Final answer:
Juliet fears the potion could be a poison, reflecting the common fear and actual use of poisons during the time period of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Juliet from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet worries the potion she has been given by Friar Lawrence might actually be a poison intended to kill her because he wants to avoid scandal for marrying her to Romeo against her parent's wishes.
This deep concern reflects the historical context of the play where poisoning was a common fear, as earlier literature and real events from ancient Rome to the Renaissance period show a societal preoccupation with the use of poisons to commit crimes.
For example, tales from classical mythology, such as Medea sending a poisoned cloak, or real historical accounts like the mass trials of matronae in ancient Rome, illustrate the prevalence of this fear.