Romeo & Juliet Act 2

ELA 10

why does Romeo hide from Benvolio and Mercutio?

Romeo hid himself because he wanted to be alone and not be interrupted by Benvolio and Mercutio

What proof exists in this scene that Benvolio and Mercutio do not realize that Romeo has found a new love?

They make jokes and still believe Romeo is not over Rosaline

What is the significance of Mercutio’s final comments in this scene?

Mercutio says that Romeo will come when he’s ready because lovers are blind and unpredictable

what does Romeo say about Juliet in his first two speeches in this scene? In what ways has Romeo's attitude towards life changed since he met Juliet?

First speech:

Romeo sees Juliet at her window and compares her to the sun. He says she outshines the moon, which he associates with Rosaline and with chastity and coldness. By calling Juliet the sun, Romeo suggests that she brings light, warmth, and life to the world. He also describes her eyes as so bright they could replace the stars, showing how powerfully he idealizes her beauty.

Second speech:

Romeo continues by watching Juliet without her knowing he is there. He marvels at her gestures and wishes he were a glove on her hand so he could touch her cheek. This shows that his love is not just distant admiration—he longs for real closeness and connection, not just poetic worship.

After meeting Juliet:

He becomes hopeful and energetic, willing to risk his life by sneaking into the Capulet orchard.

His language shifts from darkness to light imagery (sun, stars, heaven).

He moves from shallow, self-focused love to a desire for mutual and meaningful connection.

He shows confidence and decisiveness, acting boldly rather than sulking.

What concerns does Juliet express in this scene? What does this say about her character?

Juliet is afraid Romeo will get killed if he gets caught, she feels entrapped by her dad, wishes that Romeo had a different name, and feels the arrangements for marriage are too sudden.

Juliet seems to be mature, thoughtful, and worried, as most women were back then.

Find 3 examples of dramatic irony in this scene

Juliet speaks while Romeo is listening

Juliet believes she is alone and freely confesses her love and inner thoughts (“O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?”).

Dramatic irony: The audience knows Romeo is present and hears everything, while Juliet does not know she is being overheard at first.

Juliet criticizes Romeo for being a Montague

Juliet wishes Romeo were not a Montague, saying his name is her enemy—not Romeo himself.

Dramatic irony: The audience knows Romeo is right there, hearing her wrestle with his family name, while she thinks she is speaking only to herself.

Juliet warns Romeo not to swear rashly

Juliet cautions Romeo against making impulsive vows and urges him to be sincere and patient.

Dramatic irony: The audience knows that despite her warning, their love will quickly lead to secret marriage and tragic consequences, making her desire for caution sadly ironic.

What imagery do Romeo and Juliet use to describe each other? What does this say about their characters and relationship?

They describe themselves using nature and the idea that they are each others light. Romeo and Juliet see each other as their beacons of light and hope, and feel in harmony together. This explains they see each other in their darkness

What aspects of Friar Lawrence’s character are revealed in his soliloquy at the beginning of this scene?

the soliloquy presents Friar Lawrence as wise, educated, and well-intentioned, but also subtly warns that his actions—though meant for good—may have dangerous consequences if balance is lost.

what proposal does Romeo make to the Friar? What doubt does the Friar have about their proposal? Why does he finally accept it?

Romeo asks Friar to consent in the marriage of him and Juliet. Friar seems skeptical that Romeo got over Rosaline quickly and how everything was going by too quickly. Friar accepts it because he believes that the marriage will end the feud.

What philosophical observations does Friar Lawrence make in this scene?

Friar Lawrence observes that everything has both good and evil, that moderation is necessary, and that extreme passion can be dangerous. He believes human nature mirrors nature itself, and that good intentions can lead to harm if not guided by wisdom and balance.

What is the significance of the Friar’s last statement in this scene?

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast”—is that it warns against haste. It reinforces his belief that acting too quickly, especially in love, leads to mistakes and trouble. This line highlights the contrast between the Friar’s cautious wisdom and Romeo’s impulsive nature, and it also foreshadows the tragic consequences that result from rushed decisions later in the play.