Act 3 scene 3

Act 3 scene 3 summary of key points:

• Friar Lawrence tells Romeo that the Prince has banished him for killing Tybalt.

• Romeo responds that he might as well be dead.

• The Friar tries to calm Romeo, who feels suicidal.

• They are interrupted by the Nurse knocking at the door.

• She tells them that Juliet is in the same emotional state as Romeo

• The Friar brings some order to the scene by reassuring Romeo that not everything is lost. Romeo is to spend the night with Juliet then go to Mantua the next morning and await news from the Friar.

Why is this scene important?

• The full extent of Romeo's misery is developed in this scene.

• The Friar shows his ability to think quickly in organising a rescue plan for the lovers. He will be aware of the danger of his own position.