How To Drink In Romeo And Juliet

To Drink or Not to Drink (the drug that is)

(An analysis of whether Juliet’s decision to drink the potion was brave or foolish, and how she has changed so far through the play) Juliet is given a vial, filled with a drug to fake her death, so she is told. Is it wise to drink it? In Act IV of Romeo and Juliet, the friar tells Juliet his plan for her to escape to be with Romeo. She will fake her death, then Romeo will come from Mantua and they will elope. After things have settled down, the friar will eventually inform both sets of parents of what occurred. Juliet trusts the friar, but is still uncertain as to whether she should follow through with this. There is much at risk, and too many turns that could ruin it all. However, Juliet

At the beginning of the play she was very obedient and naïve. She believed that her parents always knew best, and had no reason to think otherwise. When her mother asked her in act I scene iii if she can marry Paris, she responds, “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly” (line 97-99). Her mother clearly has authority, and Juliet goes with this authority, taking the place she truly is. Later in the play, however, she tells her mother, “…He shall not make me there a joyful bride! ... I will not marry yet; and when I do, I swear It shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate,…” (lines 118-123 Act III Scene v). This portrayal of Juliet is much different from earlier in the play. While before she agreed that whatever her mother wished, she would do, now she is telling her that she has plans of her own. This is a drastic change, and she is no longer so obedient or naïve. Her parents do not like the fact that she has all of a sudden decided to make decisions for herself instead of the custom of parents making the verdict