Romeo and Juliet - Act Two Summary

PROLOGUE

  • The Chorus summarizes the events leading up to this point in the play.

  • Discusses the love between Romeo and Juliet, including their challenges and joys.

  • Hints at the tragic conclusions stemming from events in Act One.

Key Lines and Analysis

  1. "Now old desire doth in his deathbed lie, And young affection gapes to be his heir."

    • Indicates Romeo's shift in affection from Rosaline to Juliet.

    • Old desire represents Rosaline, while young affection represents Juliet.

  2. "That fair for which love groaned for and would die, With tender Juliet matched, is now not fair."

    • This line signifies how Rosaline's beauty is now overshadowed by Juliet's.

  3. "Being held a foe, he may not have access…"

    • Reflects on the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets that prevents their romance.

  4. "Temp'ring extremities with extreme sweet."

    • Suggests the balance of difficulties in love with its intoxicating delights.

ACT TWO

Scene 1: Benvolio and Mercutio Search for Romeo

  • Setting: A lane by the wall of Capulet's orchard.

  • After the party, Romeo sneaks back to the Capulet home to see Juliet again.

  • Mercutio and Benvolio seek him, unaware of his love for Juliet.

Key Lines and Analysis

  1. "Can I go forward when my heart is here?" (Romeo)

    • Romeo’s internal conflict shows his deep attachment to Juliet.

    • "dull earth" and "center" represent a longing and sense of belonging.

  2. Mercutio's Jests:

    • Mercutio mocks Romeo's infatuation, assuming he still loves Rosaline.

    • "Romeo! humors! madman! passion! lover!" - His humorous approach contrasts with Benvolio's concern for Romeo.

  3. Mercutio's Invocation:

    • Attempts to summon Romeo through playful and crude jokes about Rosaline.

Scene 2: The Balcony Scene

  • Setting: Capulet's orchard, where Juliet appears on her balcony.

  • Famous for its romantic dialogue between Romeo and Juliet.

  • They express their love and contemplate the consequences of their families’ feud.

Key Exchanges

  1. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?" (Romeo)

    • Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, showcasing his admiration and the intensity of his love.

  2. Juliet's Monologue:

    • "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?"

      • Explores Juliet’s struggle with Romeo's family name, questioning the importance of names.

    • Compares names to roses, suggesting their true essence is unchangeable.

  3. Love's Power:

    • Romeo expresses willingness to renounce his name for love.

    • "…take all myself." - Juliet's declaration mirrors Romeo's passionate devotion.

Scene 3: Friar Laurence's Cell

  • Setting: Friar Laurence’s cell in the monastery.

  • Romeo seeks Friar Laurence to secretly marry Juliet.

  • Friar Laurence is surprised at Romeo's quick shift from Rosaline to Juliet.

Key Lines and Themes

  1. "The grey-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night…" (Friar Laurence)

    • Refers to the transition from darkness to light, signifying new beginnings.

  2. Herb Symbolism:

    • Friar Laurence discusses the duality of herbs (good and bad), reflecting on love’s potential dangers.

  3. Friar’s Caution:

    • "These violent delights have violent ends…"

    • Warns Romeo to practice moderation in love, foreshadowing the impending tragedy.

Scene 4: Romeo Meets Mercutio and Benvolio

  • Setting: A street.

  • Romeo is in high spirits, excited about his love for Juliet.

  • Benvolio and Mercutio's banter shows contrasting attitudes towards love and dueling.

Key Moments

  1. Mercutio's Teasing:

    • Light-hearted jests about Tybalt’s duel challenge and Romeo’s lovesickness.

    • Mercutio's mocking attitude reflects his belief in maintaining a carefree, playful approach to life.

  2. Nurse's Arrival:

    • The Nurse comes with a message for Romeo, leading to the next step in the secret marriage.

Scene 5: Juliet's Anticipation

  • Setting: Capulet's orchard.

  • Juliet anxiously awaits the Nurse’s return to hear about the marriage plan.

Key Moments

  1. Juliet's Restlessness:

    • "Love's heralds should be thoughts…"

      • Compares the speed of love to swift doves, highlighting her impatience and anxiety.

    • "What hast thou found?" (to the Nurse)

      • Her eagerness displays the depth of her feelings for Romeo.

  2. Nurse's Delay:

    • The Nurse teases Juliet and delays giving her the news to build suspense.

    • "…hast thou met with him?"

      • Juliet’s urgency highlights her youthful desire and excitement for love.

Scene 6: Wedding Preparations

  • Setting: Friar Laurence's cell.

  • Romeo and Juliet confess their love and get married with the Friar's help.

Key Lines

  1. "These violent delights have violent ends…" (Friar Laurence)

    • Reiterates his warning of the potential dangers of their passionate love.

  2. "So smile the heavens upon this holy act…" (Friar Laurence)

    • An invocation for blessings on their union, foreshadowing the conflict ahead.