Act Two

Scene 1 and 2 Romeo manages to hide from his friends outside Capulet’s orchard and refuses to join them, despite Mercutio’s teasing. This is perhaps the most famous scene in the history of English drama, known as “The Balcony Scene.” Romeo is in the orchard and sees Juliet high on her balcony. Not knowing Romeo is there, Juliet speaks about him lovingly but laments the fact that he’s a Montague. Romeo lets her know that he is there. Juliet is shocked, but the two of them engage in loving conversation. Again interrupted by the Nurse, they hastily arrange to marry.

Scene 3 and 4 It is now early on Monday morning, and Romeo goes to see his friend, Friar Laurence. When Laurence last saw Romeo he was lovesick about Rosaline, and Laurence is pleased to see the change in him – until he realizes that Romeo wants to marry some new girl. Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo to Juliet in the hope that the union will bring peace to the warring families. This is a very happy scene and the only one in the play in which we see Romeo enjoying time with his friends. Mercutio teases Benvolio and Romeo. The Nurse arrives, and Mercutio teases her mercilessly, provoking her anger. Romeo tells the Nurse to inform Juliet that she should go to Friar Laurence’s cell that afternoon to be married.

Scene 5 and 6 Juliet anxiously awaits the Nurse’s return. When she does come back, she takes a long time to reveal the message, much to the annoyance of Juliet. Romeo waits for Juliet with Friar Laurence. She arrives, and the couple kiss. Romeo and Juliet are married – though, interestingly, the ceremony is not performed on stage.

Act Details Scene 2 is referred to as the balcony scene, because Juliet “appears aloft” (is seen overhead), so a balcony is often added. Friar Laurence thinks Romeo has been with Rosaline when he appears to ask the Friar to marry he and Juliet. The nurse is told by Romeo that Juliet needs to meet him in Friar Laurence’s room that afternoon (Monday). The nurse did not return with the news of the wedding until noon or 12 PM. Juliet uses the excuse of needing to go to confession, so she can go marry Romeo.

More Thoughts on Acts 2 Romeo describes Juliet as “the sun;” it is an excellent metaphor. The sun is the giver of life to us and, more basically, gives us a pleasant feeling of warmth and enjoyment. It is also the center of our solar system, as Juliet is now to Romeo. Additionally, she “lights up his life.” Juliet does not want Romeo to swear by the moon. The shape of the moon changes all the time (as we view it). It is a symbol of being inconstant and therefore unreliable. One could also say that it is associated with darkness and all the things that go with it (mystery, witchcraft, etc.)

Why would Friar Laurence marry Romeo and Juliet Why would Friar Laurence marry Romeo and Juliet? He says, “For this alliance may so happy prove/To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” He believes the marriage will bring the warring families together in peace. Reaction to his idea depends on individual opinion, but considering the depth of hatred between the families, Friar Laurence does appear to be incredibly naive or, at best, optimistic.

We discover that Tybalt has sent a letter to Romeo’s house, challenging him to a fight. Mercutio, at some length, describes Tybalt as an expert in the art of dueling. Mercutio says he has all the latest (Italian) techniques of swordsmanship. The Nurse has already taken two and a half hours longer than she said she would. Juliet is anxious to hear the message from Romeo, but the Nurse spins it out, talking about how tired she is, giving her opinion of Romeo, and then asking about Juliet’s mother. When Juliet becomes angry, the Nurse tells her that she can run her own errands in future. Finally, she gives her the message!

Text Evidence Act Two Love and Hate foolish Mercutio – 2.1.33 Blind love is ______________ Juliet – 2.2.33-36 If you love me , forsake your ___________ Juliet – 2.2.131-135 The more love she give Romeo; the more she will ________ Juliet – 2.2.143-144 (Juliet proposes to Romeo) Romeo – 2.3.49-51 I have been feasting with my ___________, and my new love will bring healing to the families. Friar Lawrence – 2.3.92 Marrying the two will ____________ the families’ hatred. Friar Lawrence – 2.6.9-15 Love slowly and carefully or it will ____________ you. family have enemy Mercutio – 2.1.33 Blind love is foolish Juliet – 2.2.33-36 If you love me , forsake your family Juliet – 2.2.131-135 The more love she give Romeo; the more she will have Juliet – 2.2.143-144 (She proposes to Romeo) Romeo – 2.3.53 I have been feasting with my enemy, and my new love will bring healing to the families. Friar Lawrence – 2.3.92 – Marrying the two will heal the families’ hatred. heal consume

Light and Dark Romeo – 2.2.2, 2.2.20 Juliet’s ___________ could light the night. Juliet - 2.2.139-141 – Romeo fears the ___________; things that happen in the ___________ are sometimes false. Friar – 2.3.1 The day is __________ ; night is ___________. beauty night dark good bad Juliet - 2.2.139-141 – Romeo fears the night; things that happen in the dark are sometimes false.

Death Mercutio - 2.1.40 Laying is a cold field foreshadows __________ Romeo – 2.2.75 – 79 _________ would be better than living without you. Juliet– 2.2.186-188 – Juliet promises to ___________ Romeo to death death Death love Mercutio - 2.1.40 Laying is a cold field foreshadows death. Romeo – 2.2.80 Juliet– 2.2.186-188 – Juliet promises to love Romeo to death; Romeo

Romeo’s Fatal Flaw anger Benvolio – 2.1.22 Romeo is quick to __________. Mercutio – 2.1.39 – 41 Romeo often does not sleep in his ___________. Juliet – 2.2.108 – 110; 118 – 119 Romeo has to _________ by something, because his word cannot be trusted. Romeo – 2.3. 93 – 94 Romeo is in a ______________; Friar Lawrence cautions Romeo to move more _____________. bed swear Benvolio – 2.1.22 – Romeo is quick to anger. hurry slowly