Act II, Scenes 1: Summary and Analysis
Prologue
Like act I, act II begins with a prologue. This prologue summarizes the events of act I, explaining that Romeo’s desire for Rosaline has now been supplanted by his love for the beautiful Juliet, who loves Romeo in return. The Chorus states that the hatred between the Montagues and the Capulets will make it difficult for Romeo and Juliet to meet again; however, the strength of their love will help them to overcome these practical barriers.
Act II, Scene 1
Act II opens outside the wall of Capulet’s orchard, only moments after the end of act I. Romeo enters alone. Deciding that he cannot yet go home, he leaps over the orchard wall to seek out Juliet once more. Benvolio and Mercutio then enter and begin calling out for Romeo, whom they know must be close by. Frustrated that Romeo will not respond to their calls, Mercutio mockingly references Rosaline, but even this does not elicit a response from Romeo. Eventually, the two men give up and decide to return home.
Analysis
Unlike the prologue at the beginning of act I, the prologue of act II recaps events that have already come to pass. It builds suspense by highlighting the dilemma that Romeo and Juliet face, leaving the audience eager to see how the two young lovers will attempt to overcome these obstacles.
Act II begins right where act I left off: Romeo and his friends are outside the Capulet house, having just left the party. Romeo’s decision to jump over the wall and abandon his friends recalls his antisocial behavior from act I. This time, however, Romeo isolates himself for love rather than out of sorrow. Indeed, the orchard wall becomes a literal representation of Romeo’s increasing distance from his friends—as far as Benvolio and Mercutio know, Romeo is still pining after Rosaline. Romeo’s decision to jump over the wall into Capulet territory not only represents his willingness to jump headfirst into a dangerous romantic relationship with Juliet, but also serves to separate his love for Juliet from the base, physical love that Mercutio bawdily jokes about on the other side of the wall. In an attempt to taunt Romeo into responding, Mercutio mocks the cliched and poetic language Romeo has been using to describe Rosaline, further emphasizing the superficial nature of Romeo’s feelings for her.
Scene 2 contains the famous balcony scene, arguably the most iconic moment of the play. Inspired by the light from Juliet’s window, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun. This metaphor plays into the play’s themes of light and dark, suggesting that Juliet is so radiant that she has the power to vanquish the night. Romeo references Diana, the moon goddess and patron of virgins, saying that Juliet should “kill the envious moon” rather than be her maid. By this, Romeo means that Juliet is more beautiful than a goddess, and he goes on to say that she should cast off her virginity (“vestal livery” is the uniform of Diana’s virgins). Romeo compared Rosaline to Diana in Act I (“she hath Dian’s wit”), which suggests that Romeo’s metaphor here could also be an expression of how much fairer he finds Juliet than Rosaline.
Unaware that Romeo is present, Juliet appears at the window and considers the implications of Romeo’s name (“wherefore art thou, Romeo?”). Juliet famously asks “what’s in a name?” before declaring that, as names do not define the things to which they refer, Romeo’s name should not be of any consequence. Though they are both quick to claim that names are of no consequence, both Juliet and Romeo linger on this topic. Juliet points out that Romeo, being a Montague, will be killed on sight if her kinsmen discover him in the orchard. While Romeo and Juliet’s love can flourish in secrecy and under the cloak of night, these lines serve as a reminder that their families will not be so quick to dismiss the significance of Romeo’s and Juliet’s identities.
While Romeo is eager jump headfirst into the flowery language of love, Juliet shows herself to be more cautious and emotionally mature. Romeo makes a trite attempt to express his love by swearing on the moon, but Juliet interrupts his attempt at romantic flattery, pointing out that a vow made on something so “inconstant” is hardly conducive to a strong and reliable relationship. Juliet pushes Romeo to concentrate on his genuine emotions rather than falling back on romantic cliches (as he used to with Rosaline). In doing so, Juliet helps Romeo develop a sincerity that was never present in his feelings for Rosaline and establishes herself as the more practical of the two lovers. Indeed, despite her inexperience, Juliet is the one who points out that things may be happening too fast, comparing their love to a bud that needs more time to blossom into a mature and beautiful flower.
