Question

Read the excerpt from Act III, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo: Ha! banishment! be merciful, say ‘death;’ For exile hath more terror in his look, Much more than death: do not say ‘banishment.’ Which is the best paraphrase of this dialogue?

Answer 1

Romeo says that he wishes he were sentenced to death, because exile is worse than death.

After Romeo kills Tybalt the Prince sentences him to exile. He thinks he is being merciful, and the Friar tries to get Romeo to see that it's mercy, but Romeo thinks that living anywhere without Juliet would be worse than dying.

Answer 2

banishment is a worse punishment than death