Question

Read the excerpt from Act III, scene v of Romeo and Juliet.

Juliet: Madam, I am not well.

Lady Capulet: Evermore weeping for your cousin’s death? 75
What! wilt thou wash him from his grave with tears?
And if thou couldst, thou couldst not make him live;
Therefore, have done: some grief shows much of love;
But much of grief shows still some want of wit.
Which statement best describes Lady Capulet’s reaction to Juliet?

A)She sympathizes with Juliet’s deep sorrow.
B)She suggests that Juliet’s crying is excessive.
C)She insists that Juliet express her feelings.
D)She encourages Juliet to visit Tybalt’s grave.

Answer 1

I just took the test the correct answer is B

Answer 2

Answer: B) She suggests that Juliet’s crying is excessive.

When Juliet is visibly upset at the death of her cousin, Lady Capulet tells Juliet to dry her tears. She asks her whether she wants to make him live through tears. The implication is that her tears serve no useful purpose. She also tells her that being a little upset is understandable, but being overly upset is silly. We can see from the excerpt that Lady Capulet believes the crying to be excessive, and wants Juliet to stop.