#277 Romeo and Juliet - Shakespeare for beginners part2

Speak English Now through mini-stories with teacher Georgiana

Hi! Let’s continue learning about the play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. But don’t worry because I’ve made it very easy for you to understand.

You can get the full transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/277-romeo-and-juliet-shakespeare-for-beginners-part2/

In a previous episode, I began discussing the play “Romeo and Juliet.” Today, we will continue with Acts 4 and 5 of the play.

Great! Let’s start with Act 4:

[Act 4 – Juliet’s Bold Move]

In Act 4, the story takes another turn. Juliet’s parents want her to marry Paris, a man she doesn’t love. She’s already married to Romeo, but it’s a secret.

Juliet’s Problem: Juliet worries about marrying Paris because she loves Romeo. She goes to Friar Laurence, a good friend to the young lovers, for help.

Friar’s Plan: Friar Laurence develops a plan to help Juliet. He gives her a special drink that will make her look like she’s dead for a while. He advises her to take it the night before her wedding so that everyone will believe she has died.

Juliet’s Fear: Juliet is terrified of the plan. She’s worried that the drink might actually kill her or that she’ll wake up alone in a scary tomb.

Juliet’s Agreement: Juliet agrees to the plan because she’s desperate to avoid marrying Paris. She goes back home, and her parents are happy because they think she’ll marry Paris soon.

Wedding Rush: Her parents decide to move the wedding up to the next day, which makes Juliet even more nervous.

Romeo’s Missed Message: Meanwhile, Friar Laurence tries to send a message to Romeo about the plan, but it doesn’t reach him because of a problem.

[Act 5 – A Sad Ending]

In Act 5, the story reaches its tragic conclusion.

Romeo Comes Back: Romeo secretly returns to Verona because he thinks Juliet is dead. He wants to see her one last time.

Fight with Paris: Romeo and a man named Paris fight at Juliet’s tomb. Romeo doesn’t want to hurt Paris, but they end up fighting, and Romeo accidentally kills Paris.

Juliet’s “Death”: When Romeo sees Juliet in her tomb, he thinks she’s really dead. So, he drinks poison and dies next to her.

Juliet Wakes Up: Just after Romeo dies, Juliet wakes up. She is very sad when she sees Romeo dead. Juliet tries to kiss the poison from his lips, but it doesn’t work. So, she takes his dagger and kills herself.

Friar Explains: Friar Laurence comes to the tomb and explains everything to the Prince and the families. He tells them about Romeo and Juliet’s secret marriage and how it led to their sad endings.