Juliet’s Monologue from Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 2:
"O serpent heart hid with a flowering face!"


Synopsis

Juliet struggles with the devastating news that Romeo has killed Tybalt. Her monologue reflects her inner turmoil as she grapples with the conflicting images of Romeo: the husband she loves and the man who has committed an unthinkable act. She uses striking oxymorons and vivid imagery to express her confusion and grief, revealing her intense emotions and the complexity of her feelings for Romeo.

What’s just happened before this moment that’s relevant to the scene?

The Nurse brings Juliet the news that Tybalt, her cousin, has been killed by Romeo. Initially overwhelmed with shock, Juliet’s emotions are a whirlwind of anger, betrayal, and love as she processes this tragic revelation.

Original Text

"O serpent heart hid with a flowering face!
Did ever dragon keep so fair a cave?
Beautiful tyrant, fiend angelical,
Dove-feathered raven, wolvish-ravening lamb,
Despised substance of divinest show,
Just opposite to what thou justly seem’st,
A damned saint, an honourable villain.
O nature, what hadst thou to do in hell
When thou didst bower the spirit of a fiend
In mortal paradise of such sweet flesh?
Was ever book containing such vile matter
So fairly bound? O, that deceit should dwell
In such a gorgeous palace."

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language

"Oh, a serpent’s heart hidden behind such a beautiful face!
Did a dragon ever live in such a lovely cave?
A beautiful tyrant, an angelic demon,
A raven with dove’s feathers, a lamb that devours like a wolf.
Something despised that looks so divine,
The exact opposite of what you appear to be—
A damned saint, an honourable villain.
Oh, nature, why did you mix heaven and hell
When you put the soul of a fiend
Into such sweet, mortal flesh?
Has there ever been a book with such vile content
So beautifully bound? Oh, how can deceit live
In such a gorgeous palace?"

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words

  • Serpent heart: A deceptive, evil nature.

  • Flowering face: A beautiful, innocent appearance.

  • Fiend angelical: A demon in the guise of an angel.

  • Dove-feathered raven: A symbol of opposites; something dark disguised as pure.

  • Wolvish-ravening lamb: A lamb (gentle creature) that devours like a wolf.

  • Despised substance: Something loathed in reality.

  • Bower: Encircle or enclose.

  • Mortal paradise: A human body that appears perfect or heavenly.

Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing with Acting Notes

  1. "O serpent heart hid with a flowering face! Did ever dragon keep so fair a cave?"
    Acting Note: Begin with shock and disbelief. Juliet’s voice should tremble with the pain of betrayal as she struggles to reconcile Romeo’s appearance with his actions.

  2. "Beautiful tyrant, fiend angelical, Dove-feathered raven, wolvish-ravening lamb,"
    Acting Note: Use the oxymorons to emphasize her conflicting emotions. The words should feel like they’re spilling out as Juliet tries to make sense of her turmoil.

  3. "Despised substance of divinest show, Just opposite to what thou justly seem’st, A damned saint, an honourable villain."
    Acting Note: Let the tone shift to bitterness. Juliet feels betrayed by the stark contrast between Romeo’s appearance and his actions.

  4. "O nature, what hadst thou to do in hell When thou didst bower the spirit of a fiend In mortal paradise of such sweet flesh?"
    Acting Note: This section should be reflective and questioning. Juliet is directing her anger at the universe itself, incredulous at how nature could create someone so deceptive.

  5. "Was ever book containing such vile matter So fairly bound? O, that deceit should dwell In such a gorgeous palace."
    Acting Note: End with disillusionment and sorrow. Juliet’s tone softens as she laments the contrast between Romeo’s outward beauty and inner actions, revealing her heartbreak.

Journey Keypoints

  • Hook: Juliet begins with a striking metaphor, expressing the shock of Romeo’s betrayal.

  • Turning Point: She uses oxymorons to convey the emotional conflict between her love for Romeo and her horror at his actions.

  • Climax: Juliet’s outrage peaks as she questions how nature could create someone so deceitful.

  • Resolution: Her tone shifts to sorrow and disappointment as she reflects on Romeo’s outward beauty hiding his violent deed.

Famous or Notable Actors Who Have Played the Role

  • Olivia Hussey (1968 Film, directed by Franco Zeffirelli)

  • Claire Danes (Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 Film)

  • Lily James (Garrick Theatre, 2016)

  • Jessie Buckley (National Theatre Live, 2020)

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