Romeo and Juliet, Act 4, Scene 5 summary
Act 4, Scene 5 of 26 · 6 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 5, the Nurse finds Juliet unresponsive, and her family and Paris mourn her as dead, turning the planned wedding into a funeral. Friar Lawrence urges them to accept heaven’s will and prepare her burial, while Peter trades insults and musical jokes with the musicians.
What happens
- The Nurse tries to wake Juliet, finds no response, and calls for help.
- Lady Capulet and Capulet enter, examine Juliet, and mourn her as dead.
- Paris arrives with Friar Lawrence and musicians, and joins the household’s grief.
- Friar Lawrence urges acceptance of heaven’s will, and Capulet changes the wedding arrangements into funeral preparations.
- After the family leaves, Peter demands music, threatens the musicians, and exchanges jokes with them.
- Peter leaves, and the musicians decide to stay for dinner.
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In this scene
What to notice
Capulet gives death the family roles meant for a bridegroom. His words connect his grief with the collapse of the planned marriage.
Quick check
What does Friar Lawrence tell the mourners to place on Juliet’s body?
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