NovelGuide: Romeo and Juliet: Novel Summary: Act IV, Scene 3-Act IV, Scene 4

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Act IV, Scene 3-Act IV, Scene 4

Act IV, Scene 3: Lady Capulet, the Nurse, and Juliet are preparing for the wedding.  Juliet begs them to leave her alone that night (so she can drink the potion). Once alone, Juliet expresses her fear of drinking the potion.  She worries that it may not work, or perhaps the Friar has given her poison.  She thinks he may have decided to kill her to prevent himself from being dishonored for marrying her and Romeo.  Then, she fears that if Romeo is not in the tomb when she awakens, she will suffocate and manages to work herself into a frenzy picturing the horrors of the vault.  She calms down only when she pictures the ghost of Tybalt coming for Romeo.  She drinks the potion, though her fears are all justified, as it is the only way to her love. 
Act IV, Scene 4: The Capulets rush to finish up their wedding preparations.  They hear music and Capulet announces that it is Paris.  He sends the Nurse to awaken Juliet while he goes to meet his future son-in-law.