Question

romeo and juliet, act one, scenes 4 and 5 (pages 496 - 505) william shakespeare (1564 - 1616) understanding the play act one, scene 4 (pages 496 - 500) 1. what does mercutio suggest that romeo do at the party? how does romeo answer? 2. mercutio doesnt say directly that romeo should not pay attention to his dream, but he does say several things that show why he thinks dreams are not trustworthy. what are these? 3. what does romeo believe as a result of his dream? 4. give at least two reasons that help explain romeos mixed feelings as he goes to the party. 5. what does romeos final comment, \but he that hath the steerage of my course/direct my sail\ mean?

Explanation:

Answer:

1. Mercutio suggests that Romeo should dance and be merry; Romeo answers that he has a "soul of lead" and is too sad to dance.
2. Mercutio argues that dreams are "the children of an idle brain," "begot of nothing but vain fantasy," and are as thin and irregular as the wind.
3. Romeo believes that the events of the night will set in motion a "fearful date" that will lead to his untimely death.
4. Romeo is still depressed over his unrequited love for Rosaline, and he feels a sense of foreboding or dread based on a dream he had.
5. It means that Romeo is giving himself to fate or a higher power (God) to guide his life's journey, despite his misgivings.