4.1 The Plan is Made

Prompt A: Summary

In the beginning of the scene, County Paris goes to Frair Lawrence to explain his plan to marry Juliet. Frair Lawrence, already knowing that Romeo and Juliet have been wed, tries to convince Paris that he should slow his haste and get to know Juliet before he commits to marriage. Angered by this, Paris is determined to marry Juliet within the week. Conveniently, Juliet comes to visit the Frair and meets Paris at the Frair's cell. Disgusted by Paris, Juliet makes it very obvious that he should leave. Once Paris is gone, Juliet expresses how she would rather die than be married to him and explores the option of suicide. Luckily for all, the Frair has another option that will not leave anyone dead. He suggests Juliet take a poison that will make her sleep but appear dead, and once everyone believes she is dead, she will be free to run away with Romeo. Juliet agrees to this plan and leaves.

Prompt B: Theme

The theme of Act 4, Scene 1 is growing up.

Prompt E: Picture

This picture captures the meaning of this scene because Juliet is defying her family's wishes by becoming independent and choosing who she will marry.