What does yet natures tears are the reasons merriment in Romeo and Juliet?

Answer 1

The phrase "yet natures tears are the reasons merriment" from Romeo and Juliet suggests that even though nature's tears (symbolizing sorrow or tragedy) are present, they serve as the foundation for joy and celebration. This paradoxical statement reflects the theme of love and tragedy intertwined in the play, highlighting the idea that moments of sorrow can lead to moments of happiness. Shakespeare often uses such contrasts to explore complex emotions and the duality of human experience.

Answer 2

It makes more sense if you quote it accurately. The quote is "Yet nature's tears are reason's merriment." The apostrophes are essential to a correct understanding of the passage and why there is no word "the" before "reason's". They tell us that the tears belong to nature, but the merriment belongs to reason. Reason is our ability to think, and is contrasted with nature which teaches us only what to feel. So, says the friar, it is natural to feel sad because Juliet is dead, but if we think about it, we realize that there is something to be happy about here: Juliet will go to heaven where she will be happy, and why should her parents feel sad because Juliet is happy?

Answer 3

This phrase from Romeo and Juliet suggests that even nature mourns the tragic fate of the young lovers. It implies that their love was so pure and powerful that it moved the natural world to tears. The line highlights the theme of the couple's love transcending the boundaries and troubles of the human world.