Question

Read the excerpt from Act III, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet. Friar Laurence: Hence from Verona art thou banished. Be patient, for the world is broad and wide. 20 Romeo: There is no world without Verona walls, But purgatory, torture, hell itself. Hence banished is banish’d from the world, And world’s exile is death; then ‘banished,’ Is death mis-term’d. Calling death ‘banished,’ 25 Thou cutt’st my head off with a golden axe, 40 And smil’st upon the stroke that murders me.
Which statement best describes Romeo’s reaction to the news that he will be banished from Verona?
He shares his fear of a violent death.
He confesses his regret for his crime.
He expresses outrage about life without Juliet.
He voices gratitude for the merciful sentence.

Answer 1

After the Friar Laurence says that he will be banished from Verona, Romeo reply that without Verona there is only death and start to describe how this expulsion would mean death. Romeo’s reaction to the news would be best described as He expresses outrage about life without Juliet.

Answer 2

Answer: The right answer is C) He expresses outrage about life without Juliet.

Explanation: Just to elaborate a little on the answer, it can be added that in this scene from Act 3, which takes place in Friar Lawrence's cell, Romeo has been told that the Prince's punishment for having killed Tybalt will solely force him to leave Verona. He, nevertheless, is very disappointed and aggrieved, and considers that being banished from the city actually equals death, since he will have to live away from Juliet. Therefore, he bitterly concludes, calling death "banishment" is wrong, much like cutting his head off with a golden axe and laughing while doing so. Further down he will cite more reasons for his resentment, much to the Friar's desperation.