Act V

Act V is the culmination of the action. The previous four Acts have lead to this inevitable point of tragedy. Friar Laurence's letter informing Romeo of the plan fails to reach Mantua. Romeo deals with Juliet's death and decides on a course of action quickly and definitively. Friar Laurence cannot make his way to the crypt fast enough to avoid disaster.

• Friar Laurence's letter informing Romeo of the plan fails to reach Mantua.
• Romeo decides that he will take his own life next to Juliet.
• Friar Laurence is unable to reach the crypt in time to save Romeo and Juliet's life.
• The Capulets and Montagues, on hearing how the tragedy unfolded decide to make amends.

Scene i: Mantua

The first time that the responder sees Romeo in Mantua he talks of the joys of love. Balthasar enters and gives Romeo the unexpected news of Juliet's apparent death. Romeo, in contrast to the lamentations of Act IV, Scene v, takes the news calmly and endeavours to depart to Verona where he will take his own life next to Juliet in the Capulet crypt. He stops at an apothecary (a dispenser of medications) to purchase lethal poison.

Important Points to note from Act V, Scene i:

• Romeo decides very quickly on his path of action and this demonstrates a change in his character.
• The description of the apothecary, using imagery of evil and misery, symbolises Romeo's mind set.

Scene ii: Friar Laurence's cell

Friar Laurence hears from his messenger that he was unable to deliver the letter explaining his plan to Romeo. This is because the messenger was held up by officials trying to stop the spread of plague. Friar Laurence realises that Juliet is about to wake up. Not wanting to leave her in the Crypt alone he hurries to the tomb.

Important Points to note from Act V, Scene ii:

• This is the first time that Friar Laurence has not been aware of what is happening around him.
• Because Friar Laurence is hurrying to the tomb, he provides a glimmer of hope that he might reach the tomb before Romeo does and hence avert disaster.

Scene iii: The Capulets' crypt

The scene begins with Paris praying at Juliet's tomb. He hides as Romeo approaches. Assuming that Romeo is trying to desecrate the tomb, Paris confronts Romeo. Romeo kills Paris and takes him into the tomb. Romeo drinks the poison and dies. Juliet wakes just as Friar Laurence arrives. Friar Laurence explains what has happened and offers to hide Juliet. Juliet refuses and instead kills herself. The Prince, the Capulets and the Montagues arrive, having been alerted by the guards. Friar Laurence explains the situation and Balthasar and the Prince's page fill in the details. Capulet and Montague make amends and resolve to never forget the death of their children and to remember them as symbols of the need for peace.

Important Points to note from Act V, Scene iii:

• This is one of only three scenes to contain all the major players.
• Paris proves to the audience that the depth of his love for Juliet is not superficial.
• Whilst Romeo kills Paris, he still shows much respect to him.
• The tragedy of the three deaths results in the reconciliation of the two families.