Romeo and Juliet Act 2

Act 2 Scene 1

After the party Romeo sneaks into the Capulet orchard because he cannot stop thinking about Juliet. Mercutio and Benvolio search for him and joke about his love for Rosaline. Romeo hides from them because he wants to stay near Juliet.

Romeo's impulsiveness

Romeo quickly moves from Rosaline to Juliet.

Act 2 Scene 2

Juliet appears on her balcony and speaks about Romeo without realising he is listening. She wishes Romeo were not a Montague and says names should not matter. Romeo reveals himself and they confess their love. Juliet worries they are moving too quickly, but they decide to marry secretly.

"O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?"

Juliet is asking why Romeo must belong to the Montague family.

Balcony scene

One of the most famous romantic scenes in literature where Romeo and Juliet declare their love.

Theme of love in Act 2 Scene 2

Romeo and Juliet believe their love is stronger than the feud.

Theme of hate in Act 2 Scene 2

Their relationship is dangerous because their families are enemies.

Act 2 Scene 3

Friar Laurence collects herbs and speaks about how good and evil exist together in nature. Romeo tells Friar Laurence he no longer loves Rosaline and now loves Juliet. Friar Laurence is shocked at how quickly Romeo changed. Romeo asks Friar Laurence to marry them. Friar Laurence agrees because he hopes the marriage will end the feud between the families. He warns Romeo not to rush into things.

Friar Laurence

A priest-like figure who tries to help Romeo and Juliet and hopes to create peace between the families.

"Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast."

Friar Laurence warns Romeo that rushing leads to mistakes and disaster.

Theme of consequences in Act 2 Scene 3

The secret marriage later contributes to the deaths of Mercutio, Tybalt, Romeo, and Juliet.

Theme of love and hate in Act 2 Scene 3

Friar Laurence hopes love can heal the hatred between the Montagues and Capulets.

Foreshadowing in Act 2 Scene 3

Friar Laurence's warning predicts the tragic ending.

Act 2 Scene 4

Mercutio jokes with Romeo. The Nurse arrives to speak to Romeo about Juliet. Romeo tells the Nurse that Juliet should meet him at Friar Laurence's cell to get married.

Nurse's role

The Nurse secretly helps Romeo and Juliet communicate and arrange their marriage.

Act 2 Scene 5

Juliet impatiently waits for the Nurse to return with news from Romeo. The Nurse teases Juliet and delays telling her the news. Eventually she reveals that Romeo arranged the marriage. Juliet becomes extremely happy.

Juliet's excitement

Juliet is deeply in love and eager to marry Romeo.

Act 2 Scene 6

Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Laurence's cell and are secretly married. Friar Laurence again warns them not to rush.

Secret marriage

Romeo and Juliet marry without their families knowing.

Consequence of the marriage

Romeo later refuses to fight Tybalt because Tybalt becomes his relative through marriage.