In the first half of Act II Scene v of William
Shakespeare's famous play, Romeo and Juliet, Juliet impatiently awaits the return of the
Nurse with word from Romeo. When the Nurse returns, she complains and "beats around the
bush" before finally giving Juliet the message Romeo sends his future
wife.
There are several possibilities for discussion
questions for this short section. In lines 38 through 45, the Nurse's speech alternates
between blank verse and prose.
Well, you have made a simple choice; you
know
not how to choose a man. Romeo? No, not he.
Though
his face be better than any man's, yet his leg
excels all
men's; and for a hand and a foot, and a body,
though
they be not to be talked on, they are past
compare.
He is not the flower of courtesy, but, I'll
warrant him,
as gentle as a lamb. Go they ways, wench;
serve God.
What, have you dined at
home?
Why did Shakespeare
choose to have her do that? What was the purpose?
No comments:
Post a Comment