Act IV, Scene 1: Paris is at the Friar Lawrence's cell arranging his wedding. The Friar expresses concert over the date being so soon and Paris' lack of consent from Juliet herself. Paris attributes her lack of enthusiasm to Tybalt's death and says that Capulet hopes the speedy wedding will help her overcome her grief. Juliet arrives and meets Paris for the first time. He asks her to admit she loves him but she skillfully avoids giving a direct answer. As soon as he is gone, Juliet expresses her desperation. She would rather kill herself than marry another man. She is still true to Romeo and hopes the Friar will have a solution. He advises her to go home and pretend to give her consent to marry Paris. He gives her a potion that will cause her to fall into a deep sleep resembling death. He tells her to drink it the night before her wedding. The Capulets will find her dead and place her in the family tomb. Meanwhile, he will send word to Romeo. Romeo will be in the tomb when she awakens and will take her away to Mantua. Juliet leaves the Friar's cell feeling strong and confident.
Act IV, Scene 2: The Capulets are planning Juliet's wedding. Her father is still angry about her rebellious refusal to marry Paris. Juliet arrives and makes a show of begging forgiveness and agreeing to follow his wishes. Capulet responds by moving the wedding to the very next day. He is ecstatic that Juliet has come around and prepares to stay up all night arranging everything himself.
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Romeo and Juliet: Novel Summary: Act IV, Scene 1-Act IV, Scene 2
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