Act II, Scene 2: Summary and Analysis
Romeo is now in the Capulet orchard. Having heard Mercutio’s teasing, Romeo comments that it is easy to poke fun at someone’s pain when you have never felt the same kind of pain yourself. Suddenly, Juliet appears at a window in the house. Looking up at her, Romeo compares her beauty to the radiance of the sun and her eyes to the brightest of stars. He wonders whether he should talk to her, but then Juliet (unaware that Romeo is present) begins to speak, lamenting the fact that Romeo is a Montague. Juliet says she wishes that Romeo would change his name, vowing that she would deny hers if he swore his love to her. Hearing this, Romeo suddenly announces his presence, surprising Juliet.
Romeo claims that love is what led him to Juliet’s window, and when Juliet reminds him that he will be killed if anyone from her house sees him, Romeo responds that he fears her rejection more than their swords. Juliet admits that she is embarrassed that Romeo overheard her declarations of love; she hopes that Romeo will not think she is too easily won or that her love is not serious just because she cannot play coy. Romeo eagerly tries to reassure her by swearing his love, but Juliet interrupts him. Worried that everything is happening so quickly, she suggests that they give their love more time to blossom. Romeo protests, claiming that Juliet is leaving him unsatisfied, and they eventually pledge their love for one another.
The Nurse begins to call for Juliet, prompting her to briefly disappear inside. When she comes back out, Juliet tells Romeo that if his intention is to marry her, then she will send a messenger to him tomorrow to find out where and when he would like to have the wedding. The Nurse starts calling Juliet away again. Before she goes back inside, Juliet warns Romeo that if his intentions are not honorable, then he must leave her to her grief. After a moment, Juliet reappears one more time to find out when she should send her messenger. Romeo tells her to send word at nine the next morning, and the two lovers exchange a few more romantic words before finally saying goodnight. As Juliet retreats back inside, Romeo plans to go visit his friar (priest) to tell him what has happened.
Expert Q&A
What does Juliet mean by "Tis but thy name that is my enemy" in Act 2, Scene 2?
In Act 2, Scene 2, Juliet means that Romeo's name is the only barrier between them. She laments that he belongs to the Montague family, enemies of her own. Juliet wishes he had a different name so she could love him freely without familial conflict, questioning the importance of names and inherited enmities.
How is sexuality presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
Sexuality is presented in act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet as being intrinsically bound up with love. As he observes Juliet standing by the window, Romeo says to himself that only fools hold onto their virginity. Shortly afterwards, he expresses his love for Juliet, a sure sign that love and lust are mixed together in his yearning soul.
What are four language techniques used in Juliet's monologue from Romeo and Juliet, act 2, scene 2?
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy.
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's a Montague? It is not hand or foot
Nor arm, not face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we will call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo, call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
and for thy name, which is no part of thee,
take all myself.
Four language techniques used in Juliet's monologue from Romeo and Juliet, act 2, scene 2, include iambic pentameter, enjambment, rhetorical questions, and repetition. Iambic pentameter is seen in the ten-syllable lines with an unstressed/stressed pattern. Enjambment occurs when lines spill over without punctuation. Rhetorical questions, like "What's a Montague?" add emphasis. Repetition of "name" underscores its significance.
How is Juliet presented as rebellious in act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
Juliet is presented as rebellious in Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet by defying the customs of her time, such as speaking privately with Romeo at night and ignoring her nurse's calls. She also challenges her family's feud with the Montagues, stating that Romeo's name is her only enemy and expressing a desire to marry him despite her family's expectations.
What does Romeo overhear Juliet saying about him and her feelings in Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
In Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo overhears Juliet expressing her love for him and her distress over his being a Montague. She wishes he could abandon his family name so they could be together. Juliet questions the importance of a name and declares her love despite their families' rivalry. Romeo then reveals himself, agreeing that their family names are meaningless.
What views of love are expressed in act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
In act 2, scene 2 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, love is expressed through patience. On numerous occasions in the scene, Juliet counsels Romeo to be patient. She is constantly interrupting him, trying to keep him a message. To know if this is real, she is saying, they must be patient.
What emotions are expressed in act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
In act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, emotions of infatuation, lust, frustration, and determination are expressed. Romeo is enchanted and lustful over Juliet's beauty, while Juliet is infatuated but frustrated due to their family feud. They confess their love and decide to marry secretly, feeling deep sorrow at the thought of being apart and determined to overcome any obstacles.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, what does Juliet ask of Romeo and her offer to him?
In Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks Romeo to send word the next day if he intends to marry her. In return, she promises to lay her fortune at his feet and follow him throughout the world. This proposal tests Romeo's intentions and solidifies their commitment to each other.
What is the modern English translation of this excerpt from Romeo and Juliet, act 2, scene 2?
Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,
Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night
Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny
What I have spoke: but farewell compliment!
Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say 'Ay,'
And I will take thy word: yet if thou swear'st,
Thou mayst prove false; at lovers' perjuries
Then say, Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo,
If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully:
Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won,
I'll frown and be perverse an say thee nay,
So thou wilt woo; but else, not for the world.
In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond,
And therefore thou mayst think my 'havior light:
But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true
Than those that have more cunning to be strange.
I should have been more strange, I must confess,
But that thou overheard'st, ere I was ware,
My true love's passion: therefore pardon me,
And not impute this yielding to light love,
Which the dark night hath so discovered.
The modern English translation of Juliet's speech in Romeo and Juliet, act 2, scene 2, is: "Romeo, you can't see me in the dark, but I am blushing because you overheard me. I do love you. Now let's be honest—do you love me? If you think I'm too easy, I'll pretend to reject you, but I truly love you. Don't mistake my openness for shallow infatuation."
What plans do Romeo and Juliet make in act 2, scene 2?
In act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Juliet plan to marry. Juliet instructs Romeo to send word by 9 AM about the time and place for their wedding. She expresses her willingness to forsake everything for him, while Romeo affirms his commitment. Their conversation is interrupted, and Romeo departs to make the necessary arrangements.
Find five examples each of similes, metaphors, and personification in Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet.
In Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, similes, metaphors, and personification are abundant. Similes include comparing Juliet to a "winged messenger of heaven." Metaphors appear when Romeo calls Juliet "the sun" and compares love to "love's light wings" and "night's cloak." Personification is used when Romeo describes Juliet's eyes as discursive and the moon as sick with grief. The scene vividly uses these devices to enhance emotional expression.
How does Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet characterize both Romeo and Juliet?
In Act 2, Scene 2, Romeo is portrayed as impulsive yet sincere, eager to convey his genuine love to Juliet rather than mere lust. Juliet, on the other hand, is cautious and concerned about the rapid pace of their relationship, reflecting her youth and inexperience at 13. Both characters are characterized by their passion, excitement, and nervousness, illustrating their deep yet contradictory feelings as they navigate their first experience of love.
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