Act V

Conflict

Conflict is a problem or opposition between characters in a play. Famous playwright George Bernard Shaw once said that "the conflict is indispensable: no conflict, no drama." Without conflict between characters in a play, or the inner conflict of a troubled character, there is no drama, no tension or moments of intensity. Without conflict, a play would be rather boring, right? This is the reason why conflict is an important element in the structure of a drama.

There have been many conflicts thus far in the play, such as the feud between the two families, the barriers that keep Romeo and Juliet apart, and the relationship between Juliet and her parents. Usually in a literary work, there are several minor conflicts and one major conflict. What do you think is the major conflict of Romeo and Juliet? Is it the fact that Romeo and Juliet fall in love, or the fact that their love is forbidden due to the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues? Remember that conflict refers to a problem that must be solved. It is the family feud that creates the need for secrecy on the part of Romeo and Juliet and threatens to separate them forever.

Climax, Resolution, and Catharsis in the Final Act

Recall that a common plot structure for drama begins with the exposition, rises in action after a conflict or problem is introduced, and drastically changes direction when an important turning point occurs. In the final act of a tragedy, you will usually see three important plot elements unfold: the climax, the resolution, and catharsis. In this interactivity, click the vertical tabs to learn more about climax, resolution, and catharsis. Click the player button to begin.

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In Romeo and Juliet, the climax is the action that makes Romeo's and Juliet's deaths a certainty. While Romeo and Juliet still live, there is hope that things can still work out, so the climax has not happened yet. From the prologue, you already know that Romeo and Juliet will die and the feud will end, but how will all of this come about? In addition, there are a lot of characters who do not know about the secret marriage and the plan for Juliet to escape to Mantua. In fact, only two people know the whole story at this point: Juliet and Friar Laurence. At some point in the closing scene, someone will have to explain to the parents and the prince what has been going on. The feud will only end if the truth about Romeo and Juliet's forbidden love is revealed after their deaths.

Reading Act V of Romeo and Juliet

It is time to read the final act of this tragic play and find out how Friar Laurence's plan will unfold. How will the young lovers meet their tragic ends, and who will go down with them? Access and read Act V of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Use this interactivity as an accompaniment to studying the fourth act. Before you read each scene from Act IV, scroll down the parchment paper for a brief introduction to the scene. Click the player button to begin.

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Act V of Romeo and Juliet Review

Now that you have explored important elements of plot in the final act of Romeo and Juliet, it is time to review your knowledge and practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read the statements and select the appropriate answers. Click the player button to get started.