Act 4 scene 1

Act 4 scene 1 summary of key points:

• At the Friar's cell (room), Paris seeks advice about his forthcoming wedding. Friar Lawrence is worried about his new marriage.

• Juliet arrives. Paris tries to gain an affirmation of Juliet's love but she avoids giving him a response. Paris leaves Juliet with the Friar.

• Juliet reveals the depth of her despair to Friar Lawrence. She produces a knife and declares she is ready to kill herself.

• The Friar proposes a plan to fake her death with a special potion, which will then allow her to escape to Mantua, to be with Romeo in secret.

• Juliet departs with the drug, as the Friar writes a letter explaining to Romeo what is happening.

Why is this scene important?

• We notice parallels between the behavoiur of Juliet here as she consults the Friar and that of Romeo a short while earlier.

• The Friar once again appears able to sort things out. He reassures Juliet that all will be well and suggests a plan to save the situation.