Lear's Fourth Daughter: Juliet

Lear’s Fourth Daughter: Juliet

Characters

Romeo: married to Juliet
Juliet: King Lear’s fourth daughter
Lear: The retired King Britain
Thomas: one of Lear’s guards

The scene opens, and the retired king Lear is going to stay at Romeo and Juliet’s house. When he gave his daughters their land he made them promise that he could stay with them. He also made it known that he would be bringing one hundred guards with him.

Juliet: What are you doing here?

Lear: I have come to visit you and Romeo!

Juliet: I am just surprised you came to visit so soon. What happened with Goneril and Regan?

Lear: They did not seem that inviting and did not like the fact that I had so many guards.

(Romeo enters)

Romeo: Dad, I am glad you are here! We are truly enjoying the land. It was nice to get away from my family. You can stay here as long as you want.

Lear: I knew I could count on both of you. I will tell the guys to come in.

Juliet got married at such a young age and she realized as she grew up that their love was not true love. As the guards walked in there was one that caught her eye. It was Thomas, her childhood friend and she knew that she wanted to put herself in a good light that would make her irresistible.

Thomas: Juliet? Is that you? It has been years, since you have seen me, and you might not remember me…

(Juliet quickly interrupts)

Juliet: No I remember our visits, and how much fun we used to have together! I remember how we used to play silly games, take walks, and tell each other secrets. I wish we could go back to those days. Later this evening I will sneak out and come see you!

Romeo looks over, only to see that Juliet looks interested in one of Lear’s guards. He is beside himself and fights to get her attention. Romeo masks himself as a guard and tries to win Juliet back.

Romeo: Excuse me, but would you like to eat dinner with me tonight, alone?

Juliet: No thank you sir! I already have plans.

Romeo was so hurt to be rejected by his own wife that he hung himself that night. He could no longer take the pain from Juliet. He knew she did not love him anymore. So he felt that this would be the easiest way out.

Megan Gill