By: George Kaseya & Alexander Stempels DEATH Romeo & Juliet By: George Kaseya & Alexander Stempels

Definition of Death The act of dying; the end of life Causes: suicide, homicide, disease, accidents, etc. Considered a gateway to the afterlife (generally either a heaven or hell) During the 16th century, the life expectancy was lower due to disease, lack of healthcare and poor hygiene

Death in Romeo and Juliet Death occurs numerous times in Romeo and Juliet Deaths are foreshadowed in conversation and prologues Mentioned often in conversation between characters “And that bare vowel ‘I’ shall poison more Than the death-darting eye of a cockatrice” -Juliet to her nurse “Well, we were born to die.” -Lord Capulet to Paris

Development of the theme Death plays different roles at different times: “Cankered with peace, to part your cankered hate. If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” -Prince Escalus to Montague and Capulet In the quote above, death is used as a punishment to restore and maintain law and order.

Development of the theme “Ha, banishment? Be merciful, say ‘death’, for exile hath more terror in his look, much more than death.” -Romeo to Friar Lawrence While in exile, Romeo would be away from Juliet; he therefore considered death a more bearable option

Development of the theme Romeo buys poison to use as his suicide weapon from an apothecary (pharmacist) who is pale, hollow-eyed and skinny. This ‘apothecary’ somewhat resembles the personification of death.

Development of the theme “For fear of that, I still will stay with thee, and never from this palace of dim night depart again…Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide! Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on the dashing rocks thy seasick weary bark! Here’s to my love!” -Part of Romeo’s final soliloquy In the above extract, Romeo prepares to take his life to be with Juliet. ‘Reunites’ with Juliet through death

Death vs Love