Final answer:
Romeo's reaction to the news of his banishment is one of despair and desperation. He sees it as a fate worse than death, as it means he can no longer be with Juliet. However, he later gains some perspective and plans to seek refuge in Mantua.
Step-by-step explanation:
Romeo's reaction to the news that he will be banished from Verona is one of despair and desperation. He is devastated at the thought of being separated from his beloved Juliet and refers to banishment as 'death'. He sees it as a fate worse than death itself, as it means he can no longer be with Juliet.
Romeo's immediate reaction is fueled by his passionate and impulsive nature. He exclaims, 'Ha, banishment? Be merciful, say 'death'' (Act 3, Scene 3). This shows that he would rather die than be banished from Verona.
However, as the play progresses, Romeo starts to gain some perspective and realizes that there may be a glimmer of hope for him and Juliet. He plans to seek refuge in Mantua and wait for news from Friar Lawrence about a time when he can return and be with Juliet once again.
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