Although Juliet is more mature than Romeo, it is important to remember that she, too, is infatuated. Her silly repeated attempts to say farewell (only to reappear in her window a moment later) remind us that, like Romeo, Juliet is young and impulsive. In an environment where their love must be kept secret, Romeo and Juliet are left to police their own desires and impulses—a role that would normally be played by their families. While many readers attribute the deaths of these young lovers to their impulsivity, one cannot underestimate the role that uncontrollable external forces play in this tragedy. As she finally manages to say goodbye, Juliet’s famous farewell phrase—“Parting is such sweet sorrow”—perfectly encapsulates the excitement and earnestness of her and Romeo’s young love. However, the audience knows that Romeo and Juliet’s love story will not end happily, and so the oxymoron “sweet sorrow” can also be seen as a reference to the bittersweet combination of love and tragedy that characterizes the play itself.
Expert Q&A
What three to four songs would best describe Romeo and Juliet's emotions in Act II, particularly the balcony scene?
Three songs that best describe Romeo and Juliet's emotions in Act II, particularly the balcony scene, are "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion, "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra, and "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal. These songs capture their feelings of love, longing, and the comfort they find in each other amidst their families' feud.
What literary devices are used in these phrases from act 2 of "Romeo and Juliet": "Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon" and "Parting is such sweet sorrow"?
The phrase "Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon" uses metaphor and personification. Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, suggesting she is central to his universe, while also attributing human qualities to the sun and moon. "Parting is such sweet sorrow" employs oxymoron and antithesis by juxtaposing "sweet" and "sorrow," highlighting the contradictory emotions of leaving a loved one. These devices enrich the emotional and thematic depth of the play.
What motivates Friar Laurence, Juliet, and Romeo in Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
In Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence is motivated by a fatherly concern and a desire to end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets through the power of love. Romeo is driven by his instant infatuation with Juliet and a determination to marry her despite the risks. Juliet, equally in love, is aware of the dangers but is committed to Romeo, using the Nurse to facilitate their secret plans.
Can you provide an example of pathos from Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
An example of pathos in Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet is the forbidden love between Romeo and Juliet due to their feuding families. Juliet's lament, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," highlights her frustration. Their secret marriage, driven by love yet shadowed by danger, and Friar Laurence's plea for heaven's protection further evoke a sense of impending doom and poignancy.
What five literary elements are used in Romeo and Juliet's act 2 prologue?
Five literary elements used in the act 2 prologue of Romeo and Juliet are the sonnet form, iambic pentameter, volta, hyperbole, and repetition. The sonnet is written in iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, featuring a volta at the end of the twelfth line. Additionally, the prologue includes hyperbole and repetition to emphasize emotions.
What will Juliet's kinsmen do if they see her talking to Romeo in Act II?
If Juliet's kinsmen see her talking to Romeo in Act II, they will kill him. Juliet expresses concern for Romeo's safety, noting that as a Montague, he risks his life by entering Capulet territory. Despite the danger, Romeo recklessly dismisses her warnings, saying he would rather face death than live without her love. Juliet's warnings highlight the peril of their forbidden romance, though Romeo remains undeterred by the potential consequences.
What is Benvolio's tone in act 2, scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet? Why might Romeo be upset by Mercutio's remarks?
Benvolio's tone in Act 2, Scene 1 is friendly and placating as he calls for Romeo, ready to head home. Mercutio, however, mocks Romeo's past feelings for Rosaline with vulgar jokes, which might upset Romeo if he still cared for her. However, Romeo, now in love with Juliet, ignores these remarks. Mercutio's insensitivity highlights the ease with which outsiders jest about love's pains, a sentiment echoed by Romeo's reflection on unexperienced scars.
The fate of Romeo's former love in Romeo and Juliet
Romeo's former love, Rosaline, is quickly forgotten once Romeo meets Juliet at the Capulet party. Rosaline's fate is not explicitly detailed in Romeo and Juliet, as the story shifts focus entirely to the passionate and tragic relationship between Romeo and Juliet.
The irony in Mercutio's mockery of Romeo in Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet
The irony in Mercutio's mockery of Romeo in Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet lies in his misunderstanding of Romeo's feelings. Mercutio teases Romeo for pining over Rosaline, unaware that Romeo has already shifted his affections to Juliet. This dramatic irony highlights Mercutio's ignorance of the true nature of Romeo's newfound love.
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