Act 2, scene 2
This is one of the most famous scenes in all of dramatic literature. Why do people seem to remember this part so much?
Read lines three through six, to what does Romeo compare Juliet? Why is the moon envious?
How many times does Romeo use a word or phrase synonymous with light in lines 2-24?
What does Juliet mean when she says, “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
What is Juliet saying in lines 33-36?
What is an aside? Why is Romeo’s line here an aside?
Who says, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”? What does this mean?
What is Juliet’s solution for the problem of Romeo’s name? At this point Romeo reveals that he is listening to Juliet. What is his solution to the problem of his name?
Are you surprised by his willingness to give up being a Montague? Explain why or why not?
What is being personified in line 58? How?
According to lines 80-84, how did Romeo find out where Juliet was? What literary term is this an example of?
Why is Romeo “unsatisfied”?
What complications threaten the lover’s happiness? Who seems to take this threat more seriously?
Act 2, scene 3
Where is this scene set?
In lines 10-11, what is the Friar saying about the nature of the earth? How is this similar to what he says in lines 21-22? What point about human nature is the Friar making here? Explain.
How does Friar react when Romeo says he has forgotten Rosaline? Why do you think he reacts in this way?
What does Romeo ask Friar to do in lines 57-64? How does the Friar first respond to the idea? What does Friar say about the nature of young men’s love in lines 67-68? What does he say about Romeo’s actions regarding Rosaline?
What persuades Friar, despite his condemnation of Romeo’s wavering, to assist Romeo?
Act 2, scene 4
What new occurrences in the Montague/Capulet feud do Mercutio and Benvoilio know about that Romeo has not learned of?
What scheme has Romeo devised?
Act2, scene 5
In what length of time did the nurse promise to return?
How long has the Nurse been away?
The nurse puts off answering Juliet’s questions about the marriage plans for four excuses. What are they?
What praise does the Nurse give Romeo?
At the end of the scene, where is the Nurse going? Where is Juliet going?
Act 2, scene 6
What does Romeo say about death in lines 7-8?
In your own words, tell what warning Friar gives in lines 9-11?
What does Romeo ask Juliet upon her arrival? How does Juliet respond?