Romeo and Juliet Act II Study Questions

2.1

1. What does the Act 2 Prologue say happened to Romeo’s love for Rosaline? How is this an example of foreshadowing?

The Act 2 Prologue says Romeo’s love for Rosaline is gone. This is an example of foreshadowing because Romeo thought he had found his one true love, Rosaline, but he went to the Capulet party and fell in love with Juliet.

2. What does Romeo mean by “dull earth” in Scene 1, line 2?

“Dull Earth” in Scene 1, line 2 means he feels lifeless because he is not with Juliet.

3. Who does Mercutio think that Romeo is in love with in his speech in Scene 1, lines 6-21? What’s funny about these lines?

Mercutio thinks Romeo is in love with Rosaline during his speech in Scene 1, lines 6-21. These lines are funny because he is really in love with Juliet.

2.2

1. When Romeo says, “He jests at scars that never felt a wound,” what does he mean?

He means that only someone who hasn't had their love rejected could joke about it.

2. What does Romeo compare Juliet to in his first speech in Sc. 2, lines 2-3?

Romeo compares Juliet to the sun in his first speech in Sc. 2, lines 2-3.

3. In your own words, rewrite Juliet’s speech in Scene 2, lines 33-36. Go line-by-line as you restate her meaning.

“Oh Romeo, Romeo! Why are you, Romeo?

Deny your father and deny that your a Montague

Or, if you won’t, I will swear my love

And I’ll stop being a Capulet.”

4. When Juliet says, “That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet,” what does she mean? Do names matter in our lives? If you had a different first name, do you think you might have grown up to be a slightly different person?

Juliet means a name means nothing; a rose if not called a rose would still smell the same. I think names matter in our lives because some names have connections. If I had a different first name I think I would have grown to be a slightly different person because if my name wasn’t as unique I wouldn’t have grown up with people not knowing how to pronounce it. I also wouldn’t have had as many conversations about my name.

5. In your own words, translate Juliet’s meaning in lines 95-101. Why do other young lovers, both then and now, play such games?

“If you think I am too easy to get

I’ll be sad and stubborn and say no

So I will woo you but otherwise not for the world

In truth, Romeo, I like you too much

Then may you think my behavior is promiscuous.

Trust me, Romeo I will be more upright

Then those who are shy may stay shy.”

6. Why does Juliet ask Romeo not to swear his love’s allegiance by the moon?

Juliet doesn’t want the love to be temporary or on and off like the moon cycle.

7. Which one is the first to mention marriage? What does this show us about this character?

Juliet mentions marriage first. This shows Juliet is ready and is waiting for Romeo.

8. What does Juliet instruct Romeo to send her the next day?

She wants him to send a message of when and where she needs to go to get married to him. He says he'll have the info. by 9 a.m

9. Look at lines 182-184. What do these lines literally mean? Then, explain how this bit of text is an example of foreshadowing.

Romeo wishes he was Juliet’s pet bird.

2.3

1. At the beginning of Scene 3, what is Friar Laurence doing?

Friar Laurence is gathering herbs and flowers in a basket.

2. According to the Friar, how are humans like plants?

Inside both humans and plants, there is goodness and darkness/medicine and poison. It is how we choose to use it.

3. With whom does Friar Laurence assume Romeo has spent the night?

Rosaline

4. In lines 87-88, the Friar says, “O, she knew well / Thy love did read by rote and could not spell.” Explain what he means here.

He's saying that Rosaline didn't return Romeo's love because she knew it wasn't real love. Its like he memorized the words.

5. Why does the Friar begrudgingly agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?

The Friar begrudgingly agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet to hopefully end the feud between their families.

2.4

1. Who are Laura, Dido, Cleopatra, Helen, and Hero? What does Mercutio say about them?

These are famous beautiful women from history and literature. Mercutio tells Romeo that he thinks these women are nothing compared to Rosaline. He doesn’t know about Juliet yet.

2. Write down three subjects Mercutio and Romeo make puns about in Scene 4, lines 44-70.

counterfeit coin, a sole of a shoe/alone, and to eat/pinch bottom.

3. Describe the way Mercutio treats the Nurse.

Mercutio treats the nurse terribly and makes rude jokes.

4. What instructions does Romeo tell the Nurse to pass on to Juliet?

He says that Juliet should make up an excuse that she needs to go to confession at the church this afternoon. When she gets to the church, Romeo will be there waiting with the Friar to marry them.

5. Who does the Nurse say also wants to marry Juliet? What does she say Juliet’s feelings are for this other suitor?

Paris also wants to marry Juliet. Juliet is not interested in him at all.

2.5

1. What time of day is it?

noon

2. How long has the Nurse been gone on her errand to find Romeo?

She was gone for almost three hours; she told Juliet a half an hour.

3. What’s humorous about the way the Nurse treats Juliet in this scene?

The nurse deliberately stalls because Juliet really wants to hear the news. It is very playful.

2.6

1. Is Romeo fearful of the future? Write down the lines that support your answer.

Romeo is no longer afraid of his earlier premonition. "Then love-devouring death do what he dare/It is enough I may but call her mine."

2. In your own words, explain the Friar’s warning in these lines: \n “These violent delights have violent ends \n And in their triumph die like fire and powder, \n Which, as they kiss, consume.”

He is saying that love that comes quickly will also end quickly.

3. In your own words, explain the Friar’s message in these lines: \n “Therefore love moderately; long love doth so: \n Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.”

These are similar to the previous lines because he is telling Romeo to slow down so the love doesn’t end quickly.

4. What happens at the very end of this scene?

Romeo and Juliet get married by Friar Lawrence. (this occurs off-stage)