Upon learning that his punishment was merely banishment, I was not only immensely relieved, but also thrilled for Romeo to gain much needed experience of the real world away from his life in Verona and in Juliet's heart. I saw this as an opportunity to broaden Romeo's horizons and character. I knew he would be reluctant to leave behind his new-found love but I was not fully prepared for his passionate outcry and his claim that he would rather take death over this.
Astonishment turned to annoyance and anger, I tried coax him out of this state and into seeing reason but to no avail until the nurse's arrival. He immediately questioned the nurse about Juliet and upon hearing about Juliet crying out the names of Tybalt and Romeo, he threatened to commit suicide. I couldn't stand hearing Romeo's pitiful complaints any longer and launched into a rampage about Romeo's ungrateful state and noted that those who don't realize the gifts they have been given will never truly be happy. In fact, the opposite happens and the misuse of good potential may result in deathly outcomes.
Realizing that I was the only one in a reasonable state, I gave both Romeo and Nurse instructions and sent the on their way. I said my goodbyes to Romeo in sadness but also optimism for my young son's future.
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