The Theme Of Banishment In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

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In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Romeo believes banishment is worse than death because he cannot abide the thought of living knowing he will never see Juliet again. Following this further, if he was dead the at least Romeo would not have to think of Juliet every day. Living and not seeing Juliet was worse than not living at all, and was the worst thing Romeo could imagine. Generally speaking, when the Friar tries to console him, Romeo says, “Wert thou as young as I, Juliet thy love.../ Then mightst thou speak” (III. iii. 65-68). The nurse arrives to find Romeo on the floor weeping, with a dagger in hand. The nurse snatches away his dagger, and Friar Laurence wants Romeo to look at the bright side- at least they are both alive. Moreover,