Romeo and Juliet

1. Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Synopsis and analysis

2. Act 2 Prologue Like Act I, Act II also opens with a Prologue in sonnet form. It restates what has actually happened in Act I –that Romeo has replaced a false love, Rosaline, who does not return his love with a true love, Juliet, who does love him in return. It also point out that both young people realize the problems caused by their love since they are from rival families. It also indicates that the lovers plan to pursue their love in spite of the dangers.

3. Act 2, Scene 1 Deserting his friends, Romeo disappears into the darkness. He heads back to the gardens of the Capulet’s and climbs over the stone wall in order to be near his new found love and in hopes of having a glimpse of her. Benvolio and Mercutio, unaware of what has transpired between Romeo and Juliet, call out to Romeo and seek to find their friend, who hides from them. Benvolio, knowing that Romeo likes his solitude, persuades Mercutio to stop the search, and they leave the stage together

4. Act 2, Scene 2 After his friends leave, Romeo approaches the house and waits near Juliet’s window. She appears and looks up at the stars. He compares her to the sun with more radiance that the moon that lights up the garden. The moon is an emblem of Diana, the chaste, cold goddess. Romeo begs Juliet not to be Diana’s follower, but to be free to marry him. He waits for Juliet to say something. Her lips move only in sighs. He moves his attention t her eyes and wonders what would happen in the heaven if her beautiful eyes became stars.

5. Continued Unaware of his presence, Juliet speaks a soliloquy in which she utters his name, wishes that he were not a Montague, and professes her love. She says that “A man’s name means nothing – It is himself that counts, not his physical appurtenances, but his soul” ... ‘ A rose by any other name would smell as sweet’. In exchange for the rejection of his name, Juliet offers herself

6. And it goes on.... Romeo cannot contain himself and comes out into the moonlight. He declares that he will no longer be Romeo in order to win her. She is startled by his voice until she recognizes him. She asks him how he got into the garden and remarks that it would be death for him if he is discovered. Romeo answers that he would rather face death than live without his love. Juliet suddenly realizes that she has betrayed her modesty by speaking aloud, revealing her love for him, and being overheard. She feels herself blushing and is glad that the night hides her embarrassment. She tells him that her behaviour is not right and says that she will not be taken for a frivolous girl

7. And on.... Romeo is willing to swear by the moon, by his soul, and by Juliet herself that he loves her truly. She forbids all swearing. She tells him to wait until the bud of his love blooms into a flower and bids him good night, but Romeo will not let her go until they have formally pledged themselves to each other and exchanged vows.

8. Why is there more...damn At this point, the Nurse calls Juliet. Before going inside for the night, she returns tp the window and tells Romeo that she will send a messenger to him the next morning. The messenger will tell Romeo where and when the couple can be married, so that she can follow him, her lord, throughout the world. Juliet then retires. Romeo, left aloud and unable to sleep, announces his decision to go at once to his confessor to arrange for the marriage. Day is breaking as Romeo departs.

9. Act 2, Scene 3 As he plucks medicinal herbs, Friar Laurence reveals his philosophy of life and his love for plants; he also reveals himself to be kind and sympathetic as he rejoices in the beauty of nature. He fills his basket with both harmful and beneficial herbs. He selects some plants whose smell cheers and senses, but whose juices can kill the man that tastes them. He philosophizes that food and evil are both found in man as well as in plants

10. Damn it Ms. D. Too much Romeo enters and bids the Friar good morning. The Friar blesses him, but is surprised at the fact that Romeo is up and about so early. He fears that Romeo may have been with Rosaline, but he tells the Friar that he has overcome his infatuation for her and has fallen in love with Juliet. He also reveals that he wishes the Friar to perform their marriage on this very day. The Friar is amazed at Romeo’s sudden change of heart and rebukes him for insincerity. However, he consents to marry them in the afternoon, hoping the union will do much to end the conflict between their two families.

11. Literary Devices Imagery – a word or group of words in a literary work, which appeals to one or more of the senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell. The use of images serves to intensify the impact of the work and contribute to the themes. Some of the reoccurring images in Romeo and Juliet centre around religious images or sun/moon imagery. In Act 2, scene ii, Romeo says in soliloquy:

12. Soliloquy It is in the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she. Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green, And none but fools do wear it; cast it off. (2.2.3-9)

13. The moon is described as sickly, pale and sad contrasted to Juliet whom he calls the sun. Romeo also uses allusion he calls Juliet the sun and begs her not to become a maiden or worshipper of Diana, the goddess of the Moon in classical mythology, who is also the goddess of chastity. All virgins were her maid-servants. Romeo desires her love as well as her body sexually

14. Comprehension Questions • Comprehension and Analysis • Mercutio makes numerous sexual jokes in his calls to find Romeo. Identify these jokes. • Romeo frequently uses images of light and brightness to describe Juliet. Find 3 examples of his and note the act, scene and line numbers. • Juliet says, “the thing which we call a rose would smell just as sweet if it had any other name”. What does she mean? Who is she really talking about? • Juliet says to Romeo that she is “not delighted by our pledges tonight.” In your own words, describe what she means and explain why she feels this way. • What does Friar Laurence think of Romeo’s newly found love? Does he grant Romeo’s request? Why or why not? • Explain the contrast in the last two lines of scene iii. Explain the significance of these lines to the play.