ACT IV

Scene i
Paris is with Friar Laurence, trying to arrange his marriage to Juliet, when she enters. Paris leaves, and Juliet threatens to kill herself if Laurence cannot help her. He comes up with a plan: she should go home and tell her father that she is sorry and will marry Paris. Laurence provides Juliet with a potion that will make her unconscious, mimicking the signs of death for 42 hours. She will then be taken to the Capulet tomb and laid to rest. In the meantime, the Friar will send a message to Romeo, telling him to return secretly from Mantua and take Juliet away once she wakes up.

Scene ii
It is now Tuesday afternoon and the Capulet household is preparing for the wedding. Juliet enters and apologizes to her father. Capulet decides to move the wedding forward by a day to Wednesday (the very next day).

Scene iii
Juliet is in her bedroom with the Nurse and her mother but manages to get them to leave, as this is necessary for her plan to work. Juliet is very worried about the potential consequences of drinking the potion; but, finally, she does it.

Scene iv
Wednesday morning in the Capulet house, and wedding preparations are in full swing.

Scene v
The Nurse goes to Juliet’s bedroom to wake her up but realizes she is “dead.” The scene is one of great emotion (and also dramatic irony, seeing as the audience knows that she is still alive) as the Nurse, Lord and Lady Capulet and Paris all grieve over the shocking event. Friar Laurence enters and tries to reassure everyone that she will be peaceful and happy now. Capulet says all the preparations for a wedding will now change to a funeral.