Romeo and Juliet Act II

Scene 1 Summary Romeo leaves the feast and hides from Mercutio and Benvolio. Mercutio then begins to speak mockingly about Romeo and his love for Rosaline. Then him and Benvolio leave the feast.

Scene 2 Summary Romeo has jumped the orchard wall and into the garden. He hides and while he is inside the garden he sees Juliet at her window. Juliet does not realize Romeo is there and begins to speak. Romeo then answers her. Juliet worries that this is all happening to quickly. Despite her misgivings they declare their love for each other. Romeo makes a promise to send a message to Juliet. He promises to let her know where and when they can be married.

Scene 3 Summary Romeo has left Juliet. Romeo then goes to see Friar Lawrence. Friar Lawrence after much consideration agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet. He hopes their love will end the feud between the two families.

Scene 4 Summary Mercutio and Benvolio talk about Tybalt and the challenge of a duel he has made to Romeo. Romeo then joins them. Him and Mercutio exchange some joyful word play. Then the Nurse comes looking for Romeo. Romeo gives the Nurse the time and place Juliet is to meet him to be married.

Scene 5 Summary The Nurse returns to Juliet. She puts off giving her the message claiming she is too tired. Finally she tells Juliet the message.

Scene 6 Summary The Friar and Romeo talk.The Friar gives Romeo advise about love. Juliet arrives and her and Romeo go off to be married. End of Act II Now lets go back and analyze.

Lines 1-6 (Scene 2) But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she. What conclusions can we draw from these lines about Romeo's feelings for Juliet?

We can conclude that... The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Romeo is suggesting that Juliet in all her beauty is the sun which brings forth the light of a new day. This light pales in comparison to the light of the moon.

Lines 15-26 Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars As Daylight doth a lamp; her eye in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. See how she leans her cheek upon her hand. O, that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek! What conclusions can we draw from this?

We can conclude… Romeo's love for Juliet outshines all other light. Her beauty is the brightest and makes all other light seem dim in his eyes.

Imagery Remember that imagery is where the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author’s writings. What things can we conclude about love from the images Shakespeare creates in lines 123-129?

Lines 123-129 (Scene 2) Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee I have no joy of this contract tonight. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, Too like the Lightning, which doth cease to be Ere one can say "It lightens." Sweet, goodnight. This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet. The imagery in these lines suggest that one should not be rash in love because it is not wise. Love can be just like lightening. It can come and go in a flash. Later on Juliet suggests that with more time this love can bloom into a beautiful flower. This says that there is a chance that love can grow over time into something beautiful and alive.

For Tomorrow Come up with 3 discussion questions over Act 2 and bring to class. I will be checking that you have your questions. In groups you will discuss your questions for 15 minutes. You will need to have at least one of your questions answered in complete sentences. This will be your exit ticket.