Editor's Choice
How does Romeo learn of Juliet's love for him?
Quick answer:
Romeo learns of Juliet's love during the famous balcony scene in Act 2, Scene 2. He overhears Juliet speaking to herself about her feelings for him while he is in her garden. Initially unaware of his presence, Juliet expresses her desire for Romeo to forsake his name so they can be together. Romeo reveals himself and responds to her declarations, affirming their mutual love despite their families' feud.
For the audience, there is not really much question as to whether Juliet is in love with Romeo. The start of act 2 has the Chorus announce to the audience members that Juliet is madly in love with Romeo.
And she as much in love, her means much less
To meet her new beloved anywhere.
I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized. Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Sweet, good night. This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.Eventually, Juliet does get around to telling Romeo that she loves him, and she tells him that her love is deep and boundless.
My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.
Romeo hears Juliet confessing her feelings when he is standing in her garden and she's speaking to herself on her balcony.
After Romeo sneaks into the Capulets' ball and sees Juliet, he finds himself instantly in love with her. As the Chorus details in the prologue of act 2, he's set aside his love for Rosalind in favor of Juliet. He doesn't want to be parted from her. Once he's under her balcony, he sees her approach and listens to her speech.
Juliet wonders out loud why Romeo has to be a Montague, the sworn enemy of her family. She says that she wishes he could forsake his family and that she'd forsake hers for him if he declared his love. Juliet says that she wants him to forsake his name to be with her.
Romeo—whose presence was unknown until this point—answers and offers to do so.
How does Romeo learn of Juliet's love for him?
Romeo learns of Juliet's love for him by overhearing her profess it to
herself. In act 2, scene 2, Romeo is standing in the garden feeling bitter
about Mercutio's jokes when suddenly Juliet appears in the window above the
garden. She asks the famous question "wherefore art thou Romeo," wishing that
they could both forsake their names and families and be together in spite of
the pressures that their houses impose upon them.
After this, Romeo debates on whether or not he should speak up, as Juliet is
unaware that Romeo is hearing every word she says. She continues to speak,
ruminating on the meaninglessness of words. She compares Romeo to a rose,
illustrating that it would still smell sweet if we called it any other name.
She asks Romeo to trade his name and take her in exchange.