Question

Romeo and Friar Laurence speak of death and banishment. Which would Romeo prefer,

Answer 1

Answer:

Romeo wished he's dead while Friar Laurence thinks Romeo must be grateful he's only banished from the city and not sentenced to death.

Explanation:

William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" revolves around the tragic story of two lovers caught in their families' feud which indirectly led to their deaths. The story delves into the themes of love, loyalty, society, family, and hatred, among others.

In Act III scene iii, Romeo and Friar Laurence are in conversation about the punishment that the Prince had pronounced for Romeo for killing Tybalt. The prince had banished Romeo out of the city which, is worse than death, for Romeo. He remarks: "Ha, banishment! Be merciful, say “death,”  For exile hath more terror in his look, Much more than death. Do not say “banishment." Romeo thinks it's "torture and not mercy."

But for the Friar, this was better than death because it means that Romeo is still alive and the banishment is a merciful sentence as compared to the sinful act of killing someone (which Romeo did). He called Romeo "rude unthankfulness" and thinks he should be grateful he's not sentenced to death.