Act IV

Act III was very intense and packed quite a bit of action. When Romeo killed Tybalt to avenge Mercutio's death, a turning point occurred that changed the direction of the plot and sealed the fate of Romeo and his love, Juliet. In Act III, you witnessed Romeo's tragic flaw and considered what makes him a tragic hero.

In Act IV, Juliet will face increasing difficulties and conflict due to Romeo's actions in Act III. You will see a lot of dramatic irony, and Juliet will have an important soliloquy. Before you continue reading the play, you will have an opportunity to review and analyze how the techniques of soliloquy and dramatic irony are used in Shakespeare's play. Will Friar Laurence be able to help Juliet in Act IV?

Essential Questions

• How does the use of soliloquy contribute to the development of a play?
  
• Why do playwrights use dramatic irony in plays?