all that Tybalt stands for. The balcony scene takes place in Act II, Scene 2, just after Romeo has ditched Mercutio and Benvolio to go over the wall into the Capulets' orchard with the express purpose of seeing Juliet again. Romeo then kills Tybalt and is banished. ACT 5, SCENE 1 Balthasar, a friend of Romeo's, brings him news that Juliet is dead and lies in the Capulet tomb. And all this day an unaccustomed spirit Subscribe now. Such passion, he suggests, cannot realistically be sustained. This foreshadows the circumstances surroundinghis eventual death in real life: If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep, From award-winning theater and music, to poetry and exhibitions, experience the power of the arts with us. Foreshadowing also creates the sense that the plot is hurtling unstoppably forward, just as the passions of Romeo and Juliet, Montague and Capulet, Tybalt, and Mercutio escalate uncontrollably. Romeo and Juliet separate at the first light of day. The friar's machinations seem also to be tools of fate. In conversation with Capulet, Count Paris declares his wish to marry Juliet. The tragic deaths of Lady Montague, Paris, Romeo and Juliet are foreshadowed by Friar Lawrence moments prior to his presiding over the secret marriage of Romeo and Juliet. Both lovers announce to Friar Lawrence that they will commit suicide if they cannot be together. Copy. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Later that morning, just before nine, Mercutio and Benvolio wonder what happened to Romeo the previous night. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." In Act V of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare, uses foreshadowing to show that people's fears or uneasiness about a situation can often be for good reason. (Indeed, Romeo will later kill himself by ingesting poison.). My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Every teacher of literature should use these translations. Down with the Capulets! Romeo and Juliet confess their love for eachother and plan to get married the next day. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs 3. Down with the Montagues!" (Act 1 scene 1, lines 60-61). Romeo arrives at Friar Laurence 's cell as day breaks. But while Romeo forecasts his own death (in Act 1, Scene 4), Juliet forecasts Romeo's, too. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Instant PDF downloads. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What does the Act 2 Prologue say happened to Romeo's love for Rosaline? Again the Choruss speech is in the form of a sonnet. According to the evidence found through the text, Shakespeare makes it seem that Romeo and Juliets death was brought by fate and condition, though as well by foolishness. Benvolio has learned from a Montague servant that Romeo did not return home; Mercutio spouts some unkind words about Rosaline. for a group? We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Determined to marry Juliet, Romeo hurries to Friar Lawrence. The lovers' tragic end is both directly and subtly foreshadowed from the very beginning of the play. Then Mercutio accuses Romeo of abandoning his friends the previous night. The Friar promises that Balthasar will bring Romeo news of Verona and suggests that Romeo can expect in time that the Prince may relent and allow him to return to Verona. The thematic role of the friar in Romeo and Juliet is hard to pin down. Read more about love as a cause of violence as a theme. (one code per order). The Nurse recommends that Juliet forget the banished Romeo and regard Paris as a more desirable husband. Contact us One instance of foreshadowing in Romeo and Juliet is the Queen Mob story tolled by Mercutio. My life were better ended by their hateThan death prolonged, wanting of thy love.. Friar Lawrence anxiously goes to the tomb to be there when Juliet comes out of her trance. In Act 2, Scene 2, Juliet uses both simile and metaphor to characterize her fledgling relationship with Romeoa characterization that actually functions as an instance of foreshadowing, given the play's tragic conclusion: I have no joy of this contract tonight. Hood my unmanned blood, bating in my cheeks, Not until they are separated do they discover that they belong to enemy houses. Benvolio also relates that Tybalt has sent a letter to Romeo challenging him to a duel. Procedures1. This is an example of dramatic irony, since the audience, Both Romeo and Juliet have separate moments of prescience early on in the playbefore events begin to spin wildly out of controlin which they foresee trouble in theirfutures. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. After Paris leaves, she threatens suicide if Friar Lawrence cannot save her from marrying Paris. It helps set the tone for the reader and helps the story progress smoothly. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Every teacher of literature should use these translations. Lady Capulet informs Juliet of Pariss marriage proposal and praises him extravagantly. Shakespeare convinces the audience that all will be well by laying out a future for Romeo and Juliet. What light through yonder window breaks? Thus, when describing love, she must resort to cagier, indirect language. Though Romeo and Juliet are right to rebel against the restrictions they experiencefrom both society and from their familiestheir deaths are ultimately inevitable. Romeos friends engage in sexually-charged wordplay with the nursea woman who is below their social station and appears an easy target for humiliation and tomfoolery. She kisses him to try to use the leftover poison on his lips to kill herself; when this proves unsuccessful, she decides to kill herself with his dagger instead. Her parents fail to take her threat seriously, insistingupon on the marriage and asserting their absolute authority. In your own words, rewrite Juliet's speech in Scene 2, lines 35-38. At the very start of the play in the prologue the writer claims "A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life" The use of this expression "star-cross'd lovers" already foreshadows the doomed fate of Romeo and Juliet,and that there future is doomed and planned from the beginning of the play. Q. Friar Laurence agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet to end the feud of the families is an example of. It's as if Shakespeare couldn't resist telling us what's going to happen to the star-crossed lovers so that. Therefore, the helpful "matron" who will facilitate Juliet's first sexual experience is also"sober-suited" in black,as if dressed for a funeral, and she appears both powerful and forbidding: she instructs Juliet and controls her moods.