Literature Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet: the ending and what it means

To help you remember what happens in the second part of the play, work in pairs to put these events in the correct order. Number them from 1 to 8.

Romeo kills Tybalt.

Juliet kills herself.

Romeo has to leave Verona.

Friar Laurence explains his plan to Juliet.

Romeo kills himself.

Juliet drinks Friar Laurence’s liquid.

Tybalt kills Mercutio.

Romeo hears that Juliet has died.

Discuss the question in pairs or small groups. Then read the ending of the play (Extract 8) on page 101.

With the two lovers both dead, can anything good come from their deaths?

Read the quotation. Then answer the questions below.

‘Morning has brought with it a sad peace.’ Who said these words and who did they say them to?

In what situation were the characters when it was said?

What do you think ‘a sad peace’ means?

How do you think the characters feel at this point?

Discuss the questions in pairs or small groups.

Some critics believe that Romeo and Juliet is not a ‘real tragedy’. Can you see why they think this? (Think about the characters and actions of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence’s plan and what leads to their death.)

In Shakespeare’s time, killing yourself (also called taking your own life, or suicide) was an unacceptable action, as it still is today in both Christian and Islamic religions. Instead of taking such an extreme way out of their problems, what do you think Romeo and Juliet could have done to solve them in a more acceptable way?

Which of these opinions do you agree with most? Why?

It’s a romantic play that shows how strong love can be.

It’s only a play, written to entertain people. There’s no need to take it so seriously.

Did you enjoy reading the play? Why? / Why not?

Would you like to see the play in a theatre or as a film? How would it be different from studying it in class?