English Literature: Romeo and Juliet - Theme of Death

CHORUS: Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.

This suggests that death is necessary and inevitable. In order to end the feud, Romeo and Juliet must die. It could also imply that sometimes deaths are for the greater good.

MERCUTIO: You shall find me a grave man

Death is presented here as something that doesn't always have to be feared. Even as he dies, Mercutio makes light of the situation, making a pun. However, this is also a turning point for the play as after, the atmosphere is much more sombre and serious, which shows the effect that deaths can have on those left behind.

ROMEO: Let me be tane, let me be put to death

Here, death is presented as somewhat of a relief. If Romeo was to die in this moment, he would die happy and never be banished and have to live without Juliet. However, it also gives a sense of foreboding since Romeo wants to die so he can stay content in the moment, never having to lose Juliet, which is why he kills himself, as he can't imagine living without her. Death is presented as a romantic solution to their problems, it would allow them to be eternally together physically in death.

JULIET: As one dead in the bottom of a tomb

Juliet has a vision which foreshadows the next time Juliet will see Romeo - dead in the Capulet's tomb. It suggests that if they want to be together, their death is inevitable.

JULIET: Give me some present counsel, of behold...this bloody knife will play the umpire

Here, Shakespeare is suggesting that God will be the ultimate judge when Romeo and Juliet die. Ultimately, people around her may suggest she be committing a sin, but her true fate lies with God, and there is nothing there is anyone can do. It suggests that she believes that a higher power is at work, but also that it is only through death that she is able to make her own decisions. 

JULIET: Reeky shanks and yellow chapless skulls.

Juliet's horrific language shows that she is afraid of death, but she is willing to do what it takes to be with Romeo. Shakespeare here is presenting death as something scary, but also could be a blessing if it means she is able to be with Romeo.

NURSE: She's dead, deceased, she's dead - alack the day!

Death changes the mood of the scene to one of shock and sorrow, it shows how death can change lives in a matter of seconds. The repetition in the quote shows how overwhelming death can be, the Nurse cannot find the words to express herself.

LADY CAPULET: Most miserable hour that e'er time saw

Lady Capulet sounds genuinely distressed, which contrasts with the way she rejected Juliet in Act 3, Scene 5. This could suggest that death brings out people's true emotions, and gets them to express how they truly feel.

ROMEO: Thou detestable maw, thou womb of death

Death can cause unimaginable grief, which forces Romeo to use this desperate and aggresive imagery to show his anger.